BMW Unveils The New X5 And X6
Alongside some cosmetic tweaks, both pack more tech and electrified engines.
Meet the refreshed X5 and X6. On the whole, BMW has given both its “Sports Activity” models a tweaked exterior design, a more tech-laden cabin and electrified engines. The new X5 even gets a more potent PHEV variant, while both cars enjoy a new-gen engine in their xDrive40i derivatives. And where the X6 comes with BMW’s M Sport package as standard, the X5 dons the xLine look by default.
For the midlife refresh, BMW has given the X5 and the X6 a revised front end. That takes shape using the angrier-looking kidney grilles, slimmer headlamps and restyled lower fascias. New wheels are, of course, part of the makeover, whereas the top-of-the-range M models don quad tailpipes for that extra zing. Besides, there are new colour options available for the body. There are seven to choose from, including Blue Ridge Mountain, Brooklyn Grey, Skyscraper Grey and Frozen Pure Grey (all with metallic finishes).
Changes inside the cabin are a bit more prominent, especially on the dashboard. The new X5 and the X6 now feature BMW’s Curved Display. That incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. And because of this new addition, the count of buttons on the dashboard has reduced, delivering a neater overall look. Apart from that, there is a new 15-colour ambient light bar and a new gear selector. Further changes include leather-like Sensafin upholstery, now a standard feature, and an enhanced standard equipment list. That now includes electric steering adjustment, 2.5-zone automatic climate control, a hi-fi sound system and heated front seats. And, as you’d expect, there’s a plethora of stuff in the options list.
Engines? Well, all of them now feature BMW’s upgraded 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which aids the main powerplant with an additional 12hp/200Nm. And accompanying them by default are 8-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The 40i derivatives now come with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine that offers 380hp/520Nm. That’s enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmph.
The other major change on the mechanical side comes with the BMW X5 xDrive50e. That, in conjunction with an electric motor, uses the same 3.0-litre straight-six engine as the 40i variants. BMW claims that the total system output is 490hp/700Nm, enough for the wagon to hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.8 seconds. In the mix is a larger battery as well, up from 17.1kWh to 25.7kWh (net). That helps boost the electric-only travel range up to 110km (WLTP), while the top speed is pegged at 140kmph. The battery can replenish itself from zero to 100 per cent in 4.5 hours, using a 7.4kW AC charger.
BMW will unveil the new X5 and the X6 to the public in March this year, while the launch activities will commence in the following month.
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Cars, News
