By Malusi Msomi

BMW has revealed their refreshed X5 and X6 . The luxury automaker has made detailed design changes and added to the standard specifications of the two models, which will be built at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA and will go on global launch in April 2023.

Updated exterior

The new BMW X5 now features slim headlight units and illuminated BMW kidney grille. The standard xLine design elements have increased its presence and visual robustness. The BMW kidney Iconic Glow is now available as an option for the six-cylinder variants. The updated design of the X5 also includes newly designed air breathers, Exterior Line Satin Aluminium trim, and sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements for the rear lights.

The new BMW X6 now has standard M Sport package and slim headlight units. The BMW kidney Iconic Glow is available as an option for the six-cylinder models. The M Sport package includes M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, and a rear apron with a Dark Shadow insert. The range-topping models, the BMW X5 M60i xDrive and BMW X6 M60i xDrive, come with exclusive features such as double bars and an M logo for the BMW kidney grille, M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss, and a rear spoiler in Black high-gloss for the X6 M60i xDrive. The M Sport package Pro is now available for all model variants.

Refreshed interior

The interiors of the new BMW X5 and X6 feature a modern cockpit design with the all-digital BMW Curved Display, made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. The touch control functionality of the control display has significantly reduced the number of buttons and switches. The standard specification for both models includes a leather-like Sensafin instrument panel and an ambient light bar.

Engine options

The BMW X5 and X6 are now available with a choice of eight-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder in-line petrol, and six-cylinder in-line diesel engines, all with the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. All engines have 48V mild hybrid technology, adding up to 9 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive50e has an updated drive system with a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and an electric motor producing 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The high-voltage battery has increased by 25% to 25.7 kWh and can be charged up to 7.4 kW. The new V8 petrol engine in the X5 M60i xDrive and X6 M60i xDrive generates 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i generates 280 kW and up to 540 Nm of torque. The six-cylinder diesel engine in the X5 xDrive30d and X6 xDrive30d produces 219 kW and 670 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

Safety

The new models come with an expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems, which include advanced front-collision warning systems that can reduce the risk of collisions with cyclists, pedestrians, and oncoming traffic.

In addition, the new models also come with several new options such as automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant. The standard Parking Assistant has been updated to include Reversing Assist Camera, Reversing Assistant, drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant. BMW also comes with optional Parking Assistant Professional. This feature allows for automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres up to 200 metres away, which can be controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.

The new BMW X5 and the new BMW X6 will be available in South Africa from the third quarter of 2023.