BMW has officially taken the covers off of their popular X5 and X6 Life Cycle Impluse (LCI) or BMW terminology for a facelift, models.
The X5 benefits from refreshed and slimmer headlights and a redesigned grille. The daytime-running lights now boast an arrow-shaped element, while also serving the purpose of turn signal indicators. Optionally available are a set of Matrix LED headlights with adaptive control, and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam plus M Shadowline lights.
The refreshed grille now features BMW Iconic Glow as an option in the 6-cylinder derivatives. Further enhancements include newly designed air breathers in the front side panels along with the standard fitment of Exterior Line Satin Aluminium trim and roof rails in Satin Aluminium.
Redesigned taillights now boast striking contouring
At the rear, the X5 boasts redesigned taillights which feature sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements. The familiar L shape seen on other BMW models is reflected horizontally on the X5, thus creating a consistently illuminated X motif within the taillights. The range-topping X5 M60i xDrive boasts double bars and an M logo for the BMW Kidney Grille, M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss and exhaust system tailpipe trim in M quad-pipe style. A new exterior hue on the X5 M60i xDrive called M Marina Bay Blue metallic is now on offer.
Sporty and athletic BMW X6 M60i
The BMW X6 also benefits from slimmer headlights with arrow-shaped daytime-running lights as part of its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI). As in the pre-LCI model, the updated X6 also benefits from the optional BMW Iconic Glow on 6-cylinder derivatives. The sporty and athletic X6 benefits from the standard fitment of M Sport Package. Below the kidney grille is the octagonal front-end signature with striking apertures and high usage of black surfaces.
The M Sport Package also includes M-specific side skirts and M High-gloss Shadowline trim. The rear apron of the X6 features an insert in Dark Shadow, with the new exhaust tailpipe trims now in a trapezoidal shape. The range-topping BMW X6 M60i xDrive benefits from a new M Isle of Man Green metallic hue. New hues on offer for all models include Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic, Frozen Pure Grey metallic and approximately 40 BMW Individual special paint finishes.
Interior Design
The cabins of the refreshed x5 & X6 have been modernized to bring them in line with newer models from the BMW stable. Taking centre stage is a new BMW Curved Display with the latest generation BMW Operating System 8. The BMW Curved Display is comprised of a 12.3-inch information display & a control display measuring 14.9-inches.
Standard specification for both the X5 & X6 includes an instrument panel with surfacing in leather-like Sensafin and an elegantly curving trim element in fine wood. Also new to the refreshed models is the ambient light bar with LED backlighting which has been integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area. Relevant "X5" or "X6" lettering has been included in the light bar's graphic, whereas the range-topping models feature an "M" logo. Furthermore, the control panel on the centre console now includes additional touch-sensitive surfaces and a redesigned gear selector lever.
As standard, sport seats with Sensafin surfaces are fitted however customers may opt for Comfort seats for the driver and front passenger. Optionally available are BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, BMW Individual full Merino leather upholstery, active seat ventilation and a massage function.
Other highlight optional features include the new Comfort Package with panel heating and a "thermo" function for the cupholders, Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LED units, glass applications for selected controls, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the newly designed Travel & Comfort system.
New Electrified Powertrains
Both X5 and X6 models are available with the choice of either a six-cylinder in-line petrol, six-cylinder in-line diesel or an eight-cylinder petrol engine. All engine choices are paired to a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with gearshift paddles found on the steering wheel. Power is delivered via the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
All abovementioned units are now fitted with 48V mild hybrid technology in the form of an integrated electric motor in the transmission which generates an additional boost of up to 9kW and 200Nm of torque.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol motor has been improved and boasts 35kW and 70Nm more than the previous unit, now producing 280kW and 520Nm of torque (or 540Nm thanks to the mild hybrid system assistance). The xDrive40i motor in both the X5 and X6 is able to accelerate to 100km/h from standstill in 5.4 seconds.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel motor has also been improved and now benefits from 219kW and 670Nm of torque. Both X5 and X6 xDrive30d models sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The flagship X5 and X6 M60i xDrive models employ a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 motor which boasts 390kW and 750Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h acceleration is completed in 4.3 seconds.
Sophisticated Chassis
A blend of sporting versatility and excellent long-distance comfort is achieved thanks to the standard fitment of adaptive suspension and modifying the anti-roll bars in response to changes in weight distribution and strengthening them accordingly. Standard specification also includes 20-inch light alloy wheels for the X5 and X6, 21-inch wheels for the M60i models, with light-alloy items up to 22-inches optionally available.
The range-topping models are fitted as standard with adaptive M suspension and Integral Active Steering. Optionally available on the other models is adaptive two-axle air suspension, xOffroad package and Integral Active Steering.
Automated Driving and Parking
As part of the LCI, the X5 and X6 now benefit from enhanced capabilities for the standard-fitted front-collision warning system. Also fitted as standard is the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, alongside the Parking Assistant which now also comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions.
Optionally available are the following: Parking Assistant Professional, automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant and Lane Change Assistant.
Both X5 and X6 models will be making their way to local shores in Q3 2023, with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to the launch date.