Subtle makeover for bold BMW X6

Published Jan 27, 2012

Share

Whether you think the BMW X6 is completely pointless or utterly cool, you can't deny that launching an SAV with a coupe-like profile was a bold move.

Luckily for BMW, it's a gamble that seems to have paid off, its sales of over 150 000 units over the last three years having far exceeded expectations.

Hoping to keep the momentum going in a world where fads quickly fade, BMW has updated the strange beast - but not in a way that you'd easily notice.

The gist of it is that X6 gets barely-noticeable styling changes, some new equipment and the addition of an M Performance variant fitted with a powerful tri-turbo diesel engine.

Look very closely at the latest X6 and you'll see a revised 'kidney grille' with a more shapely frame and redesigned bars, while lower down on the face the outer air inlets are now higher and house matt-finish surrounds for the fog lights.

As a segment-first, adaptive LED headlights are now available - standard on the X6 M and optional on the rest of the range. You'll also find LED technology in the redesigned tail lights.

19-inch alloy wheels are now standard on the X6 (the 50i model getting a new double-spoke, dual-colour design) and the exterior colour choice now consists of ten paints, including Marrakech Brown.

Big news on the engine front is the addition of an M Performance diesel variant fitted with a 3-litre, six-cylinder direct injection diesel engine with three turbochargers.

This oil burner pushes 280kW from 4000rpm, but revs to 4500rpm, and 740Nm from 2000rpm. According to BMW, the M50d will run from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and sip just 7.7 litres per 100km - although expect the latter figure to be somewhat higher in real-world conditions.

The rest of the engine range continues as before, with two TwinPower turbopetrol engines, the six-cylinder 35i good for 225kW and the V8 50i 300kW, and an X6 M delivering a ludicrous 408kW via its 4.4 V8 turbo powerhouse.

All models send their urge through all wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system; in the X6 M it's via a six-speed M Sport automatic gearbox and in the remaining models via an eight-speed autobox.

On the inside, the standard Nevada leather trim is now available in Vermilion Red, while the nappa leather option includes a choice between black and Ebony white. Buyers not satisfied with the standard model's four-seat layout can also order a three-seater bench seat.

As you'd expect, there's a huge range of driver assistance systems available, including Side View and Rear View camera and innovative infotainment functions that pair with smartphones and music players.

Expect to see the new X6 on South African shores during the third quarter of this year.

Related Topics:

bmw