See what I did there? SAV stands for Sports Activity Vehicle and oh well, telling the joke ruins it. Well, there’s no going back now, so here we go to load come in. Get it?! (Oops I did it again.)
BMW has just announced updates for the 2024 X5 SAV and X6 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). The Cliffs Notes are: new six- and eight-cylinder engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology, more power and longer electric range for the X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, a technological interior with BMW’s new curved screen and driving improvements. assistance systems.
In 2024 X5.
Let’s look at the engine and transmission options first. BMW claims they have “comprehensively re-engineered” the powertrains of all X5 and X6 models, bringing 48V mild hybrid technology to both the six- and eight-cylinder engines. It works similarly to other models equipped with the mild-hybrid system, where combustion engines are coupled to an 8-speed transmission with an integrated electric motor. The electric motor adds up to 12 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, which BMW claims helps “the engine deliver a smooth and dynamic ride along with high efficiency.” To increase efficiency, the battery used for the hybrid system is charged during coasting and braking, as well as making energy available for other vehicle systems.
In 2024 X6.
The X5 lineup consists of an sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50e and M60i xDrive. The X6 only comes in two flavors for the US: the xDrive40i and the M60i xDrive. The 40i’s powerplant in both X models includes a 3.0-liter inline-6 with 375 hp (up 40 hp) and 383 lb-ft of torque (up 51 lb-ft). Witchcraft (or an electric boost from the mild hybrid system) can boost that number to 398 lb.-ft. A dash to 60 is estimated to take 5.2 seconds for the X5 and X6 40i units.
There were upgrades all over the place for this Sport Activity Coupe.
While the X5 xDrive50e shares the same engine as the 40i models, there’s a special sauce that adds ten to the model number. BMW claims that “the new powertrain produces a maximum system output of up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, while allowing for a preliminary estimated electric-only range of up to 40 miles.” That’s good for a 4.6-second sprint to 60.
The M60i comes out on top for both the X5 and X6. The new 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine is called the S58. That’s right, an S-code engine. We’re talking about M Power. BMW says: “The 4.4-litre power unit can trace its genes back to engines used in motorsport and uses the thermodynamic advantages of a transverse exhaust manifold, symmetrical turbochargers and external oil cooling from engine. In addition, a strengthened crankshaft drive, a more developed turbocharger with a purge valve, a new oil pump and a minimized weight oil tank play an important role in increasing the engine’s efficiency.” All of this results in 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, besting the other modes in an estimated 4.2-second run to 60.
The new technology doesn’t stop with improvements in engine power and efficiency. There’s a long list of other new items making their way into the X5. First, BMW’s curved screen. You’ve probably seen it on other recent BMW model updates like the 7 Series and M2. BMW says the display “consists of a 12.3-inch information screen behind the steering wheel and a control screen with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. The touch control functionality of BMW’s control screen has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls in favor of digital control for various functions.” So, if you like your buttons and switches, you’re out of luck, as they’ve been reduced in favor of new touchscreen technology.
The 14.9-inch curved BMW screen.
All-wheel active steering is now standard on the M60i. With this feature, BMW says “the rear wheels turn in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels, depending on road speed” in an effort to improve handling.
Automated driving systems have started to be introduced in the X5 and X6. The driving assistant professional package now includes highway assistant. This allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel when traveling on limited access motorways, at speeds of up to 85mph.
Reversing Assistant and Maneuvering Assistant are now included in the Parking Assistant Professional package. BMW explains: “Reverse Assist is able to store steering movements at distances of up to 200 meters and then play them back and has the ability to control maneuvers in and out of spaces particularly tight parking spaces from outside the vehicle using the My BMW app on your smartphone.” BMW continues: “Maneuver Assistant is able to store much more complex maneuvers using GPS data and the trajectory data of steering movements, and perform them as an automated routine.” Sound familiar? Does anyone else remember programming the Logo turtle to move and turn, one instruction at a time? We are finally living it. The Turtle Logo would be proud of how far we’ve come.
In addition to these hands-free vehicle driving capabilities, BMW Digital Key Plus allows owners to use a compatible smartphone to lock and unlock their car, simply by walking towards or away from their vehicle.
Voice commands are also improved, as the driver can open windows, adjust the air conditioning and activate or deactivate driver assistance systems. Here’s the scary part. BMW says: “The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also able to recognize the user’s behavior and proactively make suggestions to the driver about how the vehicle can be better used.” Ever since Microsoft’s Clippy, I’ve been wary of any digital personal assistant, but I guess I can try new things with an open mind.
Along with many other interior and technology upgrades, the exterior also gets an update. The X5 has new headlights and a new kidney grille design. The grille has a lighting option that activates when a door is opened. The headlights are 35mm narrower and contain “arrow-shaped” daytime running lights, which function as turn signals. The front also has new air intakes, with three Gillette-style blades on the trailing edges.
The X5’s headlights have been slimmed down for this new generation.
The rear of the X5 doesn’t go unnoticed, as BMW says it features “striking contours of light fiber-optic elements. The traditional L-shape is reflected horizontally, creating an ‘X’ motif in the taillights.” Depending on the model and option level, the trim will be finished in black or chrome.
While the M Sport package is optional on the X5, it’s now standard on the X6, which also gets updates similar to the X5, such as narrower headlights and reworked taillights.
The X6 also gets new narrower headlights.
Production of the 2024 X5 and X6 will begin in April 2023 in our backyard (relatively speaking) at Plant Spartanburg. Base MSRPs are as follows (+ $995 destination and handling):
- X5 sDrive40i $65,200
- X5 xDrive40i $67,500
- X5 xDrive50e $72,500
- X5 M60i xDrive $89,300
- X6 xDrive40i $73,900
- X6 M60i xDrive $93,600
Visual updates are subjective, so don’t let the comments section decide your opinion for you. What do you think of the changes, from the perspective of increased performance, new technology and updated looks? Make these xDrive 2024 vehicles xCite you? —Mike Bevels
[Photos courtesy of BMW.]
