The new BMW X5 and the new BMW X6.

BMW presents the extensively updated new editions of its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the  luxury segment. The new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 emphasise their inherent poise and assurance with detailed design revisions and  additions to their standard specification. The refreshed drive system line up includes new combustion engines, a latest-generation plug-in hybrid  system for the BMW X5 xDrive50e, and 48V mild hybrid technology for all other models. Also leading the way are the new systems for automated driving and parking, and the fully digital iDrive control/operation system with BMW Curved  Display based on BMW Operating System 8.

The update will provide the BMW X5 with everything it needs to maintain worldwide market leadership in its segment and enable the BMW X6 to secure its position as number one ahead of competitors from other premium German manufacturers. The two models will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence centre for BMW X models, and their global launch gets underway from April 2023. The new BMW X5 and the new BMW X6 will be available in South Africa from the third quarter of 2023. 

The new BMW X5: slim headlights, illuminated BMW kidney grille.

The inclusion of the xLine design elements as standard gives the BMW X5 significantly greater presence and visual robustness. Its front end is shaped by the fresh interpretation of the hallmark BMW headlights and kidney grille. The new headlight units now have a 35-millimetre slimmer outline. Their 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, plus M Shadowline lights, are included on the options list.

The BMW kidney Iconic Glow is now offered as an option for the six-cylinder variants of the new BMW X5, and its cascade lighting creates an extremely eye-catching and brand-typical 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 precisely updated design of the BMW X5 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 sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements for the rear lights and brake lights now have particularly striking contouring. 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: M Sport package now standard.

The new BMW X6 also has slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements. As before, the BMW kidney Iconic Glow is offered as an option for the six-cylinder models. The dynamic character of the new BMW X6 is highlighted even more intently with the now standard M Sport package. Playing a key role here is the octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, with its striking side apertures and generous use of black surfaces. In addition, the three-dimensional sculpting of the front apron underscores the car’s width and brawny stature.

M-specific side skirts and M High-gloss Shadowline trim are also part of the M Sport package. The rear apron of the SAC has an insert in Dark Shadow, while the new exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape.

Range-topping models with distinctive design features; M Sport package Pro makes its debut.

The M Sport package is available as an option for the new BMW X5 to convey the feeling of exclusive dynamism, as it does as standard in the design of the new BMW X6. These design features take on a model-specific form for the range-topping BMW X5 M60i xDrive. They 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.

All model variants are now available with the M Sport package Pro. The new M Marina Bay Blue metallic (BMW X5 M60i xDrive) and M Isle of Man Green metallic (BMW X6 M60i xDrive) body paint finishes are available exclusively for the range-topping models. New additions for all models are Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic, Frozen Pure Grey metallic and around 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 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 in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé. 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 modern premium ambience.

Standard specification for both models now includes an instrument panel with surfacing in leather-like Sensafin 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 Sensafin surfaces. Also available as an option are BMW Individual Merino extended leather upholstery, BMW Individual full Merino leather upholstery, active seat ventilation and a massage function.

Among the other highlights of the options list are the new 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, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the newly designed Travel & Comfort 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, a six-cylinder in-line petrol and a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine – each from the latest generation of power units. All of the engines now link up with the likewise new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. They send their power to the road – or indeed unpaved surfaces, as the need arises – via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

All the drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. This across-the-board application of electrification comes in the form of an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This motor generates an output boost of up to 9 kW and 200 Nm 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 360 kW (including temporary boost effect) – an increase of 70 kW over the outgoing model – and combined torque of 700 Nm, which is a rise of 100 Nm. The petrol engine’s nominal output of 230 kW represents an increase of 20 kW on the unit it replaces. The compact electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission produces a nominal output of 145 kW (+62 kW). In addition, an innovative pre-gearing stage – used to increase the effective torque produced by the electric motor to a maximum 450 Nm at the transmission input for the motor – helps to provide even sharper power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive50e accelerates from rest to 100 km/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 per cent over the preceding generation, to 25.7 kWh. A new Combined Charging Unit doubles the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The electric range of the new BMW X5 xDrive50e is 94 – 110 kilometres in 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 390 kW engine, which generates peak torque of 750 Nm, with impressively accomplished 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 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Latest-generation six-cylinder in-line petrol engine.

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 at work in the new BMW X5 xDrive40i.

The new engine develops maximum output increased by 35 kW over the outgoing models to 280 kW, plus peak torque up by 70 Nm to 520 Nm. This can be boosted to as much as 540 Nm 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 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with detail improvements.

The six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the new BMW X5 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 219 kW and peak torque of 670 Nm. This enables both the new BMW X5 xDrive30d and new BMW X6 xDrive30d to sprint from 0 to 100 km/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 excellent long-distance comfort. Adaptive M suspension, which comes as standard on both the range-topping models as well as the other variants of the new BMW X6, provides a particularly firm connection to the body. Adaptive two-axle air suspension and the xOffroad package are offered as options. The range-topping models are equipped as standard with Integral Active Steering. This is available as an option for all other models or as part of the adaptive M suspension Professional, which also includes an M Sport differential and an active roll stabilisation system.

The integrated braking system is another element of the advanced chassis technology at work here. And standard specification also includes 20-inch light-alloy wheels for the new BMW X5, 20-inch items for the new BMW X6 and 21-inch wheels for the range-topping variant of each model. Light-alloy wheels up to 22 inches in size can be specified as an option.

Additional systems for automated driving and parking.

Comfort and safety in the new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 can be taken to another 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. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant.

As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now also comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over a distance of up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the car using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.

Latest-generation BMW iDrive, new digital services.

The latest-generation BMW iDrive tech 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 BMW Live Cockpit Plus also includes the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. And the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional also treats customers to the BMW head-up display and Augmented View function. When the car is stationary, the driver and front passenger can also stream content from YouTube on the control display.

The optional BMW Digital Key Plus 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. Optimised smartphone integration, the personalised BMW ID and a Personal eSIM designed to work with new 5G mobile technology are also on hand. The digital services from BMW Charging for the BMW X5 xDrive50e have now been integrated into the My BMW App.

^{* All figures relating to performance, fuel/electric power consumption and emissions are provisional.}