Following the reveal of the regular models, BMW has just taken the wraps off the new X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition, and it seems that the German automaker has done a brilliant job of making these high-performance machines better than ever. For the new model year, these speedy SUVs are no longer available in anything but range-topping guise, which means 617 horsepower comes standard. The updates to the exterior design are obvious, and the changes inside the cabin, including the addition of the latest iDrive operating system, are also clear to see, but beneath the skin, there are plenty of improvements too. We'll start with the newly introduced inclusion of an electric motor.

1. Hybrid Power

For the first time, 48-volt mild-hybrid technology has been implemented, with this attached to a significantly revised S68 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine that BMW considers new. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and provides 12 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque. This, says BMW, helps contribute to "more rapid power delivery," which translates to better responses from each prod of your right foot. Under steady loads, this e-motor helps fill any gaps in the torque delivery, which makes the hulking V8 more efficient as it can operate in its optimum load window while cruising. In addition, adaptive recuperation of energy under braking helps improve stopping power.

2. Engine Evolution

BMW says that the latest take on its S68 V8 engine offers "sharper response and increased efficiency compared to its predecessor." Like the N63 engine launched in 2008, the S68 boasts a cross-bank exhaust manifold as it always has, but now engineers have also added a new reinforced crankshaft drive, and the turbochargers are mounted close to the exhaust manifold with an electrically controlled blow-off valve, while a new intake duct improves airflow. A new vane-type oil pump and a lighter plastic oil pan have also been added to the equation. Interestingly, all of these improvements make no difference to when torque and power are available - peak torque of 553 lb-ft comes online from 1,800-5,800 rpm, with max power (617 hp) reached at 6,000 rpm. These are the same figures claimed for the previous X5 M and X6 M, which suggests that these improvements are there more for reliability and thermal efficiency than anything else. That should maximize your time on the track, should you wish to take either sporty SUV there.

3. Terrific Transmission

Along with the aforementioned 48V mild-hybrid system, the eight-speed auto gains new gear ratios and "a sharper shift action." The first three gears have been shortened for better acceleration, and the overall spread has been widened for more efficiency when you're not pushing too hard. As for the improved shift action, that comes courtesy of refined hydraulic control that boasts a direct-acting pressure regulator valve. The torque converter has also been updated with a new cast aluminum oil sump with cooling fins and larger capacity. This new design helps keep the transmission oil cooler over longer periods and helps to maintain the supply of lubricant through high lateral acceleration. Again, BMW has noticed that the drivetrain tends to suffer on track, so it has found ways of keeping you out on circuit longer.

Additionally, the transmission mount is hydraulically damped like the two engine mounts, with a very high spring rate for a more rigid connection between the drivetrain and the body. This improves handling and minimizes flex.

4. Different Dynamics

In the past, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential on the rear axle were interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, but now they also work in tandem with near-actuator wheel slip limitation. This means that the traction control system can make corrective inputs up to ten times faster than regular DSC systems and with exceptional precision. As a result, the DSC system cuts in less often, giving you better handling and composure even when pushing hard on imperfect surfaces.

The chassis has been altered too, with the rear axle toe-in values changed to improve high-speed stability. The rear of the body is also more rigid thanks to the addition of thrust arms and a tunnel bridge joined together. The dampers have been reworked too, adjusting automatically depending on body movement, road surface, and steering inputs. Each individual wheel can be adapted perfectly, giving you comfortable cruising or stiff suspension at the touch of a button.

5. Brilliant Brakes

M Compound brakes (which are not M Carbon brakes) are standard on both cars, with six-piston fixed calipers in front clamping on 15.6-inch perforated discs. At the rear, 15-inch discs are slowed by single-piston floating calipers. Responses on these brakes are outstanding thanks to an electric actuator triggering the required brake pressure, and you can choose from two different pedal feel settings. With this, you can drive to and from the track with a comfortable response setting and turn things up to the extreme when on the circuit.

6. M Setup

With the M Setup menu, drivers can configure numerous aspects of the cars' behavior to their personal driving style. The engine note, stability control settings, and shift characteristics can all be individually tailored, allowing you to come up with the perfect mix of performance and practicality. In addition, the M Mode button on the center console allows for easy switching of styles. The default Road setting is joined by Sport mode, but Track mode is where the fun happens. This fully deactivates all the assistance systems and switches the displays to a less cluttered mode that is focused on driving information. With Track mode, changing your X5 M or X6 M into a wild beast is so much easier.

We often forget how remarkable these big SUVs are to drive and how much they boggled the mind when they first arrived on the scene, but with the performance improvements made to the 2024 offerings, the latest Competition-spec SUVs from Bavaria are more capable (and presumably more reliable) on track than ever before.