BMW launches the refreshed X5 and X6

The rivalry between German brands - Audi, Mercedes and BMW - is one that has been the result of rolling out some ground-breaking cars from each brand. While this time nothing ground-breaking has been revealed, BMW has kept up with Mercedes recently announcing updated versions of the GLE and GLE Coupe by revealing the refreshed X5 and X6.

As expected with a mild refresh, nothing completely brand new can be found. BMW has slightly slimmed the front headlights of the X5 and X6 while the kidney grille is now illuminated. The xLine is now the base variant for the X5, while the M Sport package is standard on the X6. The M Sport package Pro is available for the top-of-the-line X5 and X6.

The interior is where some of the major upgrades can be found with the new BMW Curved Display integrated to a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment display inside one single panel. What’s more, the climate control settings are now available in the touch panel with additional features like AR-integrated HUD, panoramic glass sunroof, and Bowers & Wilkins audio system also on offer.

The next round of improvements comes in the powertrain department with four powertrains for the X5 - the X5 xDrive50e, the X5 M60i xDrive, the X5 xDrive40i, and the X5 xDrive30d - and X6 available with M60i xDrive, xDrive40i and xDrive30d variants.

The X6 M60i and X5 M60i utilize a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 producing 530bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The big highlight is the mild-hybrid xDrive50e that combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, both of which produce a combined 489bhp and 700Nm of torque and are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 25.7kWh battery pack gives the SUV  an electric-only range of between 94 to 110 km according to the WLTP cycle.

The autonomous driving and parking systems have also been updated with the front-collision warning system now having the ability to reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Safety tech options like automatic Speed Limit Assist, Active Navigation, route speed control, traffic light recognition, Emergency Stop Assistant, Lane Change Assistant and Merging Assistant have also been added.