Almost a decade ago, BMW took the innovative step of blending the signature attributes of a 4×4 with the DNA of a classical coupe, and a new category of car was born: the Sports Activity Coupe.
For early adopters the first BMW X6 – as founder member of this new type of car – was a revelation. Combining the benefits of a high-riding, all-wheel-drive 4×4 with a slick, edgy design, it captured the imagination of those who just wanted something a bit different and, with sales of 443,000 units worldwide across two model generations, its success has been undeniable.
Now, with a refreshed design, advanced powertrain and chassis technology, top-class equipment features, dynamic handling, innovative operating tech and driver assistance systems, the new X6 looks set to deliver once again.
The new BMW X6 will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt in September. The market launch will follow in December 2019.
The new BMW X6 is 26mm longer than the outgoing model (to 4,935mm) and 15mm wider (to 2,004 mm) in width. It stands 6mm lower (at 1,696mm) with a wider front track (+44mm to 1,684 mm). The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42mm to 2,975 millimetres, and the new model also has a lower centre of gravity than its predecessor.
The new BMW X6 is available from launch in three model 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 is distinct in that it features a dynamic design angle to the front and rear aprons. It also features the side window graphic in High-gloss Black, wheel arch trim painted in body colour, an M Sport exhaust system and M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers. From start of production, M carbon exterior mirror caps and a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic rear spoiler are available as optional extras.
The M Sport also adds the aerodynamics package along with the M Sport steering wheel and M-specific pedals. It also includes the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, exclusive Aluminium Tetragon interior trim strips and an anthracite BMW Individual headliner. Interior trim strips in M Carbon Fibre are available as an option.
The M Performance model adds M Bicolour Cerium grey exterior trims, M Sport differential, Adaptive M suspension, M Seat belts and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
For even more personalisation,high-quality options from BMW Individual include special BMW paint finishes and 22-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels. Extended BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim completes the BMW Individual offering.
Along with the high driving position, the interior of the X6 has been designed to give the driver the best possible overview of the road ahead and, thanks to the use of selected materials, it offers unbeatable build quality.
The new BMW X6 comes as standard with Vernasca leather upholstery, while extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim is on the options list. The standard sports seats in the new BMW X6 are electrically adjustable and heated. Multifunction seats – with a choice of features such as seat ventilation and massage function for the driver and front passenger – can be specified as an option. The model-specific kneepads on the centre console now have a new design, and special door pulls are also included.
The new BMW X6 offers a high degree of variability. The 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,525 litres.
Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes 2.5-zone automatic climate control, while a four-zone system can be ordered as an option. Also available as an option is the Ambient Air package, which refreshes the air inside the car by ionisation and allows the driver to choose from eight selectable interior fragrances. Another innovation is the newly developed panoramic glass roof, whose clear surface is around 83 per cent larger than on the outgoing model. The optional Panorama glass roof ‘Sky Lounge’, features more than 15,000 graphic patterns in the glass roof to generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. Six colours are available for the illumination of both the Panorama glass roof and Sky Lounge.
The BMW X6 comes as standard with ambient lighting, which includes the Welcome Light Carpet. This feature illuminates the approach to the doors when they are unlocked or opened, enhancing comfort and safety when getting in and out of the car. Thermoelectric cup holders integrated into the front section of the centre console to keep drinks containers cool or warm can be ordered as an option.
Customers can specify optional glass applications for selected controls, including the transmission selector lever, the iDrive Controller, the start/stop button and the audio system’s volume control. The optionally available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System via the Technology package comprises a seven-channel amplifier with 1,500-watt output and 20 speakers while telephony with wireless charging option allows compatible mobile phones to be charged wirelessly in the tray positioned ahead of the cup holders.
The line-up of engines from launch includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. Topping the X6 range is the BMW X6 M50i powered by a newly developed petrol V8, while the BMW X6 M50d features a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and four turbochargers. The BMW X6 xDrive40i and BMW X6 xDrive30d are powered by a straight six petrol and straight-six diesel respectively, while all models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
Maximum power for the BMW X6 xDrive30d is at 265hp while peak torque is 620Nm. The zero to 62mph benchmark sprint is achieved in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 143mph. The xDrive 30d will achieve an average fuel consumption of 42.8-46.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 172-159g/km.
The BMW X6 xDrive40i delivers a maximum output of 340hp with a peak torque of 450Nm and that enables a zero to 62mph benchmark sprint of 5.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155mph. Combined fuel consumption is between 32.8-35.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 197-181g/km.
The range-topper in the diesel line-up is the 400hp BMW X6 M50d with a whopping 760Nm peak torque. It’ll take 5.2 seconds to get to 62mph and its top speed it set at 155mph. Average fuel consumption is 39.2-40.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 190-181g/km.
The flagship BMW X6 M50i delivers 530hp with peak torque at 750Nm while the flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard produces an exhilarating soundtrack to match the engine’s prodigious power delivery. The eight-cylinder unit’s standout features include the pair of twin-scroll turbochargers nestled in the 90-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders. It needs just 4.3 seconds to sprint from zero to 62mph and its combined fuel consumption ranges between 26.4-27.2mpg while combined CO2 emissions come in at 243-237g/km.
Pricing from £59,340 OTR.
