Since its inception, the BMW X6 has made a niche for itself and kick-started the trend of a sporty, high-riding, strictly non-utilitarian SUV. And such was its appeal that it sold 443,000 units worldwide across two model generations!
Now, the X6 gets a design refresh, an updated chassis and powertrain along with some innovative tech and driver assistance systems, keeping the new X6 poised to deliver once again. For the first time, it gets the option of an illuminated BMW kidney grille as a part of the DRLs, activated by opening or closing the car. The driver can switch off the illumination function from the iDrive Menu. Additionally, the adaptive LED headlights are standard with optional BMW Laserlight for a powerful high beam function, with an approximate 500-metre beam throw.
The new X6 will be available in three variants: Sport, M Sport and M Performance. Standard equipment on the Sport version includes adaptive two-axle air suspension, a Sport leather steering wheel and aluminium detailing.
The M Sport model distinguishes itself with the front and rear aprons, along with the side window graphic in glossy black, wheel arch trim in body colour, an M Sport exhaust system and M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers. Additionally, carbon exterior mirror caps and a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic rear spoiler can be had as optional extras.
The range-topping M Performance model one-ups the M Sport, with M Bicolour Cerium grey exterior trims, an M Sport differential, adaptive M suspension, M seatbelts and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The new BMW X6 gets Vernasca leather upholstery as standard, with extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim as an option. The standard sports seats in the new BMW X6 are electrically adjustable and heated. Multifunctional seats with a choice of features such as seat ventilation and massage function for the driver and front passenger seat are also available as an option. The model-specific kneepads on the centre console now have a new design, and special door pulls are also included.
For even more personalisation, the brand offers high-quality options from the BMW Individual include special BMW paint finishes and 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels
Powertrains include two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants. The top-of-the-line X6 M50i gets a newly-developed petrol V8, while the BMW X6 M50d features an inline-six diesel with four turbochargers. The BMW X6 xDrive40i and BMW X6 xDrive30d are also powered by an inline-six petrol and an inline-six diesel. All the engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, with the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The flagship BMW X6 M50i delivers 522bhp with a peak torque of 750Nm while the flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system, fitted as standard, produces an exhilarating soundtrack while sprinting to 100kmph in a scant 4.3 seconds. The V8 engine’s standout feature, however, is the pair of twin-scroll turbochargers (which alternately gather exhaust from the cylinder banks) nestled between the 90-degree angle of the cylinders.
The range-topping X6 M50d diesel makes 394bhp BMW with a whopping 760Nm peak torque. It’ll take 5.2 seconds to get to 100kmph and its top speed is set at 250kmph.
Meanwhile, the X6 xDrive40i delivers a maximum output of 335bhp with a peak torque of 450Nm, enabling a zero to 100kmph sprint of 5.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 249kmph.
Peak power for the BMW X6 xDrive30d is at 261bhp while peak torque is 620Nm. The 0 to 100kmph sprint is achieved in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 230kmph
The new BMW X6 will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt in September. The global market launch will follow in December 2019, and we can expect it in India some time in 2020.