Just a couple of weeks ago, the BMW X5 and X6 were given a facelift for the 2024 model year. This also meant that it was just a matter of time before their high-performance siblings are also set to receive the same facelift. Well, the time is apparently now, and the 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M have just been revealed. You'd also be happy to know that the changes aren't just skin-deep.
The BMW X5 M And X6 M Are Electrifyingly Naughty
That's because the new 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M, which are now sold solely in Competition form, now come with a dose of electrification courtesy of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It also gets the new S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the facelifted X7, but in this case, the unit produces 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. These figures are unchanged from the pre-facelift X5 M and X6 M, which is why it's also unsurprising that their 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and 155 mph electronically-limited top speed remain unchanged. For a pretty penny, though, you can opt for the M Driver's Package, which raises the speed limit to 177 mph.
So, why go through the hassle of giving it a new engine and adding a dose of electrification if it's just as fast as before? Well, there are, of course, the ever-tighter emissions regulations, but more importantly, these upgrades make the new X5 M and X6 M a lot more responsive to throttle inputs. The electric assistance provided by the 48-volt system is integrated into the revised ZF 8-speed automatic, which receives shorter gearing as well as quicker shifts. As a result, the added electric assistance fills in the gap in the engine's power band, thus making these two high-performance SUVs instantaneously respond to your right foot. This is also the first BMW M car to receive 48-volt mild hybrid assistance since the XM is a plug-in hybrid.
The 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M aren't light cars (they never were), which is why to give these SUVs nearly the same level of agility as its sports sedan siblings like the M5, BMW has given these SUVs an Active M Differential for the rear axle, M Compound Brakes, a revised Adaptive M Suspension Professional, as well as the M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD). Topping it all off is an M Sport exhaust with electronically controlled flaps.
XM-Inspired Styling Is The Flavor Of The Day
In terms of styling, the distinction between the 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M from their standard versions is much greater than before. The front fascia's XM-inspired face was achieved thanks to a bolder grille that's connected to the lower air intake by a black trim piece, while the slim LED headlights with arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights are the same as the standard models.
The X5 M and X6 M also adopt the same new LED taillight graphics as the standard models, while the rest of the body of these two SUVs remain unchanged. Lastly, you get new alloy wheel designs that measure 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear, along with new colors: Brooklyn Grey, Isle of Man Green, and Frozen Pure Grey. Of course, there are 50 more to choose from when going the BMW Individual route.
iDrive 8 Makes Its Way Into The X5 M And X6 M
Likewise, the interior updates of the new X5 M and X6 M are similar to their standard models. The main highlight is the new iDrive 8 twin curved displays that house a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch main infotainment screen. Other standard features include a new ambient light bar on the dash with a crystalline surface structure, an M leather steering wheel, Merino Leather upholstery, heated seats, a Harman Kardon Audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Of course, you can select more from its long options list, with the highlights being the soft-close doors, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED-lit panoramic sunroof, and the addition of seat ventilation and massage functions.
The new interior design is complemented by a host of upholstery and trim selections--with carbon fiber interior trim being offered as standard. Fineline Black wood or Silver Ash Root Open Pore wood are offered as optional extras. Unlike the standard models, though, which have ditched the gear lever in favor of a toggle switch, the X5 M and X6 M still retain the classic BMW gear lever.
Advanced Driver Assistance To Keep You From Crashing
As for advanced driver-assistance tech, the 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M now come as standard with the Parking Assistance Professional, which now bundles Reversing Assistant and Maneuver Assistant into one package. Both features remember the last 200 meters that you drove at low speeds and then reproduce them automatically, whether moving forward or reverse. This is especially useful when getting in and out of a tight parking spot. You can even let the two SUVs perform these tasks remotely via the My BMW App for iPhones.
On top of Parking Assistance Professional, you also get Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Surround View with 3D View as standard. Though it has not been listed, we assume that stuff like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist will be optional extras. The 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M will begin production in April of this year and will be shown to the public for the first time at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in March. The X5 M Competition will start at $122,300 and $127,200 for the X6 M Competition, not including the $995 destination fee. That's quite a price jump of $13,700 and $9,600, respectively, but you also have to remember that it's also mainly because you can now only get these two SUVs in Competition spec.