BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. Modernization of powerful versions in 2023
The BMW X5 M and X6 M are the most powerful versions of the X5 and X6 SUVs. The current fourth generation BMW X5 was first introduced in 2018, and the premiere of the sports version of the X5 M took place in the fall of 2019. Therefore, the base BMW X5 has already been updated, and now it’s time for the X5 M. As for the X6 M, the BMW X6 sports coupe version, the third generation, released in 2019, also requires updating. Therefore, the Bavarians simultaneously presented two powerful SUVs, offering for both the only top performance Competition mild-hybrid modification with a capacity of 625 hp. The production of high-performance SUVs will begin in April 2023, and they can already be pre-ordered.
In Germany, the starting price for the updated 2023 BMW X5 M Competition is 158,300 euros, and the updated 2023 BMW X6 M Competition costs at least 161,200 euros.
Exterior
The updated 2023 BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have received an even more aggressive design of the front and rear bumpers, a different front grille with horizontal ribs instead of vertical ones, significantly narrower headlights with sharper LED daytime running lights graphics, and modified taillights. The 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels are designed in a new M-style.
Interior
Inside, the powerful versions have undergone the same changes as the entry-level SUVs. The front panel now houses a large curved display that combines a 12.3-inch virtual dashboard with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both screens have M-graphics. The simple gearshift levers on the steering wheel have been replaced with carbon fiber ones. Unlike the ‘ordinary’ SUVs, which have received a small gear selector, the high-performance versions have kept the same 8AKP control joystick.
Powertrains
The BMW S63 has kept the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 625 hp and 750 Nm. It was slightly modernized without increasing power (new turbochargers, an intake and exhaust system with controlled dampers) and supplemented with a 48-volt starter-generator, which helps the gasoline unit at the start, adding 12 hp. It is now a trend among all manufacturers to reduce pollutant emissions.
The curb weight of the updated 2023 BMW X5 M and X6 M has increased by 65 kg compared to the pre-restyling SUVs: 2,400 and 2,370 kg, respectively. Therefore, it takes a little more time to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 seconds versus 3.8 for the previous model, the maximum speed is limited at around 250 km/h (with the addition of the M Driver package, it increases to 290 km/h). The engine is paired with an updated 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with a clearer and faster gear shift.
The all-wheel drive system of the M xDrive models has also been improved. 4WD Sport mode allows for controlled drifting. The modernization has touched the steering system, adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The rear suspension angles have changed, as a result, it was possible to achieve more precise control and greater directional stability at high speeds.
The key difference between a traditional hybrid and a mild hybrid is that the electric motor of the traditional hybrid can independently propel the car, while the electric motor of the latter can only help the internal combustion engine, because it is not strong enough to accelerate and keep the car moving. Hence the name "mild": MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle).
