If you already had your eye on the plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X5, you’ll want to take note of this major new update for the premium SUV.
BMW has this week announced a refresh of both the X5 - a traditionally-shaped, boxy SUV that’s available with a third row of seats so that it can accommodate seven people - and the more svelte, coupe-like X6.
Because the two cars share lots of the same engines, the facelifts for both have been announced as a joint update.
But it’s only with the X5 that you’ll find a plug-in hybrid powertrain - the ‘X5 xDrive50e’.
And the battery-assisted X5 now has more power than ever, with a boost of almost 100 PS compared with the outgoing version. The X5 xDrive50e makes 490 PS, whereas the old X5 xDrive45e hybrid offered around 394 PS.
That’s a smile-inducing increase which, when combined with 700 Nm of torque, means the PHEV X5 can now sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds - which isn’t too far off the range-topping, uber-performance ‘M60i’ models.
There are other benefits to the plug-in hybrid powertrain, too, a system that features a 3.0 litre straight-six petrol engine, a 25.7kWh battery, and an electric motor which alone can produce power of 197 PS.
There’s now a maximum electric range of 68 miles, which is up around 14 miles compared with the previous X5 hybrid.
There’s also a clever ‘eDrive Zone’ function, which uses sophisticated GPS and geofencing data to automatically switch to fully-electric driving when you enter a city, ‘making the most of the plug-in hybrid’s potential for locally emission-free mobility’, says BMW.
So, what else is new for the X5 and X6?
Firstly, there’s a boost in power across all of the petrol and diesel engines, thanks to the addition of 48V mild-hybrid technology. All of the powertrains are now mated to a new eight-speed ‘Steptronic Sport’ transmission featuring an electric motor in its housing, generating a boost of up to 12 PS and 200 Nm of torque.
The BMW X5 M60i xDrive and BMW X6 M60i xDrive are now powered by a newly developed V8 petrol engine. The power from the 4.4 litre petrol unit remains the same as before - 530 PS and torque of 750 Nm - and you’ll hit 62mph from a standstill in 4.3 seconds.
There’s also an eye-catching boost in oomph for the BMW X6 xDrive40i model in particular.
Its 3.0 litre petrol engine now has power of 380 PS - up 47 PS from the previous incarnation - which allows the X6 40i to burst from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.
Meanwhile the diesel BMW X5 xDrive30d and BMW X6 xDrive30d are now more fuel-efficient than before - up to around 40 mpg - thanks to a revised six-cylinder engine.
Adaptive M suspension is standard on M Sport versions of the X5 and X6, while air suspension - which you can use to raise and lower the body height, perfect for off-roading -is standard fit on the BMW X5 xDrive50e.
The X5 and the X6 also look different for 2023 - both inside and out.
The sibling cars get a new front end and sharper headlights, with the option of the illuminated ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille, which lights-up when one of the doors is opened. Very snazzy.
There are new vertical air curtains on the side of the cars, and refreshed LED rear lights at the back.
Step inside the cabin of the X5 or X6 and you’ll find BMW’s distinctive ‘Curved Display’ - aka a 12.3 inch info display behind the steering wheel combined with a huge 14.9 inch infotainment screen to the side.
You’ll also find a new ambient lightbar on the dash, that comes with a choice of 15 colours.
Another nice touch is the optional ‘Sky Lounge’ panoramic glass sunroof which, at the touch of a button, illuminates thousands of graphic patterns so that it looks like a starlit sky. If that won’t get the kids to sleep in the back, we don’t know what will…
You can lease a BMW X5 with Select Car Leasing from around £828 per month, while the BMW X6 can be yours from around £886.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 09/02/23.
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