The current generations of the BMW X5 and X6 have been with us since 2019 and 2020, respectively. This means that the two midsize crossover SUVs are ripe for a mid-cycle update. Thankfully, BMW has done just that for the 2024 X5 and X6, and it comes with a host of exterior, interior, tech, and powertrain updates to keep the German automaker's two midsize crossover SUVs competitive.

Related: G-Power X5 M Typhoon S Takes The X5 M To An All-New Level

Mild But Noticeable Facelift

As a reminder, the X6 is essentially the "coupe" version of the X5 with its sloping roofline. The front end of both models comes with a revised grille that thankfully hasn't metastasized into a pair of lungs and new front and rear bumper designs. New, slimmer LED headlights with arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights give the X5 and X6 a more assertive look, while opting for the X6 automatically ticks the M Sport package as standard.

The M Sport models of the X5 and X6 come with a sportier exterior that's highlighted by a new front bumper with an octagonal lower air intake, while the non-M Sport X5 has a face that's similar to the new X1, along with a small amount of body cladding that gives it a more rugged appearance. Of course, new colors and wheel designs round out the changes for the X5 and X6, while an illuminated grille, which used to be exclusive to the X6, can now be fitted to the X5.

The iDrive 8 Invasion Continues In The 2024 BMW X5 And X6

Inside, the 2024 BMW X5 and X6's updates are even more extensive. The dash design has been revised in order to accommodate the new iDrive 8 infotainment system that first made its debut in the iX electric SUV. The 12.3-inch digital gauges and 14.9-inch main infotainment screen are housed in a single curved glass, just like in other BMWs that have received this infotainment update.

The adoption of iDrive 8 also means the removal of the climate control buttons as it's now controlled through voice or via the infotainment screen itself, but the iDrive controller still lives on here. Finally, just like the updated X7 and 3 Series, the addition of iDrive 8 means that the electronic gear shifter has been ditched in favor of a smaller toggle switch instead.

Electrified Engines Come As Standard

As mentioned, the changes made to the 2024 BMW X5 and X6 aren't just aesthetic because all models benefit from an added dose of electrification, while some variants even come with a new engine altogether. The engine range kicks off with the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six found in the X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, and X6 xDrive40i, which now comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This gives the engine a boost of 40 horses, with total output now at 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to reduce the 0-60 mph time from 5.3 to 5.2 seconds for the xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) models.

Sitting at the top of the range is the X5 and X6 M60i, which come with the new S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that made its debut in the facelifted X6. Featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, this powertrain has an output of 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which is actually the same as the pre-facelift X5 and X6 M50i. This is good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, which, oddly enough, is a tenth slower than the 2023 pre-facelift models.

Lastly, those who want to bridge the gap between electric and gasoline could opt for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid (no X6 xDrive50e, though). This model arguably benefits from the most improvements, as the xDrive50e's transmission-mounted electric motor now produces 194 horsepower, significantly higher than the 111 horses it used to produce. A pre-gearing stage helps increase the torque to 331 pound-feet. Combined with the turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, the system has a total output of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of twist--good enough for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds. For perspective, the older xDrive45e made 389 horses and 443 pound-feet of torque and was slower by 0.7 seconds.

Regardless of your engine choice, all models come with an 8-speed automatic, while the xDrive50e comes with the IconicSounds EV noise generator that uses sounds made by Hans Zimmer. The xDrive50e's battery has also grown from 24 kWh to 29.5 kWh, which has resulted in an electric range of 40 miles--up by 10 miles compared to the xDrive45e. Lastly, the X5 xDrive50e's onboard charger can handle up to 7.4 kW as opposed to the outgoing xDrive45e's 3.7 kW.

Related: The Upcoming X6 M Could Be A Beefier And Brawnier Performance SUV

Level 2+ Autonomy Arrives In The 2024 BMW X5 And X6

Finally, on the tech front, the 2024 BMW X5 and X6 are now available with the Highway Assistant. It's a Level 2+ autonomous driver-assist system that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering at up to 85 mph on certain pre-programmed roads. This optional feature is bundled together with the Driving Assistance Professional Package. Other new tech features include built-in 5G connectivity, phone-as-key for both Apple and Android smartphones, smartphone-controlled parking assistance, and augmented reality navigation, just to name a few.

The 2024 BMW X5 and X6 will roll off the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant beginning in April 2023. All 2024 BMW X5 and X6 models come with a bit of a price increase due to these upgrades, which you can see below. Based on what you've seen, has BMW done a good job of updating the X5 and X6?