When BMW first revealed the refreshed X5 and X6 earlier this year, we were surprised that no turbo-diesel engines were mentioned.

Instead, BMW initially launched a mild-hybrid,3.0-liter turbo-gasoline inline-six that generates 375 PS with 519 Nm of torque, a plug-in hybrid 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo that puts out 483 PS with 700 Nm of torque, and a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 523 PS with 750 Nm of torque.

At the time, we thought BMW decided to drop diesel power altogether for the X5/X6's 2024 model year upgrade. Fortunately, BMW still believes in offering turbo-diesels despite the trend of electrification. Starting in August 2023, the 2024 BMW X5/X6 will be available with a new 3.0-liter straight-six turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid tech.

Billed by BMW as the most powerful diesel variant in the new modular generation of Efficient Dynamic engines, the inline-six turbo-diesel comes with new steel pistons that enable a higher combustion pressure. It also has a single twin-scroll turbo and a 48V mild-hybrid system via a crankshaft-driven starter generator integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission.

The result is a total system output of 352 PS and an impressive 720 Nm of torque. Combined with an AWD system and the xDrive40d can go from 0 – 100 km/h in only 5.5 seconds for both the X5 and X6.

With BMW still offering turbo-diesel engines, we won't be surprised if BMW's Philippine distributor SMC Asia Cars Distributor Inc. decides to launch the updated X5/X6 with the 3.0-liter mild-hybrid diesel inline-six.