BMW X5 and X6: major upgrades for 2024

BMW has unveiled updated versions of its popular X5 and X6 SUVs for 2024. Basically, there have been styling tweaks to the front and rear, as well as updating the cabin and adding more power to the 6-cylinder engine.

As far as styling is concerned, fans of the BMW tradition will be pleased to learn that the designers have taken a more conservative approach. Rather than adopting the approach advocated with the X7 for the grille and the separation of the headlights into two sections, the more classic style has been retained. The headlights are slimmer and the bumper has been tastefully redesigned. The X5's wider, rectangular lower air intake is housed between vertical vents that channel air around the wings, improving efficiency and giving the SUV a planted look. The X5 now features an illuminated grille on the 40i and 50e models at the rear, and the lights have also been redesigned. 

The M Sport package, available as an option with the X5, adds more character with black accents. This package is standard on the X6.

Interior

On board, the dashboard is more sculpted, with slimmer air vents and a simplified centre console. The traditional gear selector has been removed and replaced by a rocker switch. At the top of the dashboard is BMW's new curved screen. It is magnificent and dominant. It includes a screen that brings together the gauges from the instrument cluster, all on 12.3 inches. The multimedia system's touchscreen is 14.9 inches in size. It also uses the latest version of BMW's iDrive system.

A new light bar lights up in front of the passenger seat to add to the ambience. BMW has also added a welcome light when the door is opened to add a little extra flair to your arrival in the vehicle. 

Mechanical

Under the hood, all the powertrains of the X5 and X6 are more powerful. The 40i version features a new 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder that now offers 375 bhp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 of the M60i models is also new, but it still develops the same 523 bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque as the previous V8-powered M50i variant. Both are powered by lightweight 48-volt hybrid systems with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmissions. 

Meanwhile, the plug-in variant of the X5 now offers more power and a longer all-electric range. Its name has been changed from xDrive45e to xDrive50e. It now offers 483 hp, almost 100 more than before. This is because the 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine now uses the Miller cycle and a much more powerful electric motor. The battery now offers 25.7 kWh of usable capacity, and BMW estimates that the X5 Hybrid will have a range of around 64 kilometres, compared with 50 previously.  

All in all, the X5 and X6 will be more exciting than ever in 2024. Be sure to check them out when they arrive in dealerships later this year.