The BMW so many of us love to hate has been armed with new styling and even more potent performance. BMW say by introducing the second generation BMW X6 it will strengthen its special status as a Sports Activity Coupe with the performance of a sports coupe, the luxury of a sedan and the versatility of a BMW X model. We think it looks more refined than before – a positive adaptation of the smaller BMW X4’s style lines.
Say what you will about this jack-of-all-trades mind set, but the first generation BMW X6 has already posted global sales of almost 250 000 units. To enhance the new one, BMW has introduced the Design Pure Extravagance package which adds striking accents to both the interior and the exterior. While the M Sport package, as it did before, includes specially selected features that enhance the vehicle’s dynamic character with immediate eye-catching effect as well.
BMW are calling it ‘all-new.’ With 34mm added in length, 4mm added in width and 12mm added in height to the outgoing X6. The wheelbase is very close to the first generation X6, however, just 2mm difference. BMW say the new BMW X6 will come with much more standard equipment than it did previously. These include bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, automatic tailgate, an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission with shift paddles, leather trim, two-zone climate control and the Driving Assistant safety package from BMW ConnectedDrive.
A wide variety of optional features like head-up display, night vision, BMW ConnectedDrive services, navigation, Bang Olufsen high-end surround-sound system and a new rear entertainment system will be available. Practicality and functionality is improved through the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests, which expands loading capacity from 580 litres to as much as 1 525 litres (75 litres more than before).
To improve comfort and handling the new BMW X6 will get Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation as part of the adaptive suspension package. To further enhance the ride comfort, air suspension can be optioned at the rear axle along with Dynamic Damper Control, which is included in both the Comfort suspension package and Adaptive M suspension. This comes standard on the BMW X6 M50d and is part of the M Sport package for the other models.
Performance across the engine range is improved and fuel consumption is cut by up to 22 per cent – an impressive figure when you remember the X6 has permanent all-wheel drive. When the new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology engines come on-line by the final quarter of 2014, the BMW X6 xDrive50i will develop 330kW. The BMW X6 xDrive30d will produce 190kW from its six-cylinder diesel engine, and the BMW X6 M50d with three turbochargers will shunt out 280kW.
BMW say the petrol BMW X6 xDrive35i with 225kW and another diesel BMW X6 xDrive40d with 230kW will be added to the model range in the first quarter of 2015 – although there is no confirmation as yet from BMW SA on which engines will be available locally.