Refreshed BMW X5 M & X6 M Competition Debuts With MHEV Powertrains

BMW unveiled the facelifted X5 and X6 SUVs duo earlier this month, so it’s natural that both their respective X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition  performance flagships received a similar refresh. BMW did just that earlier today, both sporting mild nip-tucks plus a revised mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain.

The big news is that output remains the same for both at 616 HP and 750 NM. However, the signature twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is partially-electrified via a newly added 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. Said MHEV hardware is mounted in the housing of the 8-speed automatic box and provides an additional 12 HP and 199 NM.

Notably, said transmission has been refined with sharper shifts and shorter ratios for the first three cogs. BMW claims 0-100 KM/H takes just 3.9 seconds for both cars, as well as a 249 KM/H V-max in both. Top speed can be raised further to 290 KM/H should you opt for the optional M Driver’s Pack.

BMW further claims that the hybrid assistance provides better performance when accelerating off the line. Additionally, the firm also claims that the MHEV system improves upon fuel efficiency, but the Bavarian marque hasn’t released any figures to back this claim up just yet.

On the styling front, both now sport Lexus-shaped black-out sections up front, new kidney grilles now finished with a blacked-out look, slimmer LED lighting, not forgetting new forged wheels too. Also new is the engine cover which can be specified in carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic as an option too.

BMW does note also that both the X5 and X6 have been “extensively modified” and that there’s “sharper responses and increased efficiency”. This likely stems from things like the revised new air intake, new oil pump, plus re-tuned dampers for the adaptive suspension suite.

On board, the cabin is treated with the same update as the rest of the BMW range, by which we mean it gets new curved screens consisting of a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit. Carbon fibre cabin trimmings are standard, but buyers are offered a bevy of options too like Fineline Black or Silver Ash Root Open Pore wood.

Hit the comments section below with your thoughts of BMW’s refreshed super-SUV duo.