Facelifted 2024 BMW X5 M And X6 M Receive A Dose Of Electrification

Just a couple of weeks ago, the BMW X5 and X6 were given a facelift for the 2024 model year. This time around, it’s time for the high-performance 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M to receive their mid-cycle facelifts that gives these two SUVs a more aggressive design and even a dose of electrification.

Yes, you read that right, the new 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M, which are now sold solely in Competition form, now come with electrification courtesy of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It also gets the new S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the facelifted X7, but in this case, it produces 617 hp and 750 Nm of torque. These figures are unchanged from the pre-facelift X5 M and X6 M, but the electric assistance provided by the 48-volt system is integrated into the revised ZF 8-speed automatic.

The transmission receives shorter gearing as well as offers quicker shifts. While its 0-100 kph time of 3.8 seconds is still unchanged from the pre-facelift model, the added electric assistance fills in the gap in the engine’s peak power band as well as making the throttle response a lot more instantaneous, especially when anticipating a downshift. This is also the first BMW M car to receive 48-volt mild hybrid assistance since the XM is a plug-in hybrid.

Keeping all that mass in check are handling upgrades such as a modified chassis, Active M Differential for the rear axle, M Compound Brakes, a revised Adaptive M Suspension Professional, as well as the M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system that prioritizes sending power to the rear wheels. To let the engine sing better, the X5 M and X6 M also come with an M Sport exhaust with electronically controlled flaps.

In terms of styling, the 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M now look much more distinct compared to their standard versions. The XM-inspired front fascia is characterized by the same LED headlights with arrow-shaped daytime running lights of the standard models, but with a bolder grille that’s connected to the lower air intakes by a black trim piece. The X5 M and X6 M also adopt the same new LED taillight graphics as the standard models, while the rest of the body of these two SUVs remain unchanged.

Likewise, the interior updates of the new X5 M and X6 M are similar to their standard models. This includes the new iDrive 8 twin curved displays and the new ambient light bar on the dash with a crystalline surface structure. This is complemented by a host of upholstery and trim selections–with carbon fiber interior trim being offered as standard. Unlike the standard models, though, which have ditched the gear lever in favor of a toggle switch, the X5 M and X6 M still retain the classic BMW electronic gear lever.

The 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M will begin production in April of this year. As with most M cars, the X5 M and X6 M will most likely be available via indent order for the Philippine market.