The freshened BMW X6 has been revealed alongside its X5 sibling, with updated styling inside and out and a revised powertrain line-up.
Global production will begin in April at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US, though BMW Australia has yet to confirm local launch timing.
All powertrains have 48V mild-hybrid technology featuring an electric motor integrated with the transmission that can boost up to 9kW and 200Nm. There’s also a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.
The range is now headed by a new M60i variant, replacing the M50i.
The new twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine produces 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque – just like the old V8. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds.
The xDrive40i has a new-generation turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, producing 280kW of power and 520Nm of torque – up 35kW and 70Nm on the old engine.
The 48V mild-hybrid system allows torque to be boosted to as much as 540Nm. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time for this variant of 5.4 seconds.
The xDrive30d’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six has received upgrades, including steel (instead of aluminium) pistons and a new common-rail direct injection system. Total outputs are 219kW and 670Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds.
All models come with adaptive suspension, with adaptive air suspension optional. The M60i also gains BMW’s Integral Active Steering.
Inside, the X6 adopts the BMW Curved Display which comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen situated in the same assembly.
The infotainment system runs on the latest BMW Operating System 8 which features cloud-based navigation, and BMW has reduced the amount of switchgear in the cabin with more functions now controlled exclusively via the touchscreen or using voice prompts.
There’s also a new ambient light bar running across the passenger side of the dash.
The X6 is distinguished externally by new, slim headlights with arrow-shaped LED daytime running light elements.
It will now exclusively be offered globally with the M Sport package, already standard fit across the local range.
The M60i will be the only X6 offered in M Isle of Man Green metallic, as seen on the M3 and M4.
The X6 range’s palette also sees the addition of Blue Ridge Mountain, Brooklyn Grey, Skyscraper Grey, and Frozen Pure Grey metallic finishes, in addition to “around 40” BMW Individual finishes.
Wheels range from 20- to 22-inches in size.
Depending on the market, features include Merino leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massaging, heated and cooled cupholders, glass-finished controls, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, and BMW Digital Key Plus which allows you to unlock the vehicle using your smartphone.
Available safety features also now include safe exit warning, traffic light recognition, automatic speed limit assist, and BMW’s Merging Assistant and Active Navigation.
Optional Parking Assistant Professional also enables automated parking in and out of spaces over a distance of up to 200m, which can be controlled via BMW’s smartphone app.
MORE: Everything BMW X6
