Next-Gen BMW X5/X6 to Lose Weight, Gain 4-Cylinder, Plug-in Hybrid Versions
BMW’s next-generation X5 and X6 SUVs aren’t slated to hit the market for nearly half a decade so you might be surprised to hear that there there’s already an extensive plan in place for their development. According to a report by Automobile Magazine, the two utes will go on a significant diet, while numerous new engine options will be tossed into the mix.
Reducing weight, as all automakers are these days, the new X5/X6 will drop as much as 330 lbs compared to the current model. While lighter components will be used to achieve this goal, there will be some performance tradeoffs with BMW’s torque-vectoring rear differential getting tossed in the process.
As for powertrians, loo for the addition of a 4-cylinder model, although it’s unlikely to make it to North America. Currently in use on the BMW X1 xDrive28i model, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 245-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in that model. A 4-cylinder diesel is also an option. Another fuel economy leader will be a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 350-hp inline-six mated to a 110-hp electric motor and a new 9-speed automatic transmission. Both M versions will continue to be offered, although with less significant changes, continuing to use the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with a slight bump in power and a more significant 10 to 15 percent increase in fuel economy. Finally, there’s a powerful diesel option being considered, with a new turbocharged inline-six that is so powerful it could carry the 50d badge.
[Source: Automobile]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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