Under the influence
The BMW X5 and X6 now get a facelift in line with BMW’s new design language
WHETHER YOU LOVE THEM OR LOATHE them, the designs of newer BMWs seldom escape the attention of an onlooker. That effect is only amplified when it comes to the brand’s SUVs, and the latest models to be influenced by the in-your-face design language are the facelifted X5 and X6 which have been unveiled ahead of their global launch in 2023.
Like the posts on social media might suggest, BMW’s newer designs seem to be heavily dependent on mahoosive grilles, and with the new X5 and X6, both of which get larger double kidney grilles, these can also be specced to be illuminated. Both SUVs get a fresher face with reworked bumpers and slimmer matrix headlights, and it is the X6 that now gets the M Sport package as standard. The M Sport package includes a blacked-out grille and a sportier body kit, which amps up the SUV coupe’s aggression. The X5 too can be specced with the M Sport kit as an option.
The interiors have been updated too, featuring a new curved 14.9-inch display for the infotainment system running iDrive OS 8 and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The traditional gear lever now makes way for a stubby gear selector, and you also get cool features including a panoramic sunroof illuminated by LEDs and a Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system.
BMW will likely offer the petrol and diesel mild-hybrid powertrains in India, and the 3-litre petrol engine produces 375bhp of power and 520Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0-100kmph in 5.4 seconds. The 3-litre diesel on the other hand produces 294bhp of power and 670Nm of torque, with a 0-100kmph time of 6.1 seconds. These engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
The X5 and X6 can also be had in go-faster M Competition avatars, with more aggressive styling and a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 under the bonnet. These will be the first BMW M models to be offered with a hybrid, producing 616bhp of power and 750Nm of torque. 0-100kmph
comes up in 3.9 seconds, nearly two seconds quicker compared to the standard models.
It is inevitable that both the X5 and X6 will be on sale in India later this year, and we have no reason to doubt that they will be blessed with the driving brilliance of their predecessors. And given the visual pizzazz that BMWs offer, the design of the new X5 and X6 will definitely grow even on the firmest naysayers. ⌧