Updated BMW X5 M, X6 M Competition get 625hp MHEV powertrain

BMW has updated the performance-oriented X5 M Competition and the X6 M Competition SUVs after releasing details about the refreshed India-bound X5. The high-riding pair will also be the first M-tuned cars from BMW to be fitted with a hybrid-assisted powertrain – a crankshaft-mounted electric motor, powered by a 48V battery.

1. X5 M, X6 M Competition get hybrid tech
2. Total power output now at 625hp
3. X5 facelift likely to launch here this year

BMW X5 M Competition, X6 M Competition: hybrid powertrain

This mild-hybrid set-up supplements their predecessors’ upgraded 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 – on its own delivering 613hp and 750Nm – with an extra 12hp and 200Nm when called upon. The new motor has been brought in to boost the SUVs mid-range, with both cars shifting from 80-121kph in 3.2sec in fourth gear. Top speed is limited to 250kph, but can be raised to 290kph as part of the optional M Driver’s Package. This updated power is again sent through BMW’s M Steptronic eight-speed gearbox to all four wheels, although both have a rear bias. They also continue to get an Active M differential at the rear and Adaptive M suspension, now with reworked dampers, as standard.

Despite the updated motor, standing acceleration is 0.1sec slower than the outgoing X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, with both cars hitting 100kph in 3.9sec.

BMW X5 M Competition, X6 M Competition: styling tweaks

Big changes have been made to how the SUVs look. Their front ends now feature the brand’s new, open, blacked-out kidney grilles, bringing them in line with other performance BMW models, although stubbier than the M3’s controversial 'teeth'. Gaping air vents add to the “muscular” look and aid in engine and brake cooling. Other touches include twin dual M Sport exhausts as standard, forged alloy wheels (21-inch at the front and 22-inch at the rear), slimmer LED headlights and Competition badges. The rakish X6 M Competition gets a black spoiler lip.

Inside, there are similar luxuries as before. It is clad in merino leather, features the dashboard-wide BMW iDrive curved screen and is fitted with carbon-fibre shifters. Both SUVs will replace the current BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M in the German carmaker’s global line-up, and they will be built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US, with production starting in April. They will share a production line with the X3 M, X4 M and XM.

What do you think about the BMW's first hybrid M-tuned SUVs? Let us know in the comments below.