Photo: BMW
BMW is significantly updating its two midsize SUVs for the 2024 model year. Both the X5 and the coupe-style X6 benefit from fresh styling, upgraded powertrains and new technologies aimed at improving the driving experience.
The model lineup has been slightly revised, as well, resulting in new designations. However, we don’t have any information at the moment about the high-performance X5 M and X6 M.
Sharper and Illuminated
The 2024 BMW X5 sports redesigned bumpers, headlights and kidney grille. In fact, an illuminated grille can be specified for the first time as an option. The illumination is activated when one of the doors is opened and can be switched on or off manually by the driver via the iDrive menu.
Photo: BMW
At the rear, the newly designed taillights feature striking contours of fibre-optic light elements. The traditional L-shape is reflected horizontally, creating an ‘X’ motif within the tailights. By the way, the M Sport Package is now standard on the X6, just like the M side skirts.
On top-line M60i models (formerly known as M50i), features including double bars and an M logo for the grille, M exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black, and exhaust tailpipe trim in a quad-pipe style speak to the high-performance attributes of the eight-cylinder X5 and X6. With the M Sport Pro Package, various black accents, an M Sport exhaust system and M Sport brakes with a choice of red or blue calipers can be added.
Photo: BMW
Other exterior changes include new wheel designs (ranging from 20-22 inches) and six new body colours such as Marina Bay Blue metallic for the X5 M60i and Isle of Man Green metallic for the X6 M60i. Customers will also be able to choose from around 40 BMW Individual Manufaktur special paintwork shades.
Cutting-Edge Interface
Inside, you’ll find the new BMW Curved Display seen in the brand’s latest models. It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch centre touchscreen, both located behind a single glass surface. Powering it all is the new iDrive 8 infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and a menu structure designed with a smartphone-style appearance. Meanwhile, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant gains additional skills, like recognizing user behaviour and proactively making suggestions on how the vehicle can best be used. Navigation is enhanced with augmented reality.
Photo: BMW
The central air vents are much slimmer now and integrated into the dashboard almost out of sight. Another new interior feature is the ambient Light Bar in front of the passenger, with a crystalline surface structure and a choice of 15 colours. Over to the centre console, additional touch-sensitive surfaces can be found along with a newly designed toggle gear selector.
The new X5 and X6 come standard with sport seats, though Comfort Seats with ventilation and massage functions are once again available.
Photo: BMW
More Power and Efficiency
The 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine in the BMW X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i gets a boost in power (from 335 hp to 375 hp) and torque (from 332 lb-ft. to 383 lb-ft.) for 2024. It can deliver as much as 398 lb-ft. with the input of the 48V mild hybrid system, enabling a dash from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds based on preliminary testing.
The small electric motor, which is integrated into the housing of the revised eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, now also pairs with the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 in the X5 M60i and X6 M60i. While BMW claims the engine has been newly developed for increased efficiency, output (523 hp), peak torque (553 lb-ft.) and acceleration (4.3 seconds) are all unchanged.
Photo: BMW
Incidentally, in the eight- and six-cylinder models with the M Sport Package, drivers can make use of the Sprint function when a quick burst of speed is required. The transmission will automatically shift into the lowest usable gear when the driver pulls the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second. At the same time, all of the powertrain and chassis systems are switched to their sportiest settings and the mild-hybrid system’s electric boost effect is activated.
Some big news for 2024 involves the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid variant (previously called xDrive45e). Total system output is increased from 389 hp to 483 hp and torque is elevated from 443 lb-ft. to 516 lb-ft. thanks to a more powerful electric motor. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 4.8 seconds. Zero-emission range, meanwhile, goes from 50 km to 64 km according to preliminary BMW tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards. That’s because the battery can store 25.7 kWh of usable energy, an increase of almost 25 percent compared with the previous generation.
Photo: BMW
What else? Well, a new Highway Assistant, part of the optional Advanced Driver Assistance Package, allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel when driving on limited-access highways at speeds up to 130 km/h, provided they always maintain focus on the road ahead.
In Canada, the updated 2024 BMW X5 and X6 will start at $86,000 and $92,000, respectively, not counting freight and PDI. Pricing increases to $105,000 and $108,000 in M60i trim. As for the X5 xDrive50e, prepare to pay a minimum of $90,500. Production at BMW’s Spartanburg assembly plant in South Carolina will begin in April.
Watch: 2022 BMW iX Review
Keyword: 2024 BMW X5, X6 Get Fresh Styling, More Power, Longer EV Range