Motoring staff
2012-01-27
WHEN BMW first launched the X6, it touted the SUV as “The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé.” We weren’t so sure but, having sold more than 150 000 units worldwide in the last three years, I guess we’re going to have to eat some humble pie.
Now due for its first facelift, BMW say the X6’s popularity is due to its expressive design, powerful engines and intelligent all-wheel-drive system, xDrive.
As with most facelifts, the changes made to the X6 are mild. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out even more while the angle of the grille bars are flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line.
As an alternative to the standard bi-Xenon light, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be fitted optionally with adaptive LED headlamps while the new BMW X6 M gets them as standard.
With its newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the rear section of the new BMW X6 also features new styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design.
The standard equipment range of the new BMW X6 also includes 19-inch light alloy wheels. In the 8-cylinder model BMW X6 xDrive 50i these now feature a new double spoke design in bi-colour. The selection of light alloy wheels available as an option is supplemented with a 20-inch version in Y-spoke, bi-colour design. An optional feature for the BMW X6 is an engine compartment lid with strikingly shaped power dome.
The standard leather trim Nevada is now also available in the colour vermilion red. The exclusive Nappa leather option with extended features now includes a choice between the colours black and ebony white. The new BMW X6 is offered as a standard four-seater model while a three-seater rear bench is optionally available. The luggage compartment volume of the Sports Activity Coupé is 570 litres and can be extended up to 1,450 litres by folding down the rear backrests.
As an additional option, the M Sport Edition is offered for the new BMW X6. This equipment package includes: 20-inch M light alloy wheels in double spoke design and bi-colour finish with mixed tyres, adaptive LED headlamps, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, black surrounds for the fog lights and M door sill cover strips. Interior features here include the sports seats with electrical adjustment and memory function, M-specific Alcantara/Nappa leather combination in black with M-style welt and contrast stitching, M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, M driver footrest, stainless steel pedals, interior strips in aluminium flywheel black and the BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite.
Engines in the face-lifted X6 remain unchanged with the exception of the all-new BMW X6 M50d model. The in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine develops 280kW and a whopping 740Nm of torque thanks to its unique triple turbochargers.
The new BMW X6 will go on sale in South Africa in the third quarter of 2012.
