BMW is expected to reveal a mid-life update for its X5 large SUV soon, which will bring new looks inside and out as well as some mechanical tweaks.
Our spy photographers captured what’s believed to be the M60i model, understood to be replacing the current X5 M50i.
Overseas reports suggest the M60i will be powered by a version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine from the larger X7 M60i, which produces 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque – identical outputs the outgoing M50i.
This new engine is mated with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which comprises a crankshaft-mounted starter generator integrated into the transmission and contributes an additional 9kW and 200Nm.
Compared to previously spied examples, this BMW X5 M60i prototype has dropped the heavy camouflage up front to give us a clearer look of the redesigned bumper and kidney grille design.
The mid-life update also brings slimmer headlights with a revised hexagonal lighting signature, a reworked rear bumper, and quad exhaust outlets.
Inside, the updated BMW X5 is expected to receive the Curved Display, like the facelifted X7 and a growing number of BMW models, which consists a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in the same housing.
Powered by the latest iDrive 8 operating system, this new infotainment system supports over-the-air updates and offers improved personalisation, voice recognition features, and a minimalist interface with large icons.
It’s expected the sleeker X6 will receive very similar changes as part of its mid-life update.
The fourth-generation BMW X5 was revealed in 2018 and went on sale in Australia during 2019. A high-performance X5 M version was revealed in late 2019 and went on sale locally in 2020.
To the end of October this year, BMW has sold 2664 X5 models. It’s currently the top-selling luxury large SUV here, outselling the Mercedes-Benz GLE wagon (2466 sales), Land Rover Defender (1435 sales), Lexus RX (1300 sales), and Volvo XC90 (1185 sales).
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