BMW updates the X6 range
A new, larger BMW X6 is bound for Australia, starting from $121,900.
Going on sale in Q4 2019, BMW has beefed up the X6 range with a longer and taller body fitted with an "M Sport" package. The kit comes with aerodynamic bodywork, powerful M division brakes as well as the iconic BMW Motorsport badging. Increased dimensions mean there's also a 30-litre jump in luggage space compared to the outgoing model.
Styling
Externally, the revised X6 range wears a larger "kidney grille" in-between slim headlights, accentuating the vehicle's wider stance. An "Iconic Glow" illuminated grille can also be optioned to create a hyper modern look.
Vikram Pawah, BMW Group Australia's CEO said the changes amounted to extensive redesign work.
"This isn't simply a mild makeover of a vehicle rightly recognised as 'the beast'. We have raised the bar several notches for the new, third-generation BMW X6, making it lower, wider and even more muscular than before. It combines that brawn with additional capability, versatility and the latest technology to provide customers with a highly compelling, multi-talented proposition," Mr Pawah stated.
Technology and interior
The technology BMW's Australian CEO refers to is Live Cockpit Professional, viewable on a high-definition 12.3-inch digital cluster as well as a 12.3-inch touch display for the infotainment system. The combination, BMW says, takes communication between driver and vehicle to a new level and also benefits from a personal assistant.
In the cabin, materials like Vernasca leather upholstery come as standard, the rear seats are now 40/20/40 split-folding and have been heavily contoured to match the SUVs more athletic look.
The range
The entry-level xDrive30d starts at $121,900 before on-road costs (ORCs). It's powered by a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre diesel that outputs 195kW and 620Nm. Spec highlights include a Travel & Comfort luggage stowing system, aluminium cabin trim pieces, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display for the driver and a Hi-Fi loudspeaker.
The xDrive40i can be yours with all of the above, but in place of a diesel oiler, you'll find a petrol 3.0-litre six-cylinder that produces 250kW and 450Nm, all for $124,900.
Sitting at the top of the range is the M50i, which will set you back $155,900. Forking out this coin will get you a thumping twin-turbocharged petrol V8 capable of producing a hair raising 390kW and 750Nm. The M50i can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Also added is a leather instrument panel, soft-close doors, heated cup holder, four-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system and metallic paint plus other amendments.
Accessories
Without removing any bodywork, BMW can install an optional towing pack. The kit includes a control unit, neatly integrated hitch, the necessary wiring loom and a trailer stabilisation system. The towing kit costs $2,500.
Three different packages also help buyers to customise their X6 even further.
First, there's the "Indulgence Package" that, as the name suggests, fits a range of additions to make the X6 a bit plusher. Highlights include soft-close doors, front and rear seat heating with built-in massaging functionality among a host of other things can be fitted. BMW charges $7,800 for the Indulgence Package on xDrive30d and xDrive40d models and $6,600 on the M50i.
The "Iconic Package" can be added to the xDrive30d and xDrive40d for $5,000. Included are light-weight 22-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint and the "iconic glow" grille mentioned earlier.
There is also the "xOffroad Package", which includes adaptive air suspension on both axles, a BMW display key and the general off-road fitments for $7,500 on xDrive30d and xDrive40d models.
Condition-based servicing
Finally, BMW announced the X6 will now use a complement of sensors to determine when your car needs servicing. The vehicle takes into account the conditions you drive in, service intervals, fuel consumption and distance travelled. Theoretically, this sounds like a great system since it should need less maintenance if you only drive your X6 a handful of times a year.
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Pictures: BMW
