THEY SAY BEAUTY is in the eye of the beholder, and that applies to cars as much as anything else.
The BMW X6 is one of those vehicles that polarises opinion; some people love its strange melding of SUV and coupe design elements; others think it’s simply a case of styling make a vehicle more impractical. However, the success of the X6 has led to plenty of imitators and healthy sales figures for BMW, so obviously they’re doing something right.
The third-generation BMW X6 will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2019 with an enhanced styling package, new infotainment systems and the option of BMW’s new high-capacity towing solution across all models.
Arrival of the new model continues the BMW Group’s rollout of premium, engaging sports activity models that directly respond to the demands of BMW customers and the luxury vehicle sector – a focused strategy that began 20 years ago with the debut of the ground-breaking BMW X5.
The new BMW X6 has grown in length, width and wheelbase but with a reduction in overall height.
A key aspect of the front aesthetic is the new large kidney grille, with both halves of the design framed by a common surround. Characteristic, slim twin headlights underscore the vehicle’s width.
The optional “Iconic Glow” illuminated grille further advances the BMW X6 front design profile.
The table below displays the difference in dimensions between the new BMW X6 and its predecessor:
| Element | BMW X6 (new) | BMW X6 (outgoing) | Difference |
| Length (mm) | 4,935 | 4,909 | +26 |
| Width (mm) | 2,004 | 1,989 | +15 |
| Height (mm) | 1,696 | 1,702 | -6 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,975 | 2,933 | +42 |
| Luggage capacity (l) | 580 | 550 | +30 |
“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,” said Vikram Pawah, BMW Group Australia CEO.
New interior continues BMW’s driver-focus
The new interior has been reconfigured and redesigned with controls that evoke classic driver-focused BMW cabins, plus premium materials such as Vernasca leather upholstery.
The BMW X6 also now features 40/20/40-split second row seats, adding a new level of versatility. This update means luggage capacity can increase from 580 litres to as much as 1,530 litres.
In addition, the rear seats are shaped to appear like individual seats.
Connected technology and high-definition displays
All BMW X6 models come standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a customisable, high-resolution instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display. The centre-mounted Control Display is also 12.3 inches in size and delivers super sharp clarity when controlling vehicle functions.
Passengers can access functions such as music selections of the new BMW X6 via the BMW Connected app without distraction to the driver.
M Sport as standard
The BMW X6 further enhances its look and feel thanks to standard-fitment M Sport package across all three models. This comprises the M aerodynamics package, which elevates its dominant presence, and powerful M Sport brakes.
Responsive, potent engines
Three engines are available for BMW X6 at launch with peak outputs ranging from 195kW of the X6 xDrive30d to 390kW of the X6 M50i.
All power units are mated to a smooth eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission.
Summary of powertrains:
BMW X6 xDrive40i: 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, 250kW, max. torque 450Nm,
0-100km/h 5.5 secs.
BMW X6 xDrive30d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, 195kW, max. torque 620Nm,
0-100km/h 6.5 secs.
BMW X6 M50i: 4.4-litre Twin Turbo V8 engine, 390kW, max. torque 750Nm, 0-100km/h 4.3 secs.
3500kg towing and a towing package
All three BMW X6 models are available with a BMW towing solution that includes an integrated hitch receiver, bespoke control unit and specific vehicle wiring harness.
The new hitch does not require any vehicle part removal, ensuring seamless integration. The specific control unit is multi-functional and assists driver safety, while Surround View offers an additional zoom function for the rear camera.
A trailer stabilisation system is also included.
Every model in the BMW X6 range has 3,500kg towing capacity with a maximum downball load of 280kg. Pricing for the towing hitch mirrors that of the X5 and X7 models at $2,500.
BMW Australia dealers can also supply and fit an approved Tongue Kit and adapter and Wiring Harness.
The Tongue Kit includes a tongue, ball, appropriate bracket and ‘D’ shackles, stickers and a specific BMW bag.
The Wiring Harness includes a 12 pin ‘flat’ plug and a wiring loom from the vehicle to the adapter.
Local fitment, including the tongue kit and wiring harness, is $700 including GST.
Specific towing data for BMW X6 xDrive30d:
| Element | Capacity |
| Kerb Weight | 2,110kg (Excluding Driver) |
| Payload | 750kg |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) | 2,860kg |
| Braked Towing Capacity | 3,500kg |
| Max. Tow Ball Weight | 280kg |
| Remaining Payload | 470kg |
| Gross Combined Mass (GCM) | 6,360kg |
Specification, equipment and pricing:
The BMW X6 xDrive30d is priced at $121,900 (plus on road costs) and includes the following specification highlights:
- 6 Cylinder Turbo Diesel
- 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission
- M Sport Package including M Sport Brakes
- xDrive system
- 20″ M light alloy wheels (Star-spoke style) Bi-colour
- Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
- Travel & Comfort system
- Aluminium interior trim finish
- Ambient light
- Panorama Glass Sunroof
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus, incl. Surround View Camera and Reversing Assistant
- Live Cockpit Professional incl. natural voice control, iDrive controller, touch operation on the Control Display and smartphone connectivity
- Head-Up Display
- HiFi Loudspeaker system
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Comfort Access, incl. Automatic Operation of the Tailgate & Digital Key
- Automatic Air-Conditioning, 2.5-zone
- Adaptive LED Headlights w/ High-beam assistant
- Intelligent Emergency Call
- Teleservices
- Connected Package Professional incl. Apple CarPlay 1yr subscription
- Wireless Smartphone Charging
- DAB Digital Radio tuner
- Chinese Language Display – NCO
The BMW X6 xDrive40i is priced at $124,900 (plus on road costs) and mirrors the specification level of the xDrive30d but features a BMW six cylinder turbo petrol engine.
The BMW X6 M50i is priced at $155,900 (plus on road costs) and adds the following items to the base specification items from the xDrive30d and xDrive40i:
- V8 Twin Turbo petrol
- M Performance
- 22” M light alloy wheels
- Adaptive M Suspension Professional
- Integral Active Steering
- BMW LaserLight
- Leather Instrument Panel
- Soft-Close Doors
- Heated cup holder
- Lumbar support
- 4-Zone Climate Control
- harman / kardon Surround Sound System
- Metallic paint
Option Packages
The following option packages are available for BMW X6:
Indulgence Package
xDrive30d/xDrive40d: $7,800
M50i: $6,600
- Soft close doors (standard on M50i)
- Active Seat Ventilation
- Comfort Seats
- BMW CraftedClarity Glass Application
- Front and Rear Seat Heating
- Massage Function
Iconic Package
xDrive30d/xDrive40d: $5,000
- 22” Light Alloy Wheels
- Metallic Paint
- BMW “Iconic Glow” grille illumination
xOffroad Package
xDrive30d/xDrive40i: $7,500
- xOffroad Package
- Adaptive 2-axle Air Suspension
- BMW Display Key
All models can also be specified with BMW Individual Full Leather “Merino” upholstery in either Ivory White or Black for $7,300 if the Comfort Seats option is selected.