Benz beaters? 2023 BMW X5 and X6 M Competition performance SUV twins get a fresh design, mild hybrid tech and a price hike

BMW has upped the price of its fire-breathing X5 and X6 M Competition twins as part of a mid-life update, but they are still more affordable than the equivalent Mercedes-AMG models.

The BMW M Competition models are both now $14,000 more expensive than before, with the X5 SUV version starting at $241,900, while the swoopy coupe-like X6 M is now $247,900 - both before on-road costs.

That is still more affordable than the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S 4Matic +, which starts at $256,800 for the SUV and $259,500 for the Coupe.

Other premium V8 performance SUV rivals include the Land Rover Defender P525 which starts at $226,500 in five-door guise, or the Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD from $262,300.

Earlier this month BMW revealed the refreshed version of its X5 and X6 large SUV range that brought with it styling and tech upgrades.

Now it is the M-honed performance variants' turn and one of the biggest changes is the introduction of 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains tech for the first time on a BMW high-performance model.

The BMW M Competition models are both now $14,000 more expensive than before, with the X5 SUV version starting at $241,900.

The mild hybrid setup includes an electric motor housed in the eight-speed transmission, offering up 9kW/200Nm of extra power and torque, while acting as a starter generator. That energy comes courtesy of a 48-volt battery which is charged by regenerative braking.

This is paired with BMW's 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which still delivers 460kW of power and 750Nm of torque - driving all four wheels - and ensuring a 0-100km/h dash time of 3.9 seconds for both models.

BMW has tweaked some other oily bits under the skin, including an updated xDrive all-wheel-drive system, but it has also rolled out design changes first seen on the non-M models a couple of weeks ago.

The swoopy coupe-like X6 M is now $247,900 - both before on-road costs.

As well as the new slimline headlights, the X5 and X6 M gain a redesigned grille that is now all black, with horizontal grille bars. The front end now forms an X-shape and is keeping with the face of the soon-to-launch BMW XM performance SUV.

It also gets a tweaked rear diffuser and high-end X-shaped elements to the rear tail-lights.

As with a number of other recent BMW models, the X5/X6 now feature BMW's curved display which houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch multimedia system.

Also inside is a new ambient lightbar, carbon gearshift panels, and the option of the Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof.

Tech-wise, safety gets a boost, with the front collision warning now able to detect cyclists, pedestrians and turning traffic, while the lane departure warning now has lane return with steering assistance.

The X5 and X6 M performance twins will roll into Australian showrooms later in the year.

In Australia the remote parking function is standard, and it allows you to manoeuvre the car, from outside the car, in and out of spaces at a distance of 200 metres. Other standard features include BMW Drive Recorder and Theft Recorder. The latter sends an instant notification to the owner's smartphone in the event the SUV is stolen.

The X5 and X6 M performance twins will roll into Australian showrooms later in the year.

2023 BMW X5 and X6 Competition pricing before on-road costs