NEW BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE

Facelifts bring new looks, powertrain tweaks and fresh technology

- Alastair Crooks

BMW X5

BMW has given the X5 SUV refreshed looks, tweaked powertrains and tech upgrades, while the Mercedes GLE (right) makes do with a facelift and new tech.

The X5's exterior changes include slimmer headlights, a new tail-lamp design, a reshaped grille and a different front bumper that has redesigned air intakes. M Sport versions of the X5 get a more aggressive look, with a black-gloss finish to key elements and a new rear bumper.

Inside, BMW has fitted the latest version of the firm's iDrive infotainment system on a curved display, as seen on the recently facelifted 3 Series. Consisting of a 12.3inch touchscreen and a 14.9-inch driver's display, the design changes the layout of the dash, with some of the climate controls relocated to the screen. Buttons for audio volume and the demister have been retained underneath, though. The cabin also gets a new dash strip, wood trim, reshaped air vents and a smaller crystal gear selector.

At the same time, there are big changes to the X5's powertrains. As before, every car has an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, but now 48V mild-hybrid tech comes to all petrol and diesel editions, starting with the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel that puts out 294bhp and 670Nm of torque.

The entry petrol model, the xDrive40i, has a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six that produces 375bhp and 540Nm of torque.

BMW says the mild-hybrid tech has helped to improve the car's economy figure, which is now 28.5-33.2mpg, as well as allowing electric-only driving at lower speeds.