BMW’S TWINS UNDER THE SKIN, X5 and X6, have been treated to a raft of new design elements, revised powertrains, greater efficiency and a substantial increase to standard specification, and will launch in Australia in Q3 this year.
The changes will further enhance the appeal of both models, which have long struck a chord with Australian customers.
Sales of the BMW X5 finished 2022 in strong fashion, confirming it as the second bestselling vehicle in the BMW Australia model portfolio. Registrations of the celebrated Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) were also up two percent in January 2023.
The X6 meanwhile recorded an impressive 19 percent increase in registrations in January this year compared with the corresponding month in 2022.
The new BMW X5: slim headlights, illuminated BMW kidney grille
Australian customers will be able to choose either the xLine or M Sport package at no cost for the BMW X5 xDrive30d model. Regardless of the design package, the front end of the new BMW X5 is shaped by the fresh (yet another!) interpretation of the hallmark BMW headlights and kidney grille. The new headlight units now have a 35mm slimmer outline, while arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements point outwards and also serve as turn signal indicators.
Matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam will be standard equipment for the X5 models from the xDrive30d grade level.
The BMW kidney Iconic Glow will also be offered as standard, its cascade lighting creating an eye-catching look. The vertical air curtains and the lower air intake, complete with decorative trim detail in Pearl-effect Chrome and triangular apertures in its outer areas, also contribute to the cutting-edge aura.
The updated design of the BMW X5 xLine package also spans newly designed air breathers in the front side panels and the standard inclusion of Exterior Line Satin Aluminium trim and roof rails in Satin Aluminium.
The fibre-optic light guide elements for the rear lights and brake lights now have particularly striking contouring, while the L shape familiar from other BMW models is reflected horizontally, creating a consistently illuminated X motif within the rear lights.
The new BMW X6: Aggression meets refinement
Slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements also characterise the new front end of the new BMW X6.
BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the M Sport package will also be fitted as standard for locally-delivered models.
Key elements of the M Sport package include an octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille with striking side apertures and generous use of black surfaces. In addition, the three-dimensional sculpting of the front apron underscores the car’s width.
M-specific side skirts and M High-gloss black exterior décor elements are also part of the M Sport package. The rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow and the new exhaust tailpipe trims feature a trapezoidal shape.
Range-topping models with distinctive design features; M Sport package Pro makes its debut
Design details of the flagship BMW X5 and X6 M60i variants include double bars and an M logo for the BMW kidney grille, M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss, exhaust system tailpipe trim in the hallmark M quad-pipe style and a rear spoiler in Black high-gloss for the BMW X6 M60i xDrive.
Both variants are also now available with the M Sport package Pro, which brings together M Shadowline lights, M seat belts and M exterior Shadowline.
New additions to the range of exterior colours are Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic and approximately 40 BMW Individual special paint finishes.
Modern cockpit design with all-digital BMW Curved Display
Digital technology is the guiding force behind the advances brought to the interior of the new BMW X5 and new BMW X6.
The seamless integration of BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of the iDrive control/operation system also heralds the arrival of the BMW Curved Display for the BMW X5 and X6.
It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches – both located behind a single glass surface. The touch control functionality of the control display has brought about a significant reduction in the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital control for numerous functions. The innovative cockpit and associated updates to the instrument panel bring a particularly progressive feel to the cabin.
Standard specification for both models now includes an instrument panel with surfacing in leather-like Verino and an elegantly curving trim element in fine wood. Another new feature is the ambient light bar with highly effective LED backlighting integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area. The relevant model lettering – “X5” or “X6” – is added to the light bar’s graphic; in the two flagship models it displays the M logo. The control panel on the centre console includes additional touch-sensitive surfaces and a newly designed gear selector lever.
Comfort seats for the driver and front passenger can be specified as an alternative to the standard sport seats with Verino surfaces. Also available as an option are BMW Individual Merino extended leather upholstery, active seat ventilation and a massage function.
Among the other highlights of the options list are the new Heat Comfort Package with panel heating and a “thermo” function for the cup holders, the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LED units, glass applications for selected controls and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
New engines, new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and systematic electrification
The new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 can both be ordered with the choice of an eight-cylinder petrol engine, six-cylinder in-line petrol and a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine – each from the latest generation of BMW power units.
All engines now link up with the likewise new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. They send power to the road – or indeed unpaved surfaces, as the need arises – via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
All drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology, deployed via a sophisticated electric motor integrated into the transmission. This motor generates an output boost of up to 9kW and 200Nm of torque, helping the combustion engine to deliver a smooth, dynamic drive along with high efficiency.
New plug-in hybrid BMW X5 xDrive50e offers more power, efficiency and electric range
The drive system for the plug-in hybrid variant of the SAV has also been completely reworked, and the updated model carries the designation BMW X5 xDrive50e.
A latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a similarly new electric motor team up to develop system output of 360kW (including temporary boost effect) – an increase of 70kW over the outgoing model – and combined torque of 700Nm, which is a rise of 100Nm. The petrol engine’s nominal output of 230kW represents an increase of 20kW on the unit it replaces.
The compact electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission produces a nominal output of 145kW (+62kW). In addition, an innovative pre-gearing stage – used to increase the effective torque produced by the electric motor to a maximum 450Nm at the transmission input for the motor – helps to provide even sharper power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive50e accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
The amount of usable energy that can be stored by the high-voltage battery integrated into the underbody area has been increased by almost 25 percent over the preceding generation, to 25.7kWh.
A new Combined Charging Unit doubles the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4kW, and the electric range of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e is 94-110 kilometres on the WLTP cycle.
New V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology
Credit for the elite sporting prowess of the two range-topping models goes to a new 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, derived from the power units in high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.
