You might have already read that the G05 2023 BMW X5 will be given the mandatory mid-cycle nip and tuck; or as the Münchners like to call it, LCI.

However, it’s not all cosmetics as the redesigned front and rear ends is complemented by updated electrified powertrains as well.

 A fresh batch of photos from the European media drive through the Bavarian Forest lets us all take in the facelifted X5 in all its glory.

Also Read: No massive beaver grille here - G05 2023 BMW X5 facelift (LCI) revealed

The headlights are now slimmer, with the arrow-shaped daytime driving lights leaning outwards and also doing double duty as the turn signal indicators.

Owners will have the options of going for Matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam or even M Shadowline lights. Nonetheless, only the 6-cylinder variants will have the option of equipping the illuminated BMW kidney Iconic Glow

Opposing the slimmer headlights are wider front bumper intakes with vertical air vents to channel air around the fenders. Completing the exterior retouches are revised graphics for the taillights, carrying double L shapes to form an unmistakable X motif, according to BMW’s literature.

The expectedly opulent cabin houses the curved dual-widescreen display made up of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, running the latest BMW Operating System 8.

BMW has gone about reducing the number of buttons and switches by favouring touch control functionality for numerous functions around the infotainment screen. This extends to the control panel on the centre console as well, seeing it carry additional touch-sensitive surfaces and a smaller gear selector lever.

If you’re looking to set your X5 apart, the cabin options include “thermo” function for the cup holders, the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof illuminated by LED units, glass applications for selected controls and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Completing the cabin functions is the ambient light bar with LED backlighting below the trim element that’s reserved only for the front occupants.

The LCI exercise wouldn’t be complete without some changes under the hood. This sees all variants of the X5 receive 48V mild hybrid technology in the form of an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The motor itself delivers a maximum 12 PS and 200 Nm of torque boost.

If you’re interested in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) X5 xDrive50e, you’ll be interested to know it features a new generation 3.0-litre inline-6 turbocharged engine. That’s not all, there’s also a more powerful electric motor that makes 197 PS and 450 Nm of torque on its own, for a combined total output of 490 PS and 700 Nm of torque.

BMW claims the new straight-6 engine in the PHEV features improvements to the combustion process, gas exchange, valve control, injection and ignition system. On its own, it makes 380 PS and 520 Nm of torque, as found in the X5 xDrive40i.

Adaptive suspension is standard and if that doesn’t suffice for you, there’s the optional adaptive two-axle air suspension and the xOffroad package. The flagship variants of the X5 gets rear axle steering as standard.

On a safety front, the ADAS suite gets updated with enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road.

Currently, Malaysia only offers a sole PHEV X5 xDrive45e M Sport variant here, starting at RM 491,800.