BMW has revealed a substantial update for its large SUV pair, the BMW X5 and X6, which ushers in new styling, updated tech, and drivetrain revisions that point to a more electrified future.
Additionally, BMW Australia has confirmed local pricing, specifications, and arrival timing for the new X5 and X6.
Starting from $134,900 before on-road costs for its base X5 xDrive30d variant, the X5 now comes with more power and more features than its predecessor to justify the $8000 price increase – the xDrive30d used to be a $126,900 offering, and there was a lower entry grade in the xDrive25d for $109,900.
Each new variant has the same increase of $8000 over the model it replaces, except the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e variant which is up by $10,000.
The X6 30d equivalent, which differs only in a lack of roof racks and the addition of the M Sport package as standard (which all X6 models will), starts from $140,900.
The engines in the X5 and X6 range are now electrified with 48V transmission-integrated mild-hybrid systems, which means even the entry-level 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel 30d is more powerful than before at 210kW and 650Nm, and can hit 100km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds.
All engines in the range are connected to BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddles on the wheel for manual gear changes.
Inside the cabin, a flat, floating display arrangement for the 14.9-inch multimedia screen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster replaces the previous cowled cluster and separate central screen, while a simplified dash moves some controls to the brand’s digital iDrive multimedia control system, running BMW OS8.
Comfort seats are available as an alternative to the standard sports seats, while leather upholstery in Merino and seat ventilation with massage functions are both options.
The X5 and X6 also now feature slimline headlights as well as the BMW kidney grille’s ‘Iconic Glow’ feature earlier seen on the new BMW i7, however, if it’s the same as on the i7, the grille currently can’t be illuminated while driving due to local ADRs.
The next model up from the xDrive30d is the xDrive40i, available for the X5 at $138,900 or for the X6 at $144,900 before on-roads.
The primary change from 30d to 40i is the power unit – a more powerful but less torque-focused 3.0-litre petrol twin-turbo engine making 280kW and 520Nm, which BMW says allows a spring to 100km/h in an impressive 5.4 seconds.
The X5 is also available in a plug-in hybrid variant, the xDrive50e, which comes in at $149,900 and features an electric motor paired to its 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, totalling 360kW and 700Nm.
The 50e also adds self-levelling air suspension to the X5, though its specification isn’t available for the X6.
Finally, BMW is bringing the brawn with an M60i variant of each, which both run BMW’s venerable 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine to the tune of 390kW and 750Nm.
In X5 guise, this starts from $172,900, and for the X6 it’s $178,900. Both are claimed to be able to hit 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
They also add to the features list a set of 22-inch alloy wheels, M Sport elements like an exhaust system and differentials, adaptive M suspension with the brand’s integral active steering system, and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.
2023 BMW X5 pricing before on-road costs
| Variant | Transmission | Price |
| X5 xDrive30d | Automatic | $134,900 (+$8000) |
| X5 xDrive40i | Automatic | $138,900 (+$8000) |
| X5 xDrive50e | Automatic | $149,900 (+$10,000) |
| X5 M60i | Automatic | $172,900 (+$8000) |
2023 BMW X6 pricing before on-road costs
| Variant | Transmission | Price |
| X6 xDrive30d | Automatic | $140,900 (+$8000) |
| X6 xDrive40i | Automatic | $144,900 (+$8000) |
| X6 M60i | Automatic | $178,900 (+$8000) |
Keyword: Hold that Mercedes-Benz GLE or Volvo XC90 order! Heavily updated 2023 BMW X5 and X6 SUVs confirmed for Australia