NEW BMW X6: FIRST DETAILS

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BMW has provided advanced information on its upcoming third generation X6 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). The new BMW X6 has grown by 26 millimetres in exterior length over the outgoing model (to 4935 mm) and by 15 mm in width (to 2004 mm). It now stands 6 mm lower (at 1696 mm) and combines dynamically stretched proportions with exceptional visual muscularity. The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42 mm to 2975 millimetres.

Fascinatingly, new BMW X6 is available for the first time as an option with an illuminated BMW kidney grille. The illumination is activated by opening or closing the car. Or it can be turned on or off manually.

New X6 has 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, with other wheel variants ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches available as an option. The topline BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.

The model line-up is spearheaded by an X6 M model with a newly developed 390 kW/530 hp V8 petrol engine. The BMW X6 M50i is joined in the range by the BMW X6 M50d with 294 kW/400 hp six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and a quartet of turbochargers. A straight-six petrol unit with output of 250 kW/340 hp powers the BMW X6 xDrive40i. There’s also a six-cylinder in-line diesel with 195 kW/265 hp.

All BMW X6 models have an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while intelligent all-wheel drive to maximise traction, agility and directional stability.

The xDrive system also maintains a rear-wheel bias in particularly dynamic driving situations. The car’s sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle available as part of M Sport specification or in conjunction with the optional xOffroad package.

Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes cruise control with braking function and the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected.

BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional is optional. This complete package of safety- and comfort-enhancing tech includes both the steering and lane control assistant with Traffic jam assistant and lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection.

Evasion Assistant is another component of the Driving Assistant Professional, as are the rear collision warning, road priority warning and wrong-way driving warning systems, crossing traffic warning, Lane Change Warning and the Emergency Stop Assistant.

The very useful reversing assistant helps the driver when exiting parking spaces and manoeuvring within a confined space.

Optional extras include multifunction seats with massage function for the driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, thermoelectric cup holders, glass applications for selected controls, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, the Ambient Air interior fragrancing package and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond+ 3D Surround Sound System.

Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW X6 combines a new display and operating concept. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster and a Control Display, both with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches.

Like its predecessor, the new BMW X6 will be produced in the US at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The market launch will begin in November 2019. No dates have been announced for Australian imports but rest assured that BMW Oz will be keen to get its hands on this, one of its best sellers.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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