BMW has unveiled two new vehicles in the form of the next-generation X5 and X6 SUVs, boasting a new range of engines with mild and plug-in hybrid options.
The new vehicles are scheduled to go on sale in South Africa in the third quarter of 2023, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date.
Powertrains
Both vehicles will offer a choice of an eight-cylinder petrol engine, a six-cylinder in-line petrol unit, and a six-cylinder in-line diesel powertrain – all of which will be paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with paddle shifters.
Each engine will also feature 48V mild hybrid technology, consisting of an electric motor integrated into the transmission which generates 9kW and 200Nm for greater efficiency, and this will be transferred to all four wheels via the brand’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The range-topping X5 and X6 M60i models will be equipped with a new 4.4-litre V8 engine assisted by BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, leading to an overall power ceiling of 390kW and 750Nm.
Consequently, each of these SUVs will be able to sprint to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
The 3.0-litre in-line petrol engine found on the xDrive40i units, meanwhile, has a maximum output of 280kW and 540Nm, letting the car achieve 100km/h in the span of 5.4 seconds.
The six-cylinder diesel units found on the xDrive30d models, on the other hand, will produce 219kW and 670Nm, and hold a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.1 seconds.
The X5 will additionally be offered with an exclusive plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a six-cylinder petrol engine in tandem with a team of electric motors to develop 360kW and 700Nm.
This is an increase of 70kW and 100Nm over the previous PHEV, and allows the new car reach a speed of 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, said the manufacturer.
Furthermore, the battery’s storage has been increased 25% to 25.7kWh – providing a new electric range of 110km – and a new charging unit will allow for an AC charge rate of 7.4kW.
Adaptive suspension, which modifies the anti-roll bars in response to changes in weight distribution, has 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 models of both cars also receive integral Active Steering, 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
Each car comes standard with 20-inch light alloy wheels, which increase to 21-inches on the range-topping variants, 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 arrow-head daytime running lights 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.
BMW has also improved the front-collision warning and expanded the range of assistance features available both for driving and for parking.
This includes an automatic speed limit assist, exit warning, route speed control, emergency stop assist, lane-change assist, rear camera with reverse assist, and a parking assist with trailer functionality.
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 My BMW app on Apple devices.
Both vehicles are now running the latest eight-generation BMW iDrive operating system (OS), which controls the Live Cockpit curved screen consisting of a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit.
This OS comes with cloud-based navigation and an optional Live Cockpit Professional kit will add a heads-up display and an augmented reality function.
When the car is stationary, front passengers will also be able to stream content from YouTube onto the infotainment screen.
The instrument panel and dashboard will have a leather-like Sensafin finish with a wood trim, and the standard front sports seats on both cars can be swapped out for comfort seats instead.
For the upholstery, buyers can opt for a full Merino-leather finish and add active seat ventilation with a massage function.
A Comfort package will then throw in a panoramic sunroof, a ‘thermo’ function for the cupholders, and a Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system.
BMW X5
BMW X6
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