Bam! You’re looking at the facelifted 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, both of which are very quick and uglier than their pre-facelift counterparts, although not as ugly as the flagship XM SUV. However, despite the questionable front end treatment, both of these SUVs are going to sell extremely well, and they may even be a good thing for enthusiasts. Let me explain.
For motivation, both models feature BMW’s new S68B44 twin-turbocharged hot-vee 4.4-liter V8 engine in a higher state of tune than you’d find in an X7 M60i. Granted, peak figures of 517 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque are identical to that of the old models, but this new engine is an entirely different beast. For starters, it’s BMW’s first engine with electrically-controlled variable valve timing, as previous VANOS systems worked using hydraulic pressure. It also uses new turbochargers, a new crankshaft, a new block, a new sump, new everything compared to its S63 and N63 predecessors. BMW even found space for a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Of course, power doesn’t mean a whole lot if you’re unable to get it to the ground and maintain control over it, which is why the new X5 M Competition and X6 M competition get some meaningful drivetrain and chassis upgrades. A new gearbox promises sharper response and shorter ratios in first through third, the electric steering rack gets revised guts, the electromechanical braking system has been updated with new calibration, and the electrically-adjustable dampers have been re-worked too. The result of all this is a claimed zero-to-sixty time of 3.7 seconds and, with the M Driver’s Package, a top speed of 177 mph.
While much of the updated X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition’s styling is shared with the outgoing model, that new front end is busier than Grand Central Station. From vertical slats in the lower grille to horizontal slats in the kidneys to one of the most egregious filler panels since the Cadillac CT5’s fake windows, there’s a lack of harmony here that really puts a furrow in any style-conscious person’s brow. It’s really unfortunate as the outgoing X5 M Competition was a handsome SUV, but that’s the way the industry is going. Fortunately, the new tail lights look smart, with winged LED elements that offer a great signature.
However, the new front end is unlikely to put a damper on sales. If you’re wondering why I reckon the new X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition will sell well despite their looks, let me reintroduce you to something familiar. Say hello to the old boss.
This is the E70 X5 M and its hunchback brother, the E71 X6 M. Both weigh the same as a cathedral and are as reliable as the Greek banking system, but these were watershed cars in BMW’s history. Prior to these family hot rods, no SUV was deemed deserving of an M badge. The fast versions of the original X5 were badged 4.6is and 4.8is, and weren’t considered M cars.
Unsurprisingly, people hated the original X5 M. The ride was very stiff for a family SUV, the high center of gravity meant it was compromised as a driver’s car, and every BMW fan in the land lit their torches and drew their pitchforks, ready to skin the heretic alive. They never got the chance because the X5 M had an entire audience of fans.
I’m talking about people who wanted a fast family car but were getting too tired to bend down low and release their children or grandchildren from car seats. People who wanted to tow their E36 M3s to the track with another M Car. People who wanted to be king of the highway and couldn’t stand the way the Porsche Cayenne looked. Despite all the vitriol, the original X5 M found fans, just like the new one will regardless of how it looks. At $123,295 for the X5 M Competition and $128,295 for the X6 M Competition, it’s good value in the super SUV segment, so expect to see these things in affluent neighborhoods soon after the start of production this April. Hey, if these things allow BMW to fund the development of cars like the M2, so be it.
(Photo credits: BMW)
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I guess BMW is trying to make up for the ruined back ends of the cars from the Bangle years by ruining the front ends of the current ones.
It’s all about balance.
I like the way the X6 looks. It looks aggressive. In the land of SUV’s and crossovers, and minivans, they all look the same…boring as hell. If I had to get an SUV, I want it to look aggressive, go 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. If I wanted a boring and practical SUV I would get a Honda CRV or a Telluride. I don’t want practical, I want speed and a little cargo space, and I want something that looks aggressive. I have never driven the X6M, but I would like to.
I try not judge others based on their vehicle choices, I’m the woman who If I had the choice between a lambo or a mint condition R34, I wouldn’t hesitate to get the R34.
I like the side view of the green one. Butch and tough, without being overdone. Same can’t be said of the front or the back. We do so many SUVs feel the need to add 100 creases to the rear? See the current Volvos for how to do the SUV rear correctly.
