BMW banks on second-gen X6

BMW is hoping its second-generation X6, that has arrived in local showrooms with extra standard kit and more powerful and efficient engines, will continue the sales success of the original that was a surprise hit for the German car-maker when it launched in 2008.

Prices have increased slightly over the outgoing variants with the entry level xDrive30d now $115,500, plus on-road costs, up by $4825, the xDrive50i is $151,600, which is a $1525 boost and the range-topping M50d is $1225 dearer at $157,900.

These will be joined by the xDrive35i and xDrive40d in early 2015, with pricing for these variants yet to be revealed.

BMW Group Australia managing director Marc Werner said the new-generation X6 would help maintain strong sales of the model Down Under.

“The original BMW X6, launched in 2008, was the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe and became a huge success with over 260,000 sales worldwide,” he said.

“With the launch of the second-generation model offering substantial improvements in performance, efficiency and luxurious value, as well as an even more imposing road presence, the new BMW X6 will set a whole new standard in exclusive driving pleasure.”

The controversial SUV-meets-coupe look has been enhanced subtly with sharper lines, while a wider kidney grille stretches out to meet redesigned sleeker headlights. Rolling on 20-inch light alloy wheels, the new X6 is a more assertive-looking beast than the model it replaces.

All variants gain adaptive LED headlights, a new larger 10.25-inch screen and ConnectedDrive safety features including lane departure, collision and pedestrian warning, plus emergency calling.

This is on top of regular standard kit including Dakota leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, electric and heated front sports seats, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers and lights, and satellite navigation.

All have a leather-wrapped dash and sports three-spoke steering wheel with an aluminium trim in the diesel variants while the petrol receives fine-wood Polar Grain.

New standard features on the xDrive50i and xDriveM50d include Driving Assistant Plus with full braking function and active cruise control, automatic parking, keyless access, four-zone climate control, Harman Kardon sound system with DAB+ digital radio tuner and metallic paint.

Both xDrive50i and XDriveM50d are equipped with adaptive suspension packagesThe xDrive30d’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel gets an extra 10kW of power and 20Nm of torque for an output of 190kW and 560Nm. The extra oomph means it’s nearly a second quicker from 0-100km/h than the previous model with a time of 6.7 seconds.

BMW has also reduced fuel consumption across the range, which also includes idle-stop and an Eco Pro efficiency mode. The base diesel returns an average combined fuel consumption of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres – a 19 per cent improvement over the outgoing model.

The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine in the xDrive50i has been given 30kW and 50Nm more grunt and is capable of hurling the SUV from 0-100km/h 0.6 seconds faster at 4.8 seconds. Fuel consumption has been reduced 22 per cent from 12.5L/100km to 9.7L/100km.

While the output of the flagship M50d’s 3.0-litre triple-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine remains the same at 280kW and 740Nm, fuel efficiency has improved by 14 per cent at 6.6L/100km.

All variants are all-wheel drive with fully variable torque split between the front and rear axles. An upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control is standard across the range.

The new X6 is 32mm longer than the first-generation car, with height and width almost unchanged. Cargo space has been increased by 75 litres for 580 litres with the seats up and 1525 with them folded.

Year to date, BMW has sold 239 X6s in Australia, which is 20.1 per cent down on the same period last year. This drop can be attributed to the fact that it has been in run-out in the second half of the year.

BMW X6 pricing*

xDrive30d	$115,400
xDrive35i	$120,700
xDrive40d	$128,400
xDrive50i	$151,600
M50d	$157,900

*Excludes on-road costs.