BMW’s SUV range is now one of the most extensive around, and two of its longest-running models are the X5 and X6. The former was BMW’s first-ever SUV in 1999 and the latter arrived in 2008 as the first trend-setting coupe-SUV.
The latest generation of these popular models arrived in 2018 and 2019, with BMW now revealing some significantly enhanced versions to ensure they remain competitive against newer rivals. Let’s take a look at some of the key changes across the two cars.
BMW’s latest ‘Curved Display’ has been adopted
BMW has been rolling out a new interior design on its latest models, including the new-generation X1 and updated 3 Series. The X5 and X6 are now the latest to benefit from such changes.
The key revision on the X5 and X6 is the addition of a ‘Curved Display’, which merges a 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dial display in one stunning piece of glass, and really helps to give these two SUVs a far more modern look and feel than their predecessors.
Much bolder exterior design
The X5 and X6 especially were already quite boldly-styled models, but this latest update brings the new SUVs more in-line with BMW’s more recent models.
Starting with the X5, which gains a new version of BMW’s kidney grille, and slimmer headlights, which are adaptive LED units as standard. The X5 is also available with the illuminated ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille for the first time too.
Moving to the X6, this adopts a similar look to the X5 in terms of a new grille and narrower headlights, with the latter featuring arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements. M Sport models also get a look inspired by BMW’s new XM, which sees the lower aspects of the car below the kidney grille getting a black surface to give it a two-tone look.
All engines are now electrified in some way
All of the updated engines on the X5 and X6 now feature some kind of electrification, with a plug-in hybrid remaining available on the X5, but a 48-volt mild-hybrid system introduced on all regular petrol and diesel variants.
The engines themselves have also been tweaked, and now feature a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox as standard. Starting with the xDrive40i petrol engine on the X6, which sees power increase by 46bhp to 375bhp, while revisions to the xDrive30d diesel unit available on both the X5 and X6 have helped to yield greater efficiency.
At the top of the range, there is also a new ‘M60i’ version, which uses a mighty 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that generates 523bhp, allowing these large SUvs to sprint from 0-60mph in as little as 4.1 seconds.
Significantly enhanced plug-in hybrid
The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid powertrain previously offered on the X5 went down a treat, especially with business users. BMW is now significantly enhancing its appeal with a revised model called the xDrive50e.
Thanks to the use of a more powerful electric motor and revisions to the engines itself, the combined power output is boosted by a significant 94bhp to 483bhp, while the 700Nm torque figure is up 100Nm too. A revised battery pack also offers 25 per cent more density than before, increasing the claimed maximum electric range to an impressive 68 miles, which should allow for nearly all daily journeys to be completed without the need for the engine.
Technology and standard equipment advancements
As part of this update, BMW has also significantly enhanced the technology offering available on both the X5 and X6.
In terms of driver assistance technology, there’s a new lane change assistant, while a ‘Reversing Assistant’ is now included as standard, which is able to reverse a car out of a parking space by remembering the exact movements involved in getting the vehicle in the first place and doing the opposite. Augmented reality is now available on the satellite navigation for the first time.
The updated BMW X5 and X6 are now available to order, with prices starting from £66,230 and £72,430 respectively.
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