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BMW has updated the X5 and X6 for the 2024 model year, with narrower headlights and redesigned front bumpers on both SUVs.A new turbocharged inline-six boosts the base 40i models to 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, and, along with the M60i’s 4.4-liter V-8, BMW adds a 48-volt hybrid system.The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive 50e’s output jumps nearly 100 horsepower and should increase its electric driving range by around 10 miles.The mid-size X5 SUV was the best-selling BMW in 2022, and it now receives a host of updates for the 2024 model year, with redesigned front and rear ends, a more modern interior with a curved digital display, and a more powerful inline-six engine. The sloped-roof X6—a niche, fashion-conscious alternative to the X5—benefits from the same upgrades as its more sensible sibling, including the 48-volt hybrid system that improves the efficiency of both the inline-six and V-8 motors.We were certain that the 2024 BMW X5 and X6 would be getting the X7’s controversial split-headlight design, but BMW appears to have reversed course, opting for a more conventional look. The slimmer one-piece headlights sit either side of a revised kidney grille that looks relatively small next to the M3’s flared nostrils or the i7’s huge shield. The X5’s wider, rectangular lower intake is sandwiched by vertical vents that coax air around the fenders, boosting efficiency and giving the SUV a planted look. The X5’s taillights feature a more intricate design and the X5 now offers an illuminated grille on the 40i and 50e models.An optional M Sport package on the X5 adds a racier look with more black trim and an octagonal black lower bumper. This package is standard on the X6, and upgrading to the M60i models on both SUVs bring unique details like quad exhaust pipes, black trim, and a small rear spoiler on the X6. Inside, the dashboard looks more chiseled, with thin air vents and a simplified center console that ditches the traditional gear lever for a small toggle switch. Atop the dash is BMW’s new curved display that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen on one long piece of glass, running the latest version of BMW’s iDrive operating system. A new ambient light bar glows in front of the passenger seat, and BMW also added a puddle light and pulsating welcome lights in the door opening for a little pizzazz as you enter the vehicles. The seats are now wrapped in a vegan leather-like material called Sensafin.The biggest news is more power for all of the X5 and X6’s powertrain choices. The base 40i has a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with increased horsepower and torque for new totals of 375 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 in the M60i models is a new unit but makes the same 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque as the previous V-8-powered M50i. Both of these engines have 48-volt hybrid systems with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmissions. xDrive all-wheel drive remains standard on all but the X5’s base sDrive40i model, which has rear-wheel drive.BMW also updated the X5’s plug-in-hybrid model to produce more power and offer greater electric range. It’s now called xDrive50e, compared with last year’s xDrive45e, and has a total output of 483 hp—nearly 100 hp more than before. This is thanks to a revised turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine that now uses the Miller cycle and a significantly more powerful electric motor. The battery now offers 25.7 kWh of usable capacity and BMW estimates the hybrid X5 will have an EPA range figure of around 40 miles, compared with 31 miles previously.The adaptive M suspension with adjustable dampers comes standard on both X6 models and the X5 M60i, and is optional on the X5 40i variants. The xDrive50e, meanwhile, comes standard with air suspension that is optional on other models. The M60i models come with standard rear-wheel steering, and all X5s and X6s come with 20-inch wheels, with the choice of upgrading to 21- or 22-inch wheels with performance tires. There is also an optional new Highway Assistant feature that allows for hands-free driving on highways, as long as the driver stays focused on the road and cars around them.The 2024 X5 sDrive40i’s $66,195 base price increases over the 2023 model by $3600, with all-wheel drive costing an additional $2300. The plug-in-hybrid xDrive50e will open at $73,495, about $7000 more expensive than the outgoing PHEV, while the M60i’s $90,295 starting price represents a nearly $4000 hike. The simpler X6 range sees similar increases, with the xDrive40i starting at $74,895 and the M60i going for $94,595. We don’t yet have details on the performance-oriented X5 M and X6 M versions, but they are likely to receive similar visual updates and possible powertrain enhancements. Production of the standard 2024 X5 and X6 models will begin in April of this year, and we expect to learn more about the full-fledged M models in the coming months.