(February 23. 2023)  — Dynamic flair, a powerful presence, and modern luxury define the character of the new 2024 BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle and 2024 X6 M Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M will now be offered exclusively as Competition models — with a new V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology delivering a maximum output of 617 horsepower, exterior design updates, and the latest-generation iDrive control/operation system, complete with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.

The new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition will make their public debut at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March, and production will begin at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in April. The competence center for BMW X models also hosts production of the BMW X3 M, the BMW X4 M and the BMW XM – the first high-performance vehicle from BMW M GmbH with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

With the latest generation of drivetrain technology for the new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition, BMW M GmbH is forging ahead with electrification. In these new vehicles, 48V mild-hybrid technology makes its debut with BMW M, enhancing a new V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology. Together, the boost provided by the electric motor and the high-revving character of the V8 engine take the performance for which M cars are renowned to an even more compelling level.

The electric motor, complete with power electronics, is integrated into the compact housing of the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and delivers an additional up to 12 hp of output and 147 lb-ft of torque. The result is a noticeably more rapid power delivery, enabling the powertrain to respond to every movement of the accelerator.

The surge of power continues steadily into the upper reaches of the rev range. For the driver, this means extremely spirited and assured performance, both when accelerating off the line and during mid-range acceleration. With the electric motor supporting the combustion engine under steady loads, in many situations the engine can work within an optimum load window, thus increasing its efficiency.

The energy required for the additional electrical power is stored in a 48V battery in the engine compartment. The battery is charged through adaptive recuperation under braking and on the overrun, and also supplies the electrical system with the recuperated energy. The electric motor also works as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator. This ensures the combustion engine sparks to life smoothly, something the driver will notice in the operation of Auto Start Stop function; the 48V generator shuts off the engine with minimal vibration and starts it up again unobtrusively.

The new S68 4.4-liter V8 engine in the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition is notable for its sharper response and increased efficiency compared to its predecessor. As well as a cross-bank exhaust manifold, the engine now also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging – mounted close to the exhaust manifold and with an electrically controlled blow-off valve – plus a new air intake duct, a new vane-type oil pump and a weight-optimized plastic oil sump.

A willingness to rev and seamless power delivery define the new V8 engine. It produces its peak torque of 553 lb-ft between 1,800 and 5,800 rpm and generates a maximum output of 617 hp at 6,000 rpm. The new BMW X5 M Competition and new BMW X6 M Competition each accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The top speed of both models is electronically limited to 155 mph, or 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The new V8 engine produces suitably dramatic sounds from the standard M Sport exhaust system, which features dual-branch pipes with large cross sections, high-capacity silencers, electrically controlled flaps and two pairs of tailpipes with Black Chrome finishers positioned either side of the rear apron in customary M fashion. New catalytic converters also reduce the engine’s emissions.

In addition to the electric motor that has been incorporated for the 48V mild-hybrid system, the updated 8-Speed M Steptronic gearbox benefits from new gear ratios and a sharper shift action. The shorter ratios in the first three gears are ideal for accelerating hard off the line, while the transmission’s wider ratio spread increases the drive system’s overall efficiency. Shift sharpness benefits greatly from the transmission’s refined hydraulic control featuring a direct-acting pressure regulator valve.

The torque converter has been tuned to match the performance characteristics of the new V8 engine. A new cast-aluminum oil sump with cooling fins and increased capacity optimizes transmission temperature control as well as helping to keep it supplied with lubricant under high lateral acceleration.

The new BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition are each fitted with a hydraulically damped transmission mount which, like the two engine mounts, has a very high spring rate. This results in a noticeably more rigid connection between the entire drivetrain and the body structure, enabling power from the entire drivetrain to be deployed as directly as possible while enhancing handling by minimizing flex.