With LCI, BMW has completely redesigned the headlights while switching from laser technology to matrix LED technology. The new light clusters are significantly thinner and incorporate a pair of outward-facing arrow-shaped daytime running lights. A slightly more slanted grille is fitted, and on the M60i you get the M badge to echo the M850i facelift that debuted about a year ago.
We are talking about the X5 xDrive50e and X6 M60i, which replace the xDrive45e and M50i respectively. As before, you can get both SUVs under the M Performance guise, but only the regular-spec model is offered with the PHEV setup. If you’re wondering about color, the X5 in xLine specs has an eye-catching Blue Ridge Mountain paint while the coupe-style X6 comes in Atlantis Blue.
Just a mid-cycle update, the side configuration has barely changed. However, BMW offers new paint colors and alloy wheel designs depending on the version. On the X5 xDrive50e there is an “electrified by i” badge mounted under the charging port cover on the left front fender. Speaking of which, the PHEV version comes standard with the xLine interface.
Moving to the rear, the X5 gets revised taillights with an “X” pattern while the X6 gets a glossy black rear spoiler along with a body-colored diffuser. Like last year’s M760e, the M60i has a four-pipe exhaust, which will transition to the M135i LCI and X1 M35i later this year. Inside, the X5 and X6 2024 share iDrive 8 with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen housed in a single curved glass. BMW has simplified the center console by removing most of the usual control buttons, while shrinking the center air vent to fit the larger screen. On the passenger side of the dashboard, a new ambient light bar has an “X” on the regular versions or an “M” on the Spicy M60i and M versions.
All variants of the BMW X5 and X6 will enter production next month in Spartanburg. Going forward, the top-of-the-line M will be sold strictly as a competitive model.