Poor BMW. It has gone from high style to bad style. It stumps everyone that follows design trends and concepts that the German automaker keeps swinging and missing when it comes to styling. While the negative reaction from buyers is expected to force some design department soul-searching, the just released images of its X5 and X6 M SUVs show the company continuing to beat its cars with the ugly stick. 

The BMW X5 and X6 design is bad, but what about the performance?

These are great cars if you can blindfold yourself before entering one. From arbitrary sculpturing to awkward angles and unfortunate blackout treatments, its looks are most unfortunate. At least the grilles are not overwrought as on other BMWs. 

While the design shows no improvement, the performance and interior most certainly do. Its twin-turbo V8 heartbeat gets help from a 48V hybrid addition. The 617 hp Competition version receives a reinforced crankshaft, better turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, and more. Its new designation is S68.

What are the performance numbers for the BMW X5 and X6?

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission now has an addition with the hybrid engine housed inside. These changes bring “sharper response and increased efficiency,” it says. Looking at the numbers, the power, zero-to-60 times, and 155 mph top speed are the same as previous Competition figures. 

So with no performance improvement, we must assume introducing hybrid systems helps transition buyers to the inevitable all-electric BMW. Of course, M versions receive all-wheel drive xDrive, Active M differential, M Sport exhaust, M compound brakes, and Adaptive M Suspension Professional improvements. 

Are the BMW X5 and X6 interiors improved?

Inside, the M greets drivers with its curved display. The panel includes a 14.9-inch infotainment screen alongside a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. BMW’s Operating System 8 controls what’s displayed. A head-up display and a single button on the center console to control settings are part of BMW’s M setup menu. 

Carbon fiber trim highlights the cabin, but Fineline Black wood and Silver Ash Root open-pore wood are optional. Merino leather covers the interior surfaces, which includes the M steering wheel. A Harmon Kardon audio system is standard, with the Bowers & Wilkins audio system as an option. Other features include a panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, soft-close doors, and heated massaging seats.

What’s the bottom line?

Driver assist improvements are added to Parking Assistance Professional that includes Reversing Assistant and Maneuver Assistant. These mimic the driver’s steering movements for short distances. 

We can be thankful the design brain trust chose to use a toned-down grille. Now, if we can just get them to look around at some of the stunning designs coming from other automakers from other countries, maybe we’ll get back to seeing BMW products that actually look as good as they drive.

The MSRP for the X5 M starts at $122,300. Going with the X6 M increases that to $127,200. Destination charges add an additional $995 for either model.