BMW X6 gets updated styling and improved engines

Despite not getting the best response when it was released in 2008, the BMW X6 has gone on to sell around quarter of a million units globally. Now the German firm is bringing the updated model, based on the all-new X5.

As a result it’s got the same 2933mm wheelbase as BMW’s large SUV but it’s lower and wider. Those newly created dimensions obviously help create the coupé-crossover look that distinguishes the X6, and now the smaller X4.

BMW has updated the styling with a few of the cues used on its latest models.

That means headlights that flow directly in to the double kidney grille and the Air Curtains in either side of the front bumper, which work in conjunction with new Air Breathers in the side panels to reduce drag.

The interior itself is a little more practical than the old X6, featuring rear seats that can now be folded 40:20:40 (rather than 60:40). With them all in place there’s 580 litres of space and with them all down there’s 1525 litres, which is 75 litres more than in the old X6.

From the launch in December this year, the X6 comes with two diesel engines – the 30d and M50d – with the 50i rounding off the range. A 35i and 40d arrive in spring 2015. The 30d will be the big seller, boasting 47.1mpg and 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Those are improvements of 19 per cent and 0.8 seconds respectively compared with the old car.

There are similar gains throughout the range, with the quickest model being the 50i. It can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, which is just a tenth of a second down on the old X6 M. We’re expecting a new M version to arrive using a boosted version of the 50i’s 4.4-litre V8, with power up to around 550bhp.

Until that car arrives buyers can go for the M50d, which hits 62mph in 5.2 seconds and comes with a few M-style chassis upgrades like Adaptive M suspension and bespoke settings for the steering and dampers.

Much of the technology found on the latest X5 will also be available on the new X6, including a system to brake and accelerate for you in traffic, a head up display and active lane keep assist.