BMWs add battery to power X5/X6 M Competition

BMW has released a new reworked version of its high-performance cars in the luxury Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segments.

BMW M competition

The BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition, which boast new 48V technology, a new engine and modifications that will boost performance and economy.

What’s new?

From the outside, the M models have an increased presence all thanks to the new front-end design. Both models now have new matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling main lights so they don’t blind oncoming traffic.

It can be specced with M Shadowline lights, but the most distinguishable feature is the BMW kidney grille in all-black giving both models an even more aggressive stance. The kidney-grille bars and the enlarged model badging adds some eye-catching touches.

Both models come as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels at the front paired with 22-inch M light-alloy rims at the rear. They include a new variant in a Jet Black solid finish.

At the heart of the design updates for the interior of the new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition is the BMW Curved Display. This gives the M-typical cockpit with a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display of 14.9-inches with a single glass surface incorporating both.

The control display’s touchscreen enables digital control of numerous functions, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of buttons. The lane departure warning function has been upgraded with the addition of lane return with steering assistance.

A broad interior trim strip in Fineline Black wood with a high-gloss metal effect, is one of the new features added to the cars. Other features include an ambient light bar with effective backlighting.

Under the bonnet:

The BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition are the first high-performance models from BMW M GmbH to feature 48V technology.

It now includes an electric motor integrated in the compact housing of the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, and it delivers up to 9 kW of additional drive power and 200 Nm of torque. It also functions as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator. The battery is charged through energy recuperation under braking.

BMW has not said what the pricing would be for both models.

The new BMW X5 M Competition and the new BMW X6 M Competition will be available in South Africa from the 3rd quarter of 2023.

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