2015 BMW X6 launched with improved performance and efficiency

The BMW X6 created an entirely new segment of crossover when it was launched in 2008. Now, the new second-generation BMW X6 has arrived in Australia featuring sportier styling, a substantial increase in equipment, more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, and even greater dynamic handling.

Dubbed the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), the new X6 range kicks off with the xDrive 30d priced at $115,400 excluding on-roads. The xDrive 50i slots in the middle of the lineup with a sticker of $151,600, while the $157,900 M50d tops off the range. Two new models – xDrive 35i and xDrive 40d – will join the range in early 2015.

The new X6 boasts an enhanced, sharper exterior with more muscular proportions, accompanied by new spacious interior and a range of upgraded engines.

“The original BMW X6 launched in 2008 was the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe and became a huge success with over 260,000 sales worldwide,” said BMW Group Australia managing director Marc Werner.

“With the launch of the second generation model offering substantial improvements in performance, efficiency and luxurious value, as well as an even more imposing road presence, the new BMW X6 will set a whole new standard in exclusive driving pleasure.”

The new BMW X6 maintains the dynamic proportions of its predecessor combining the versatility of BMW’s X models with the sporting elegance of the brand’s Coupes with only minimal changes to height and width and a slight increase in length of 32mm to 4909mm.

Design enhancements including prominent flowing lines, striking accents and sharper contours have further emboldened the BMW X6’s characteristic road presence, emphasising its dynamic, high performance appeal.

The bold front end is dominated by a wider kidney grille which now extends to the new standard Adaptive LED headlights. Large 20-inch light-alloy wheels, fitted with low profile 275/40 front and 315/35 rear tyres, and a swept back coupe-style roof line maintain the car’s distinctive aesthetic with the strong flat rear apron framed by the L-shaped LED tail lights, highlighting the X6’s wide track and road-hugging stance.

The new interior is largely carried over from the X5, on which the X6 is based. It combines standard Dakota leather upholstery, a broad leather-covered instrument panel, sporty three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and highlight trim in aluminium for the diesel models and fine-wood Polar Grain for the X6 xDrive50i.

All new BMW X6 models feature supportive front electric sports seats – with heating and electric lumbar support for X6 xDrive50i and X6 M50d models – while in the rear, the new X6 features improved versatility and space with a 40/20/40-split, three-position seat.

Luggage capacity has been increased to between 580 litres and 1525 litres – with seats folded flat – an increase of 75 litres over the previous model, and easy access is assured with a standard electrically-operated tailgate.

All models in the new X6 range benefits from improved engines with better fuel economy and performance.

Leading the way on the efficiency front is the 190kW/560Nm 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo diesel engine in the BMW X6 xDrive30d that, with a combined fuel consumption of just 6.0l/100km.

At the same time, an extra 10kW of power and 20Nm of torque powers the new BMW X6 from 0-100kmh in 6.7 seconds, a near one second improvement over the previous generation model.

With an extra 30kW and 50Nm, the 330kW/650Nm 4.4-litre, TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine in the BMW X6 xDrive50i is not only the most powerful in the range with a 0-100km time of just 4.8 seconds (0.6 seconds less than previously) but also benefits from a massive 22 per cent reduction in fuel consumption down from 12.5l/100km in its predecessor to only 9.7l/100km.

Although the outputs of the triple-turbo, six-cylinder, 3.0-litre diesel engine in the BMW X6 M50d remain unchanged at 280kW and 740Nm, the car benefits from BMW EfficientDynamics technologies with fuel consumption reduced by 14 percent to 6.6l/100km.

Putting all this power to the ground, the new BMW X6 maintains its xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system, offering fully variable torque split between the front and rear axles while building upon the dynamic handling characteristics of the car with a new range of four adaptive suspension packages.

In addition to its standard sports-tuned adaptive M Suspension with specific settings for the Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension, the X6 M50d also features the Dynamic adaptive suspension package. This comprises Dynamic Performance Control, which varies the torque-split between the rear wheels and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation.

Providing the optimum balance between ride comfort and agility, the Professional adaptive suspension package, standard in the X6 xDrive50i, combines the features of the Dynamic adaptive suspension package with a Comfort adaptive suspension package, featuring unique settings for the Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension.

All four adaptive suspension packages are optionally available for the X6 xDrive30d model.

As well as the adaptive suspensions, all BMW X6 models feature the four-mode – COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO – Driving Experience Control that makes adjustments to the throttle, gear and electric power steering responses for an active and engaging driving experience.