DESIGN tweaks, an enhanced menu of fitted as standard equipment and the latest digital technology identify the latest generation of BMW's X5 SUV and X6 SUV Coupe.

Together, the finely-honed changes further strengthen the success of the firmly established BMW model pairing in the luxury Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segments.

The line-up of power units has also undergone a comprehensive overhaul, leading to a significant increase in the electric range of the BMW X5 xDrive50e with plug-in hybrid drive system and the introduction of 48V mild-hybrid technology across all other models. Also pointing the way into the future are the latest driving assistant systems, plus the addition of the BMW curved display and BMW Operating System 8.

Both the X5 and X6 adopt the latest design for the BMW kidney grille and have narrower adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist as standard and arrow-shaped daytime driving lights that also serve as turn signal indicators. The more dynamic nature of the latest X6 is underscored by features included in the optimised M Sport specification.

The X5 now comes as standard with satin aluminium roof rails and exterior line trim, as well as silver underride protection and new geometry for the rear apron. The redesigned rear lights feature sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements while pulsating turn signal indicators at the rear round off the new lighting package.

The new X6 also features the new slim headlight units and arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements while the slim rear lights reach into the tailgate. At the side the X6 comes with M-specific side skirts and M high-gloss Shadowline trim and at the back, the rear apron has an insert in dark shadow, while the exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape.

The range-topping BMW X5 M60i xDrive and BMW X6 M60i xDrive feature bespoke double bars and an M logo for the BMW kidney grille, M exterior mirror caps in black high-gloss and M quad-pipe style exhaust tailpipe trim. The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive also has a rear spoiler in Black high-gloss.

A curved display is at the heart of the interior redesign for both models and is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display, both located behind a single glass surface. The touch control functionality offers a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls. The automatic climate system is now operated via permanently displayed control graphics on the instrument display.

A straight-six three-litre petrol engine joins forces with an electric drive unit in the new BMW X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid model to produce 490hp (including temporary boost effect) - an increase of 96hp over the outgoing model - and combined torque of 700Nm (+100Nm). BMW claims an officialy-tested electric only range of 58 - 68 miles.

All petrol and diesel variants come with 48V mild-hybrid technology coupled with a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission featuring an electric motor in its compact housing, generating a boost of up to 12hp and 200Nm of torque. The mild-hybrid system can be used for driving purely on electric power at very low speeds in the BMW X6 xDrive40i.

The range-topping X5 and X6 M60i xDrive models are powered by a newly developed 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine which trace its genes to renowned BMW racing machines. This engine also comes with the 48V mild-hybrid technology to generate 530hp and 750Nm, allowing the new BMW M models to sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

The new X5 and X6 are available to order now, priced from £66,230 and £72,430 respectively and are due to go on sale in April.