At least it still has a gear shifter, the 2023 X7 now has a toggle switch/button which is blasphemy. BMW moved up the new MY 2024 for the X5/6/7 to April, likely because the 2023 X7 got the new idrive8 and other tech which has been a bug disaster, not confident it will all be sorted for the 2024s.
Ugly, they are not.
At least the X5 M gives the impression that the owner was going for the notion of practicality while still looking like a jackass.
Not the X6 M. Nope. Full scumbag.
On the plus side, if I see someone getting in or out of an X6 M, I immediately know that I want nothing to do with them.
that’s funny, I’d never buy one but I’ve always liked the M6’s. The people I know that drive M5’s (and there are ALOT around here) are the most boring people in the world.
To your point about x6 owners…only one I’ve ever seen parked was at a local trailer park and was the owners vehicle. Take from that what you will!
BMW: check out our new beaver tooth grilles!
Everyone: those are terrible, please stop.
BMW: HAHAHAHA no can do #loser #umadbro?
Everyone: they’re still terrible, please stop. We don’t want to buy them.
BMW: okay what if we skipped the beaver tooth grilles and BLACKED OUT THE ENTIRE FRONT instead?! #sorrynotsorry
Everyone: no not like that
…anyway, until people stop buying these asinine designs BMW’s design language will continue to be #trolling and they’ll keep giving us intentionally god awful exterior designs. It’s just ridiculous and I feel like it’s a microcosm of society’s issues with social media. A company should not be able to succeed by putting out terrible designs on purpose and openly mocking its customers the entire time but idiot clout chasers with more money than sense just keep buying them so they can draw as much attention to themselves as humanly possible. Who cares if you’re driving an electric green beaver? All press is good press.
It’s not a sustainable business model but it’s a very here and now one. Anyway, get off my lawn. I’ve been a BMW fan for many years but until they get their absurdly gaudy, over the top designs reigned in I won’t consider one. They used to be such a cool company dedicated to driving pleasure but much like the masses they’ve thrown it all away in the name of instant gratification and attention.
It sucks and it makes me sad. Anyway, I’m glad that the V8 is sticking around but I can’t even begin to imagine what owning this powertrain or frankly any twin turbo BMW powertrain out of warranty would be like. The B58 is rock solid but I’d imagine these probably blow up 30 seconds after the warranty and/or lease expires. And why should BMW care? They’re nothing but disposable conspicuous consumption centerpieces for the mega wealthy to play with for 1-3 years then discard like an old cell phone.
“Alright dad, that’s enough. It’s bed time”
Can i suggest all this new stuff will probably break because not fully tested. And using it as designed and advertised will void the warranty?
that’s all I could think when they were listing all the new parts of the engine. You couldn’t pay me to deal with all the repairs that are headed peoples way the first year or two as they figure it all out IRL
Can I suggest that for people who aren’t BMW obsessives, the article explain what an S68B44 engine is?
I do agree these will be sales successes and that green color is excellent. Though my money would be going to an Escalade V.
Thanks!
No worries! It totally slipped my mind, my bad.
Agreed! That Escalade V at least has personality and delicious supercharger whines compared to mute, flatulent turbocharged V8s. That said, even if they aren’t perfect, I’ll always love BMW’s S65 V8 and S85 V10 of the yore, respectively. If we’re talking powertrains, Superchargers are the next best thing after Natural Aspiration. Though, that isn’t to hate Turbos entirely as I’ll make exceptions for BMW’s own B58/N55, Audi’s Inline 5 Turbocharger, Old Subaru EJ motors, etc.
That green is beautiful.
If you plan on owning your wildly over the top SUV after the warranty you’d be insane to consider either of these. BMW Ms are a hoot when they’re new but the second they hit 50,000 miles you’re in deep, deep trouble…and there’s a reason BMW certified only tacks on a single extra year/12k of warranty….they know damn well that the things are a ticking time bomb and they’d rather the customer be left holding the bill.
Its complicated now, it use to be S for ///M engine and N/M/B for regular. But for the next gen V8 coded S68B44 they are going to have the same designations but versions within it. In the new X7 M60 it is not the full blown ///M version, the X5/6M may have it, but there might be even a better version when the next gen M5 comes out.