Just last week, BMW unveiled its facelifted X5 and X6 variants, which are earmarked to go on sale in Mzansi in the third quarter of 2023.
This time around, the folks at Munich have applied the same formulae to update the brutal X5 M and X6 M Competition duo. Both the X5 and X6 M Competition models’ come with an enhanced 8-speed M Steptronic transmission that is augmented by a 48-volt starter motor, which consists of an electric motor that produces 9 kW and 200 Nm for short bursts. This is largely to counter initial turbo lag from the V8 engine.
The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 soldiers on as is with 460 kW and 750 Nm, enough to catapult both SUVs from 0-100 km/h in a Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S-threatening 3.9 seconds.
Aesthetically, the duo gets the same updates as the regular X5/X6 models, but with bits and pieces from the M basket to make up for their sporty etiquette. These come in the form of a new front-end design, new matrix LED headlights, black kidney grille, enlarged model badging plus a central lower air intake that now forms a single black x-shaped area.
Buyers who wish to add more appeal to the X6 M Competition can do so by opting for the optional carbon treatment for the exterior mirror caps and rear spoiler.
The SUVs ride on standard 21” M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22” M light-alloy items at the rear. These are upgradeable to forged M light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions as options, and include a new variant in a Jet Black solid finish.
Stepping inside, you are greeted by the new BMW Curved Display similar to the one fitted to the 7 Series for instance. The system is formed by a 12.3” instrument cluster and a 14.9” control display.
The duo now comes with a broad interior trim strip in Fineline Black fine wood with a high-gloss metal effect, an ambient light bar with effective backlighting, an M leather steering wheel plus new carbon gearshift paddles.
Offered as standard are M multifunction seats, knee pads, fine-grain Merino full leather trim and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. The options list consists of the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and a new Travel & Comfort System.
Interestingly, the refresh sees the BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition gaining some form of electrification making them the first of the brand’s high-performance products to adopt such technology. While the outgoing iteration of the duo felt badass to an extent that they felt they could devour everything on the road, the refresh further brings a lot more to be desired.
Like the regular X5 and X6 variants, the M Competition pair will launch in SA in the third quarter of 2023 when pricing will also be announced.
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