The (F9x) X5M and X6M get a refresh

[R!Yo]

BRUTE FORCE GETS A NEW FACE

When the refreshed 2023 G05/6 BMW X5 and X6 were revealed in early Feb this year, we had a suspicion that the X5M and X6M variants would follow suit. No longer waiting months for the Ms to break cover! Production is set to begin in April 2023 and a proper debut is set for the Concours d'Elegance.

The M Competition variants of the X5 and X6 continue to use the 4.4lt twin-turbo V8 but gain a 48v mild-hybrid system. A crankshaft-mounted electric motor, making 9 kW and 199 Nm integrates into the 8-speed auto transmission. We expected a bump in power owing to this, however; the refreshed models have the same total output as the pre-LCI by producing 460 kW of power and 750 Nm of torque. Thus, the extra "bump" would be received only when called upon.



The V8 engine was reworked with new components: cross-bank exhaust manifold, reinforced crankshaft drive, an electrically controlled blow-off valve for the turbos, a revised air intake duct, and a vane-type oil pump. An M Sport exhaust comes standard and has updated catalytic converters that reduce emissions. BMW also updated the transmission: shorter gear ratios for the first three cogs and a new cast-aluminium oil sump has cooling fins and increased fluid capacity.

BMW claims the hybrid assistance provides better performance when accelerating off the line and also improves fuel efficiency, but the brand isn't announcing specific mpg figures just yet.



The biggest changes to the new X5M & X6M however are from an aesthetic perspective. Their front ends now feature BMW's new open, blacked-out kidney grilles with horizontal slats. Larger, gaping air ducts, that would no doubt aid cooling. They also feature new, slimmer headlights with chevron-shaped DRLs. At the rear, all remains the same except for updated taillights. New exterior colors include Isle of Man Green metallic and Frozen Pure Grey metallic.

No pricing yet for the S.A market but as the current pre-LCI X5M and X6M Competitions stand at R2.9m and R3.0m respectively, we can expect a significant bump of about 10% on both models (roughly based on the UK market bump).

So.... if you're in the market for a large SAV, would you be sticking with the new X5M and X6M Comps? or looking elsewhere? .....💬💬

[SOURCE: BMW M]

 

[momo1]

looks great imo, also glad there are no out of proportion grills for these heavies

 

[Spanky]

These look surprisingly decent!

 

[TurboLlew]

Really like the X5!

 

[///Maniac]

2005 called and wants the "gloss black between upper and lower grilles" back. Golf 5 GTi much? Apart from that these are stunning in my opinion.

 

[DonovanPorter]

i like this refresh

 

[AudiDriver]

I don't like them at all, to be honest. My money would still buy a Defender...


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[MR_Y]

I don't like them at all, to be honest. My money would still buy a Defender...


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Also not a fan of the design. Though not a Defender fan.

 

[dajee]

i like the refresh!!

 

[GravityLee]

BMW has definitely been stepping it up when it comes to LCI refreshes in the past couple of iterations. Really significant and impactful changes as opposed to prior mild tweaks.