BMW made changes to the X5 and X6 for the 2024 model year. Both SUVs now have new front bumpers and headlights that are narrower. A new turbocharged inline-six engine gives the base 40i models 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The 4.4-liter V-8 machine in the M60i now has a 48-volt hybrid system. The X5 xDrive 50e plug-in hybrid now has nearly 100 more horsepower, adding about 10 miles to its electric driving range. The 2022 best-selling BMW model was the midsize X5 SUV. The 2024 model year will get a new front and back end, a more modern interior with a curved digital display, and a more powerful inline-six engine. The X6 is a niche, fashion-conscious alternative to the X5. It has a sloped roof and a 48-volt hybrid system, making the inline-six and V-8 motors more efficient. We thought that the X7’s controversial split-headlight design would be carried over to the 2024 BMW X5 and X6, but BMW has changed its mind and gone for a more traditional look. Compared to the new kidney grille, the i7’s big shield and the M3’s wide nostrils make the one-piece headlights look small. The X5 has a more comprehensive, rectangular lower intake and vertical vents that pull air around the fenders. This makes the SUV more efficient and gives it a more grounded look. On the 40i and 50e models of the X5, the grille is now lit up, and the taillights are now more detailed. With the optional M Sport package, the X5 has black trim and a black lower bumper in the shape of an eight-pointed star. This package comes standard on the X6, and when you upgrade to the M60i models, you get quad exhaust pipes, black trim, and a minor rear spoiler on the X6. Inside, the dashboard looks chiseled, with thin air vents and a streamlined center console with a small toggle switch instead of the traditional gear lever. BMW’s new curved display sits on top of the dashboard and runs the latest version of its iDrive operating system. On a single elongated sheet of glass is a touchscreen measuring 14.9 inches and a digital gauge cluster measuring 12.3 inches. BMW also put a puddle light and flashing welcome lights in the doorways to give the cars a splash of color when you get in. A new light bar glows in front of the passenger seat. Sensafin, a material that looks like leather but is made from plants, is now on the seats. All of the powertrain options for the X5 and X6 now have more power. This is the most critical change. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine in the base 40i now makes 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, both of which are up from before. The new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in the M60i models makes the same 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque as the old M50i model, which also had an eight-cylinder engine. Both engines have automatic transmissions with eight speeds and 48-volt hybrid systems with electric motors that are built in. All X5 models, except for the base-level sDrive40i, still have xDrive all-wheel drive by default. BMW also updated the plug-in hybrid version of the X5 to have more power and a longer electric range. Unlike last year, when it was called xDrive45e, it is now called xDrive50e and has a total output of 483 horsepower, which is nearly 100 horsepower more than last year. The Miller cycle and a much more powerful electric motor make this possible. The battery now has a usable capacity of 25.7 kWh, and BMW thinks that the EPA range for the hybrid X5 will be about 40 miles, up from 31 miles before. The X6 and X5 M60i have an adaptive M suspension with adjustable dampers, but the X5 40i doesn’t have this feature. Air suspension is an extra cost for other models, but it comes standard on the xDrive50e. All X5s and X6s come with 20-inch wheels as standard. The M60i models can get 21- or 22-inch wheels with performance tires as an upgrade. Also, a new optional feature called “Highway Assistant” lets the driver drive without using their hands on the highway as long as they keep their eyes on the road and the cars in front of them. The base price of the 2024 X5 sDrive40i is $66,195, which is $3600 more than the price of the 2023 model. All-wheel drive is $2300 more expensive. The M60i starts at $90,295, which is about $4000 more than the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e, which starts at $73,495, and about $7000 more than the PHEV it replaces. Prices also go up for the cheaper X6 models, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,895 and the M60i costing $94,595. We don’t know much about the X5 M and X6 M versions yet, but we expect them to get similar visual and powertrain updates. In April this year, the standard 2024 X5 and X6 models will go into production. We hope to learn more about the full M models in the coming months.
