The current BMW X5 and X6 are rapidly approaching their fifth anniversary, and BMW has decided this is the moment for a facelift that also strengthens their technology and mechanical credentials.
Facelifted BMW X5 and X6: what changes outside
Most of the visual updates are concentrated at the front end, where both models adopt a new kidney grille, revised headlamps and redesigned bumpers. Elsewhere on the exterior, BMW is now fitting the xLine and M Sport packages as standard on the X5 and X6, respectively.
BMW X5 and X6 cabin upgrades: Curved Display and iDrive 8
While the bodywork tweaks are relatively restrained, the changes inside the X5 and X6 are far more dramatic. The cabin has been reworked into a layout much closer to what we’ve already seen in the updated BMW X7.
The standout feature is the BMW Curved Display, combining two screens: a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, running the eighth generation of the BMW iDrive operating system.
Beyond this technology boost, there are several other notable changes: the traditional gear selector has been removed (replaced by a button), new touch-sensitive controls have been introduced, and the dashboard gains an illuminated trim strip similar to the one used in the BMW 7 Series and X7.
What about the engines?
The BMW X5 and X6 line-up continues to include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but every option has been updated.
Starting with the petrol and diesel versions, the key change is that they now all come paired with a 48 V mild-hybrid system.
For the X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i, the revised 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine delivers higher outputs than before: it now produces 380 hp and 520 Nm, up from the previous 340 hp and 450 Nm.
Above that, and still on petrol power, sits the familiar 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Tasked with “powering” the M60i xDrive versions of the BMW X5 and X6-replacing the former M50i xDrive-this engine retains the same figures as previously: 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
On the diesel side, the range is limited to the 3.0-litre inline-six fitted to the xDrive30d models. BMW says it has also revised this unit, yet the headline numbers remain exactly the same: 286 hp and 650 Nm.
Last, but certainly not least, the plug-in hybrid variant-still exclusive to the X5-has also evolved. It has been renamed xDrive50e instead of xDrive45e, and the changes go well beyond the badge.
The combustion element of the drivetrain now uses an updated version of the 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine, while the electric side gains a new motor integrated into the (automatic) transmission.
As a result, combined maximum output rises to 360 kW (490 hp)-a substantial increase of 70 kW or 96 hp(!). Torque also climbs sharply, up by 100 Nm to a total of 700 Nm.
Completing the “hat trick”, the battery has grown too, albeit more modestly: at 25.7 kWh, it is 3.4 kWh larger than before. BMW quotes a 100% electric WLTP range of between 94 km and 110 km, representing an improvement of at least 7 km.
When do they go on sale and what will they cost?
The international launch of the updated BMW X5 and X6 is scheduled for April.
BMW has not yet announced pricing for our market, nor confirmed whether the two refreshed SUVs will arrive here immediately after their international debut.
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