M TwinPower Turbo technology and a cross-bank exhaust manifold imbue the 390kW engine – which generates peak torque of 750Nm – with impressive performance characteristics.
The latest version of the eight-cylinder engine powers both the new BMW X5 M60i xDrive and new BMW X6 M60i xDrive from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
Latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine now delivers 280kW/520Nm
Innovations affecting the combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system mark out the latest-generation 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the new BMW X5 xDrive40i and new BMW X6 xDrive40i.
The new engine’s maximum output has increased by 30kW over the outgoing models to 280kW, plus peak torque is up by 70Nm to 520Nm. This can be boosted to as much as 540Nm with the input of the mild hybrid system. The engine accelerates both the new BMW X5 xDrive40i and new BMW X6 xDrive40i from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with multiple detail improvements
The six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X5 xDrive30d and new BMW X6 xDrive30d also brings upgrades to numerous details. The 3.0-litre unit now has steel pistons instead of aluminium items, an optimised oil separation process and a new common-rail direct injection system with solenoid valve injectors.
The new diesel engine joins forces with the mild hybrid system to produce maximum output of 210kW and peak torque of 650Nm. This enables both the new BMW X5 xDrive30d and new BMW X6 xDrive30d to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Sophisticated chassis technology underpins sporting ability and long-distance comfort
Fitting adaptive suspension as standard, modifying the anti-roll bars in response to changes in weight distribution and strengthening them accordingly gives the new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 their signature blend of sporting versatility and outstanding long-distance comfort.
Adaptive M suspension, which is fitted as standard for both the BMW X5 and X6 from the xDrive30d M Sport grade level, provides a particularly firm connection to the body.
Adaptive two-axle self-levelling air suspension, which takes ride comfort and road compliance to new heights, is standard equipment on the BMW X5 xDrive50e and optionally available on all other variants with the exception of the BMW X6 M60i.
Integral Active Steering, combined with adaptive M suspension Professional, is standard for the range-topping BMW X5 M60i and X6 M60i variants.
The integrated braking system is another element of the advanced chassis technology at work here to further refine the driving experience.
Standard specification additionally includes 20-inch light-alloy wheels for the new BMW X5, 21-inch items for the new BMW X6 and 22-inch wheels for the range-topping variant of each model.
Additional systems for automated driving and parking
Comfort and safety in the new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 are taken to a new level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems.
Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, Active Navigation, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, Lane Change Assistant and Merging Assistant are all fitted as standard.
As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking in and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over a distance of up to 200 metres. This can be controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.
In addition, Australian-delivered BMW X5 and X6 models feature Drive recorder, Alarm and Remote Theft Recorder. The latter sends a message to the customer’s smartphone and records and stores video footage from the onboard camera systems in the event the vehicle is stolen.
Latest-generation BMW iDrive, new digital services
New BMW iDrive technology based on BMW Operating System 8 brings both the BMW Curved Display and an array of new digital services to the BMW X5 and BMW X6.
The standard fitment BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes BMW head-up display and Augmented View function, while BMW Digital Key Plus – also included as standard on Australian models – enables customers to lock and unlock their new BMW X5 or BMW X6 via security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology with compatible smartphones running the iOS or Android operating system.
The digital services from BMW Charging for the BMW X5 xDrive50e have additionally been integrated into the My BMW App.
Local specification and pricing
The new BMW X5 and X6 will bring a host of new features to the segment and carry a high level of specification.
Key standard specification aspects are listed below, with bold type indicating elements that are new to the model:
BMW X5
X5 xDrive30d: $134,900 (plus on road costs)
- Six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine with eight speed automatic
- 3-Zone automatic climate control
- xDrive
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic tailgate
- BMW Live Cockpit Pro 12.3-inch
- Connected Drive package
- Comfort Access w. Digital Key Plus
- DAB Digital radio
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Electric seat adjust, incl. lumbar
- Head Up Display
- Heated seats, front
- LED Headlights adaptive with High Beam Assist
- Lights package
- Mirror package
- Navigation system 14.9-inch
- Panorama Sunroof
- Parking Assist Professional with Reversing Assist, Drive recorder, Alarm
and Theft Recorder - Travel and comfort system
- Upholstery, Verino
- Wireless Charging
- BMW kidney Iconic Glow
- Alarm system
M Sport package
- M leather steering wheel
- Instrument panel in Verino
- High gloss black roof rails
- M Sport brakes (Blue)
- Anthracite headliner
- Adaptive M suspension
X5 xDrive40i: $138,900 (plus on road costs)
Changes/additional specification over xDrive30d:
- Six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with eight speed automatic
X5 xDrive50e: $149,900 (plus on road costs)
Changes/additional specification over xDrive40i:
- 2-axle self-levelling air suspension
- eDrive Services
- Convenience Charging Cable
- Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians
X5 M60i: $172,900 (plus on road costs)
Changes/additional specification over xDrive50e:
- Eight-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with eight speed automatic
- Model specific exterior design elements
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive M suspension incl. integral active steering
- Automatic air-conditioning, 4-Zone
- BMW Individual leather dash
- Harman/kardon 16 speaker Hi-Fi
- M Sport differential
- M Sport exhaust system
- Metallic paint
- Soft closing doors
- Tyre pressure monitor
- M Sport Pro package
-
- M Shadowline lights
- M Seat belts
- M exterior Shadowline
BMW X6
X6 xDrive30d: $140,900 (plus on road costs)
Includes all elements from X5 xDrive30d, except for roof rails, and adds the following:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
X6 xDrive40i: $144,900 (plus on road costs)
Mirrors specification of X5 xDrive40i, except for roof rails
X6 M60i: $178,900 (plus on road costs)
Mirrors specification of X5 M60i, except for roof rails