For those to whom hybrids are anathema, their spread across many automakers’ line-ups ensures the goodness of internal combustion engines will survive ever-tightening government regulations.
While that may sound like bad news, it actually isn’t. Hybrid technology improves fuel efficiency while giving a healthy boost to performance.
Exhibit A: the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, which receive an extensive midcycle refresh and are the first high-performance M vehicles to receive 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification. But, in addition, they will now be offered solely in Competition trim.
Are you still upset? Don’t be. Check out the details.
The numbers
The new 48-volt mild-hybrid makes its inaugural appearance in the BMW M line with an electric motor integrated into the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and brings with it 12 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
It accompanies a new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that generates a total combined output of 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, good enough to people these sport utility vehicles from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed for both models is limited to 155 mph, or 177 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is ordered. All-wheel drive is standard.
Clearly, this ain’t no Prius.
More than merely power
BMW also worked on adjusting these BMWs’ undercarriage components, enhancing the rigidity of each car’s rear and adding model-specific underfloor struts to the front. Redesigned electromagnetic dampers react to steering input, road surface conditions, and body motion from sensor data.
To increase stability at high speeds, there are new toe-in values, a tunnel bridge and thrust arms. The cars also get a new steering system with variable steering ratio and speed-sensitive power assist.
And the driver can modify it using the M Setup menu.
When it comes time to stop, BMW fitted the vehicles with six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with 15.6-inch perforated discs up front and single-piston, floating caliper 15-inch discs at the rear. Their standard finish is blue, but buyers can also specify red or black. The braking system’s feel can be adjusted through the M Setup menu, providing comfort- or sport-oriented performance.
Wardrobe updates
Of course, all of this goodness can’t be furnished with a bit of fresh fashion, and BMW delivers that as well.
As you might expect of a midcycle update, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition receive a dose of rhinoplasty, with a black twin-kidney grille now boasting horizontal slats and is set into a black section of the front fascia whose shape recalls that of Lexus’ spindle grille. It’s all bookended by slimmer headlights with arrow-shaped daytime running lights and turn signals.
Inside, you’ll find both the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition are now fitted with a mammoth standard curved display containing a 12.3-inch instrument gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen running BMW’s iDrive 8 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The standard M leather steering wheel is fitted with new carbon fiber designed gearshift paddles. The instrument panel is now trimmed in leather, while the air vents are slimmer than before and ambient lighting has been redesigned. It’s all finished in standard carbon fiber trim, although black wood trim and silver ash root open pore wood trim are available.
Production of the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition will begin at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina in April 2023. Look for the new models to reach showrooms come summer.
Prices start at $123,295 for the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition, a $4,100 increase from 2023 and $128,195 for the X6 M Competition, a $4,200 bump from 2023. Both prices include a $995 destination and handling charge.
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- Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/02/first-look-2024-bmw-x5-m-competition-and-x6-m-competition/