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Since we started Lightning Lap back in 2006, the LL3 pricing class has always been the sweet spot of performance, the best bang for the buck. LL2 often has more contestants, but it doesn’t quite have the firepower of LL3: German, Japanese, and American cars that seat two, four, or five. Coupes. SUVs. Sedans. LL3 has it all. And LL3 now has a new high mark in the form of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and its 2:38.6 lap.Lots More DetailWe say the best bang for the buck because European and Japanese cars have to compete with the American metal that almost always undercuts the overseas competition. Corvettes compete with Camaros, Ford Mustang GT500s, Cadillac Vs, some AMG 63s, BMW Ms, and more. We adjusted the class breakdowns this year, so LL3 now covers cars with a base price between $75,000 and $139,999. And no, we didn’t set that upper limit based on the Z06’s pricing. (Reminder, when we discuss base price in Lightning Lap stories, that price includes performance-enhancing options.)An American has always held the crown of LL3 champ. A C6 Z06 was the first (2006 model) and second (2007 model) LL3 champ, with times at Lightning Lap 1 and 2 of 3:01.1 and 2:58.6, respectively. Next to hold the belt was a Dodge Viper SRT10 in a one-off test where it dropped the LL3 time by 1.2 seconds. But then came the third Lightning Lap installment. If you aren’t familiar, check it out. There were some heavy hitters at that one, including the Nissan GT-R (LL3), Ferrari 430 Scuderia (LL5), Mosler MT900S (LL5), and the second-generation Cadillac CTS-V (LL2). Also in the group was the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (LL3) that turned a 2:48.6, a 10.0-second improvement in LL3 cars. A sub 2:50 at that time was pretty nuts and the only thing faster was the Mosler (2:45.9). In part because that was such a big jump, the ACR remained the LL3 target until the ninth Lightning Lap, where the 650-hp Corvette Z06 (a C7) turned a 2:44.6. At Lightning Lap 14, a Mustang Shelby GT500 would exactly match it. Which brings us back to the incredible lap laid down by the new Corvette Z06. The Corvette went to a mid-engine layout so it could perform better on racetracks. Its 2:38.6 isn’t only a new LL3 record, it is the fastest lap by a car with a naturally aspirated engine and the fifth fastest in Lightning Lap history. Everything else faster is in the LL5 class and costs at least twice as much. That alone is enough for celebration. More

Lightning Lap 2023 is here, and we know you have questions. Why did certain cars not make the cut? How many tires do we consume over the course of three days? Who makes the best pour-over coffee, and why is it Carlos Lago? We’re here to tackle all your most pressing queries—and ones about the minivan—on Reddit this Wednesday, February 8.At noon ET on Wednesday, our latest Ask Me Anything (AMA) will kick off in Reddit’s r/cars community. There’s already been a healthy bit of Lightning Lap 16 discussion over there, and we want to provide you with all the insight we couldn’t fit into the feature. Expect some healthy discussions about the RS3’s Pirelli Trofeo R tires, the emotional toll of pursuing the perfect lap time, and why you think you can beat Jack Fitzgerald’s on-foot time despite not running since high-school cross country.Lightning Laps New and OldDuring the AMA, you’ll get the chance to ask questions to editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga, executive editor K.C. Colwell, testing director Dave VanderWerp, senior technical editor David Beard, technical editor Dan Edmunds, and deputy editor for video Carlos Lago. If this is your first Lightning Lap, welcome! This is our 16th time running the event, which takes place at Virginia International Raceway on its 4.1-mile Grand Course configuration. It is a true measure of a car’s limits, testing everything from cornering to braking to whether or not the shift knob will break free from its moorings mid-lap. Don’t forget to take a look at this year’s results to get those inquisitive juices flowing ahead of tomorrow’s AMA. More