Currently reading: New BMW X6 launch delayed until Paris motor show
New version of BMW's upmarket SUV will arrive in UK dealers in December, with prices starting at £51,150, but the SUV's launch schedule has been put back

BMW has delayed the launch of the second-generation BMW X6 SUV, pushing the model back to a planned debut at the Paris motor show in October.

A BMW spokesman told Autocar the decision to remove the X6 from its planned unveiling at the Moscow motor show in August was down to more of the model's potential customers being at the Paris show.

The new X6 is due to go on sale in the UK in December, priced from £51,150.

Despite a slow start in the midst of a global financial downturn, the first-gen X6 has proved highly successful. BMW claims global sales of more than 250,000; that’s an annual average of more than 40,000 throughout its six-year production cycle.

The second-gen X6 has been comprehensively re-engineered in a joint development programme with the recently introduced third-gen BMW X5, alongside which it will be produced at BMW’s US factory in South Carolina.

The styling of the new SUV has been progressed using an evolutionary approach that retains a similar silhouette to its predecessor’s but with even bolder detailing at the front and rear. The body of the new SUV receives a more structured look than its predecessor, with subtle nods to the smaller and cheaper X4.

The new X6 is slightly 
bigger than its predecessor, but not by as much as earlier disguised prototypes had suggested. At 4909mm in length, 1989mm in width and 1702mm in height, it is 34mm longer, 4mm wider and 12mm higher than the outgoing X6. The wheelbase has been reduced by 2mm, to 1933mm.

It hits the scales 10kg below that of the old model at 2065kg in its lightest xDrive30d guise, despite higher equipment levels.

Inside, the latest X6 receives a restyled dashboard, more heavily contoured seats and luxurious trims - much of which are shared with the X5. Load space has increased, but only modestly. At 580 litres, the new X6 offers 10 litres more luggage capacity underneath its cargo blind than its predecessor with its newly configured 40/20/40 rear seats in place.

BMW has revealed three launch engines for the new X6 - one petrol and two diesels. All engines are mated to a standard-fit eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system, which can be enhanced with a Dynamic Performance Control option that adds an electronically controlled torque vectoring function for added traction.

Crowning the line-up at the launch will be the xDrive50i, which runs a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine. It produces 443bhp and 480lb ft of torque, up 42bhp and 37lb ft
compared with its predecessor. It can dispatch the 0-62mph sprint 0.6sec quicker than its forebear, at 4.8sec. 

Among the initial pair of diesels being made available for the X6 is BMW’s widely used turbocharged 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine. It produces 254bhp and 413lb ft 
in the X6 xDrive30d. It’s good for 0-62mph in 6.7sec, combined economy of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

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Rounding off the launch line-up is the X6 M50d, which receives the same tri-turbocharged 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel as its predecessor, with 376bhp and a stout 545lb ft of torque. It is now capable of 0-62mph in 5.2sec, BMW claims, and top speed is limited at 155mph.

In spring 2015, BMW plans to add successors to the xDrive35i and xDrive40d to the new X6 line-up.

BMW is already talking up the dynamic properties of the new X6, suggesting that it improves on the already impressive on-road traits of its predecessor.

It is underpinned by a newly developed aluminium-intensive chassis that features a combination of double wishbones up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. A reduction in unsprung masses is claimed by BMW to provide added agility and improved response.

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hardshoulder 6 June 2014

Thought as much

As I said on another thread the X6 will always be a Moose, despite BMW's efforts in improving the look of their cars, this one's still turned out to be a munter.
The Special One 6 June 2014

The current X6 really has

The current X6 really has presence and this newer X6 seems to continue this aspect but with some nicer detailing. Okay, so the concept is form over function: it isn't hugely purposeful or practical for its size. But many people will like its aggressive stance or the perceived safety of a high driving position or the cache of the BMW badge. Everyone may not value these things, but people don't always choose products because of their practicality. It'll have just as much technology, equipment and engineering as other BMW models. So, perhaps it lacks grace , but I would suggest it will live up to buyers' expectations.
Ski Kid 6 June 2014

Great if you like ugly cars

But not very attractive if you like a head turner.I.M.O.