Hybrid 48 volt system acts in standby capacity only.

‘MILD’ doesn’t mean less wild – that’s the assured status of the updated 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, now with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

Both seem set to land locally in the third quarter of 2023, pricing yet to be shared. 

Delivery to the performance SUV twins of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to boost power – but only when needed – is a new moment in M history.

The crankshaft-mounted electric motor will deliver up to 9kW and 200Nm of additional power, while also functioning as a starter generator. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and when the vehicle is coasting.

While the 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 has unchanged outputs – 460kW and 750Nm – it is BMW's latest 'S68' unit with a reinforced crankshaft drive, revised bi-symmetrical turbochargers, a new air intake duct, and a new oil pump and a weight-minimised oil sump.

One repercussion is that these editions are one-tenth slower from 0-100kmh, though with both cars hitting the speed in 3.9 seconds, they’re far from being slowcoaches. 

Power sends to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the active rear differential is also unchanged.

BMW has revised the dampers for the standard-fit adaptive M suspension to adjust stiffness in a "few milliseconds", while both vehicles also feature redesigned alloy wheels, measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.

There’s slight visual amendment, in that as with the facelifted X5 and X6, the hotshots achieve a slimmer-looking front end, with 35-millimetre narrower LED headlight units inspired by the latest X7, with arrow-shaped daytime running lamps.

The X5 M also now sports the X6's hexagonal-style kidney grille and a redesigned LED tail-light signature.

Three wheel designs avail – in bi-colour M light star-spoke style, or jet black. Both models come as standard with M Compound brakes with blue callipers. Red and black callipers are available as no-cost options.

The big interior change is the provision of BMW's latest iDrive 8 operating system, with a curved display featuring a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Most climate controls are shifted to the infotainment system, while the physical volume, radio tuning and demister buttons remain.

There's also an illuminated dash strip with M badging and reshaped air vents.

While the regular X5 and X6 range have shifted to a smaller, toggle-style gear shifter, the M Competition variants retain a carbon-fibre unit.

As standard, BMW Individual's full leather Merino trim is available in seven combinations. The new bi-colour ivory white/atlas grey combination can be tailored with a choice of the default M headliner Alcantara in anthracite or in optional ivory white.