Following a significant refresh for its mid-size X5 and X6 SUVs, BMW has turned its attention to their performance-oriented M counterparts. For 2024, the Competition Package, which adds 17 horsepower and some aesthetic accents, is not only standard on the X5 M and X6 M, it’s also the only variant available. The pair also offer many of the updates seen on the non-M models, including new mild-hybrid technology and a curved touchscreen display with BMW’s latest iDrive 8 operating system. While the SUVs’ specs carry over largely unchanged, BMW says several performance improvements will be realized behind the wheel.
Related: New Hybrid Powertrains for Refreshed 2024 BMW X5, X6 Lineup
Electrified V-8 Brings Familiar Power
The X5 and X6 M Competitions are the first of BMW’s M lineup to gain the mild-hybrid tech shared with the upcoming X5 and X6 and already found on vehicles like the 2023 X7 SUV and 7 Series sedan. The M Competition SUVs’ twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine is updated with an electric motor and a 48-volt battery, but it retains its maximum power and torque ratings of 617 horses and 553 pounds-feet, respectively. Also unchanged is the 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph, which can be bumped to 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
The Competition Heats Up
On paper, it doesn’t look like much has changed when it comes to the X5 and X6 M Competition’s performance (same output, 0-60 and top speed), but according to BMW, the specs don’t tell the whole story. The automaker says the powertrain updates will offer noticeable benefits, including improved acceleration both off the line and mid-range, sharper response and improved efficiency. Fuel-economy ratings for the new M models are not yet available, but both outgoing models with the M Competition Package get an EPA-rated 13/18/15 mpg city/highway/combined.
In addition to the new mild-hybrid V-8, BMW says the SUVs’ performance is elevated thanks to a series of technical improvements. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission gets new gear ratios for sharper shifts; an updated traction control system for the standard all-wheel-drive system is more responsive when accelerating or cornering; and enhanced body rigidity and suspension tuning result in more precise handling. Driving dynamics can once again be adjusted with three selectable modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
M Competition Exterior
The exterior elements that set the outgoing M Competition SUVs apart from the standard models include larger lower air intakes, blacked-out grilles, large rear diffusers and quad exhaust pipes. The 2024 models feature additional black trim for the grille surround, mirror caps, rear diffuser and tailpipes. A refreshed front end sports narrower headlights, larger badging on the all-black kidney grille and an X-shaped feature formed by the grille and lower air intake. The X6 adds a lip spoiler that improves aerodynamics, says BMW, while the X5 gets a new L-shaped taillight design shared with other models.
The M Competition models once again ride on staggered 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rear wheels wrapped in performance tires. A trio of new metallic exterior paint colors is added for 2024, which will allow shoppers to choose from a palette of 50 different paint finishes.
New Tech Hits the Big Screen
More notable than the exterior refinements is the new technology found inside. The SUVs are the latest to get BMW’s single curved display screen that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch center touchscreen, and it replaces the outgoing dual 12.3-inch units. The system runs on BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system with an M-specific interface, and the company says it’s been optimized for touch controls and voice recognition, meaning fewer physical buttons. Interestingly, while BMW has recently removed gesture controls from the standard X5 and X3, it’s standard in the updated X5 and X6 M Competitions (for now, anyway).
Among the SUVs’ driver-assist and safety tech is the standard Parking Assistant Package, which now bundles reverse assistant and a maneuver assist. The reverse assistant stores steering movements for tight spaces and can automatically recreate them in Reverse for distances of up to roughly 650 feet; maneuver assist records up to 10 different maneuvers covering up to a similar distance each, allowing the driver to replicate them from the car or remotely through their iPhone.
Other changes inside include a slimmer instrument panel, air vents that are narrower and less visible on the instrument panel, an ambient LED light bar with an alert function for incoming calls, new carbon-fiber gearshift paddles and color combinations for the standard Merino leather upholstery.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2024 X5 M Competition starts at $123,295 (including a $995 destination fee), up $4,100 over 2023, while the X6 M Competition starts at $128,195, up $4,200. The X5 and X6 M Competitions rival performance SUVs that include the Jaguar F-Pace SVR (which starts at $90,775), Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S ($121,050), and Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($137,350). Production for the refreshed X5 and X6 M Competitions is expected to begin in April.
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