In the United States, the BMW X5 was the brand’s best-selling vehicle last year. In Canada, it ranks second, just behind the BMW X3. This means that its importance is crucial within the brand. To maintain this performance, just like that of its sibling, the BMW X6, the manufacturer is making mid-cycle changes for 2024 by introducing new engines, an improved plug-in hybrid version and a tweaked interior.
Regular heat engines are getting a makeover. In addition to improvements inherent in a new generation of engines, they now both feature 48-volt mild-hybrid technology that includes a 12-hp electric motor and 147 lb-ft of torque. This electrical impulse helps to smooth the operation of the stop-start system, but also to improve engine operation in certain circumstances, such as when coasting when the Eco Pro driving mode is selected.
In the case of the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that powers the xDrive40i versions of both models, power reaches 375 horsepower and torque, 398 lb-ft. This is an increase of 40 horsepower and 51 lb-ft respectively. For the V8 that equips the M60i versions, replacing the M50i versions, it delivers 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. These two engines are mated to a revised eight-speed automatic transmission.
A recharged plug-in hybrid
The plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X5 is not to be outdone in terms of modifications. First, it drops the name xDrive45e to switch to xDrive50e, which comes with a new 6-cylinder-in-line and a more powerful electric motor. This, integrated into the automatic transmission, provides 194 horsepower — an increase of 83 horsepower — and a total torque of 331 lb-ft. Combined power therefore reaches 483 horsepower — 94 more than last year — and 516 lb-ft, figures that come pretty close to the M60i performance version. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is done in 4.8 seconds.
The electric range is also boosted due to a new battery whose usable capacity has increased from 17 kilowatt hours to 25.7 kilowatt hours. The manufacturer estimates that the vehicle will be able to travel 64 kilometers in electric mode according to the EPA cycle. In addition, the on-board charger can now accept 7.4 kilowatts of power, twice as much as before. Towing capacity is not confirmed.
Improved styling
On the outside, the slimmed-down headlights and the reworked grille are the most striking elements. This grille can now be illuminated on the xDrive40i and xDrive50e versions, whereas this feature was previously reserved for the more expensive models. The bumpers are also reworked, as are the taillights, which now have an X-shaped approach on the X5, as if to mimic the vehicle’s name. In the case of the M60i versions, both vehicles have exclusive design elements and reserved colors.
Unsurprisingly, the passenger compartment follows the same path as the brand’s other models. The entire digital interface is replaced by the BMW Curved Display, a piece of glass that hides a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen and a 14.9-inch multimedia screen. These screens contain the so-called iDrive 8 interface, which is more ergonomic and simple to use.
As for the driving assistance systems, they are also improved with, among other things, the possibility of semi-autonomous driving on the highway. The vehicle can be driven hands-free at a speed of less than 130 km/h under certain conditions. The automated parking assistant is also improved.
Pricing for the 2024 X5 xDrive40i version is $86,000, excluding freight and prep, an increase of $5,300 from 2023. The plug-in hybrid version sees its price jump $7,000 to $90,500. Production of the 2024 BMW X5 and X6 will begin next April at the plant in Spartanburg, USA.
