2023 BMW X5 and X6: Prices, specs and release date
- Facelift for BMW’s X5 SUV and X6 coupe-SUV
- Visual changes, extra features and more power and longer range for plug-in hybrids
- New infotainment system
- Mild-hybrid assistance for all engines, including new 4.4-litre V8
- On sale now, due to arrive in April 2023
With rival Mercedes rolling out updates to its SUV range, BMW has followed suit by giving its ever-popular X5 and X6 SUVs a fairly substantial overhaul for 2023.
As well as visual changes, the interior gains an upgraded infotainment system and a new curved display to show it on. A few of the controls have been moved around and all models now get wooden trim as standard.
There are changes under the bonnet too, with mild-hybrid assistance for all engines, and even a new 4.4-litre V8 to choose from. The plug-in hybrid model gets a boost in power and extra electric-only range.
BMW hopes the updates will keep both the X5 and X6 on top of the tree against talented opposition in a crowded luxury SUV marketplace.
2023 BMW X5 and X6 prices and release date
The new BMW X5 and BMW X6 are available to order right now, with cars arriving in April 2023. Prices start at £66,320 for the X5 and £72,430 for the X6. Those prices represent a small jump up for the X5, but a larger rise for the X6. To compare to close opposition, X5 rivals include the Porsche Cayenne, which starts at £67,400, and the Audi Q7, which starts at £64,865. The X6 targets cars like the Cayenne Coupe, starting at £70,300, and the recently revised Mercedes GLE Coupe, which is considerably pricier with a starting cost of £92,810.
2023 BMW X5 and X6 styling, interior and technology
The changes to the X5 and X6 are broadly the same as each other. The company’s latest (sometimes divisive) styling decisions have been applied again, with revisions to the front bumpers and new slim adaptive headlights as standard, which are darkened on M Shadowline models. The grilles are new, and on cars with the M Sport Pro pack light up when you open the doors. The LED taillights are new, too, with an X motif on the X5 and an L shape on the X6. The X6 also sports new trapezoidal exhausts
Inside, there’s a dominant new infotainment display across the dashboard. Imaginatively called the Curved Display by BMW, and previously seen in the facelifted 3 Series, it actually comprises two screens – a 12.3-inch unit behind the steering wheel, and a 14.9-inch display in the centre of the dash – mounted on a curved panel behind a single pane of glass. It runs the latest infotainment software, called BMW Operating System 8.
As a result of the new display, some controls have been moved around or even removed completely – something BMW touts as a benefit for sleeker design, but some may bemoan. For example, the climate control system is now operated via the touchscreen rather than with physical controls. Other changes include relocated air vents, an ambient light bar in front of the passenger with the model name incorporated into it, as well as the M logo on top-spec cars. A new, smaller gear selector sits between the front seats.
BMW’s Comfort Pack is now a standard feature, and includes seat heating in the front and outer rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests and heated or cooled cupholders.
2023 BMW X5 and X6 engines, performance and fuel economy
There are some fairly substantial changes under the surface of the new BMW X5 and X6. The X5 gets a new plug-in hybrid model called the xDrive50e, replacing the older model. It uses a 313PS, 3.0-litre, straight-six petrol engine and a 197PS electric motor, combining to create a total of 490PS – 96PS more than the old PHEV X5. As well as serious acceleration (0-62mph takes 4.8 seconds), the electric-only range of the PHEV is improved, and it can now manage up to 68 miles without using petrol.
All engines in both X5 and X6 now get mild-hybrid assistance, and on the X6 xDrive40i it can even be used for low-speed electric-only driving – not something that’s common for mild hybrids.
The two M models – the X5 M60i xDrive and the X6 M60i xDrive – have an all-new 4.4-litre V7 engine, which makes 530PS. The X6 xDrive40i also gets a new engine in the form of a 380PS 3.0-litre straight six. That output is 47PS more than its predecessor.
On the diesel front, the xDrive30d models in both X5 and X6 have been reworked to improve fuel economy and emissions, with new internals and enhanced oil separation and injection systems.
As if that wasn’t enough, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is new too, with improved efficiency, shift timing and vibration damping, and a new launch control feature.
All this means that there are three models to choose from on each car. For the X5 the range starts with the 298PS xDrive40d, which promises a fuel economy of up to 39.8mpg. The xDrive50e plug-in hybrid has an official figure of up to 353.1mpg, although as with all PHEVs, the real-world figure will massively depend on how you use the car. The M60i X5 premises up to 24.6mpg.
The X6 range also starts with the xDrive30d, then rises to the xDrive40i, which can give you up to 33.2mpg, while the M60i model is fractionally more efficient than the X5 version and should give you up to 24.8mpg.
New Cars Coming Soon
Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.
Is the new BMW X5 and X6 fun to drive?
Both the X5 and X6 are great to drive, a feat even more impressive when you consider their size and height. Strong engines, agile handling and feelsome steering combine to give fun in a level only really rivalled by cars like the Porsche Cayenne. Yet it’s still calm and comfortable on long journeys.
How fast are the new BMW X5 and X6?
None of the X5 and X6 models are exactly slow, with the entry-level xDrive30d models giving you a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds. The fastest models are the two M60i cars, which will hit 62mph from standstill in 4.3 seconds. That said, refreshed versions of high-performance X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition cars are on the way later in 2023, and they’ll be faster still.
What sizes are the new BMW X5 and X6?
The X5 measures 4,935mm in length and 2,004mm wide, while the X6 is the same width and slightly longer at 4,960mm. For comparison, the Mercedes GLE SUV is 4,924mm long and 1,947mm wide.
I'm keeping my BMW X5 10 years, should I use a dealer for servicing?
