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BMW has launched its latest update to the X5 and X6.
The line-up of power units has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, leading to a significant increase in the electric range of the BMW X5 xDrive50e with plug-in hybrid drive system and the introduction of 48V mild-hybrid technology across all other models.
The new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 are available to order now, priced from £66,230 and £72,430 respectively and the UK market launch will get underway in April 2023.
A straight-six petrol engine joins forces with an electric drive unit in the new BMW X5 xDrive50e to produce 490hp (including temporary boost effect) – an increase of 96hp over the outgoing model – and combined torque of 700Nm (+100Nm).
The latest incarnation of the 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology uses the Miller cycle, shortening the opening time of the intake valves. This unit also features redesigned combustion chambers and intake ports, a new dual injection system, an ignition system with active coil and a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold. The petrol engine’s nominal output of 313hp represents an increase of 27hp on the unit it replaces, with torque peaking at 450Nm.
The electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission on the new BMW X5 xDrive50e boasts an increased power density in excess of 5.0kW/kg. The new synchronous motor produces 197hp (+84hp) while the upper rev limit has been raised to 11,500rpm. Off the line, the new BMW X5 xDrive50e takes 4.8 seconds to reach 62mph from rest.
The motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody, a product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The battery can store 25.7kWh of usable energy, an increase of almost 25 per cent compared with the preceding generation.
A new Combined Charging Unit supports both single-phase and three-phase charging, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4kW. The electric motor’s efficiency and the system of intelligent energy management, including adaptive recuperation, results in an electric range of 58 – 68 miles in the WLTP cycle.