Curtain lifts on the new BMW X5 and X6 models

BMW has announced that two of its popular mid-size luxury SUVs are getting upgrades.

The German automaker revealed the BMW X5 and BMW X6 would both get a facelift and epic new technology including hands-free driving up to 136 km/h (85 mph).

The cars are already big players in their respective segments, but BMW says the “finely-honed changes” will see them skyrocket in popularity.

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New BMW X5 – design changes

To start with, the BMW X5 will adopt a new grille design.

It will also get those narrower signature BMW headlights, with arrow-shaped daytime running driving lights that serve as turn signal indicators.

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Equipped with adaptive LED headlights and high beam assist as standard, it can also be specified with M Shadowline lights with black inlays.

The BMW kidney grille has a surround and bars in pearl-effect chrome while the BMW Iconic Glow is introduced as part of the M Sport Pro pack.

The Iconic Glow illumination is activated when one of the doors is opened and can be switched on or off manually by the driver.

Vertical air curtains positioned on the outer edges emphasize the width of the car.

The lower air intake has a horizontal trim detail in pearl-effect chrome and triangular apertures in its outer areas.

At the back, the BMW X5 gets redesigned rear lights with fiber-optic light elements, with the familiar L shape reflected horizontally, creating an ‘X’ motif.

Those rear lights also get pulsating turn signal indicators to really round off the lighting.

New BMW X6 – design changes

The new BMW X6 gets a similarly revised headlight treatment, but here the M Sport package is standard.

This brings an octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, with striking side apertures and black surfaces, as well as M-specific side skirts and M high-gloss Shadowline trim.

The rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow, while the exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape.

The slim rear lights reach far into the tailgate, their light signature echoing the familiar L shape.

BMW X5 and BMW X6 powertrain changes

Under the hood, both the new BMW X5 and BMW X6 will continue to use a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, but will now also feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

That being said, the powerplant’s output is still 523bhp and 553 lb-ft, with both models reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds.

The electric motor has also been updated.

New technology

Tech wise, both the new BMW X5 and BMW X6 benefit from a raft of upgrades.

Take the digital BMW Curved Display for example, featuring a 12.3-inch information display and a control display measuring 14.9 inches.

The new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has gained additional skills, too.

You can now use spoken instructions to adjust the air conditioning, open a window, or operate the panoramic glass roof. 

There’s a new Augmented View for the navigation, Highway Assistant to enjoy hands-free driving up to 136 km/h (85 mph).

Parking is made simpler too, as it can accelerate, brake, and turn once it has memorized a starting point.

There’s a host of other features including a new ambient light bar with a crystalline surface structure, a new center console control panel, and a different toggle gear selector.

Oh, and glass controls are available, too.

Pricing

The new BMW X5 is priced from $65,200 (sDrive40i) and tops out at $89,300 for the M60i xDrive.

The new BMW X6 is priced from $73,900 (xDrive40i) and tops out at $93,600 for the M60i xDrive.

A $995 destination charge will be added to these prices too.

Production of the new BMW models will start in April 2023 in South Carolina.

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