BMW has added the new X5 and X6 to its online vehicle configurator, revealing that the SUVs now have starting prices of R1,706,850 and R1,826,850, respectively.
The high-riders are scheduled to land in local showrooms before the end of the third quarter of the year, the automaker confirmed in February.
Performance
Both the new X5 and X6 offer a choice of a turbocharged 3.0-litre, diesel or petrol drivetrain, or a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo, V8 powerplant – all three of which are paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with paddle shifters and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Each engine now features 48V mild-hybrid technology consisting of an electric motor integrated into the transmission which generates 9kW and 200Nm for better performance off the line while simultaneously offering abilities such as coasting and brake energy recuperation for reduced fuel usage.
The figures of the available drivetrains for the BMW SUVs are as follows:
| Model | Power | 0-100km/h | Top speed | Fuel cons. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive30d | 219kW/670Nm | 6.1 seconds | 233km/h | 7.8l/100km |
| xDrive40i | 280kW/540Nm | 5.4 seconds | 250km/h | 9.3l/100km |
| M60i | 390kW/750Nm | 4.3 seconds | 250km/h | 11.9l/100km |
Adaptive suspension has now been made a standard feature across the range, while the sportier Adaptive M suspension is reserved for the range-topping X5 and all versions of the X6.
The top-spec M60i variants also receive rear-axle steering that shortens the turning circle at low speeds and heightens stability at high speeds, which is available as an extra on all other models.
Further options include an xOffroad package with adaptive two-axle air suspension and an Adaptive M Suspension Professional package which includes an M Sport differential and an active roll stabilization system.
Features
Both the X5 and X6 are now equipped with BMW’s redesigned Live Cockpit package that consists of a single curved panel on the dash housing a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit.
These screens run on the latest iDrive 8 operating system (OS) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as cloud-based navigation, and when the car is stationary, front passengers are able to stream content from YouTube onto the central screen.
The instrument panel and dashboard have a leather-like Sensafin finish with wood trim, and both SUVs get sports seats as standard, too.
Buyers can further opt to get full Merino leather upholstery, active seat ventilation with a massage function, the Live Cockpit Professional package with a heads-up display, the Comfort package which throws in a panoramic sunroof, a ‘thermo’ function for the cupholders, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system.
BMW has also improved the front-collision warnings and expanded the range of assistance features available both for driving and parking.
This includes automatic speed limit assist, exit warning functions, route-based speed control, emergency stop assist, lane-change assist, a rear-view camera with reverse assist, and parking assist with trailer support.
An optional Parking Assist Professional package further adds an automated parking system able to navigate space over a distance of up to 200 metres using the MyBMW app on Apple devices.
Around the outside, each new BMW comes standard with 20-inch light-alloy wheels, which increase to 21 inches on the range-toppers, and customers will also have the option to fit 22-inch rims.
On the X5, the automaker’s signature kidney grille has been revised with a slimmer outline and pearl-effect chrome finish, and the six-cylinder models will have the option of adding a “cascading glow effect” to the grille.
Matrix LED headlamps have also been fitted, and the arrowhead daytime running lights now double as indicators.
For the X6, the M Sport package has been made standard meaning all models now come with M-specific side skirts, an octagonal front-end signature below the grille, a high-gloss shadow finish, and trapezoidal tailpipes.
Price
The South African pricing and model line-up for the new BMW X5 are as follows:
- BMW X5 xDrive30d – R1,706,850
- BMW X5 xDrive40i – R1,737,609
- BMW X5 M60i – R2,116,413
The South African pricing and model line-up for the new BMW X6 are as follows:
- BMW X6 xDrive30d – R1,826,85
- BMW X6 xDrive 40i – R1,857,609
- BMW X6 M60i – R2,176,413
Each purchase carries a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
BMW X5
BMW X6
Keyword: New BMW X5 and X6 – Official South African pricing revealed