• Mid-life update of iconic BMW Sports Activity Coupé
• Design changes and specification upgrades
• Australian debut of M Performance Automobiles – Range-topping BMW X6 M50d (and BMW X5 M50d)
• World’s most powerful in-line six cylinder diesel engine featuring unique tri-turbo technology
  

Design enhancements, innovative equipment upgrades and a new range-topping M Performance model define the Life-Cycle Impulse (LCI) of the BMW X6, the world's first-ever Sports Activity Coupé.

The X6 mid-life model update sees the Australian debut of BMW’s entirely new class of M Performance automobiles, headlined by the new BMW X6 M50d. Featuring the most powerful volume-produced six-cylinder diesel engine in the world, the BMW X6 M50d is the creation of BMW’s iconic high-perfomance division, BMW M GmbH, and launches in Australia together with the BMW X5 M50d.

Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option.

Precisely modified details in the front view give the updated BMW X6 an appearance characterised by exclusive athleticism and supremacy. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasises the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out especially conspicuously within the vehicle front section. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and stable road-holding of the new BMW X6.

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 (Standard on X6 M). Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility while offering a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled-off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light.

The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front.

The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. Being horizontally aligned and stretched far out to the sides emphasises both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.

New external paint finishes, light alloy wheel and leather trim.

The program of external paint finishes for the new BMW X6 consists of two non-metallic and nine metallic colours, including three new colours, Marrakesh Brown metallic, Orion Silver metallic and Midnight Blue metallic. The standard equipment range of the new BMW X6 includes 19-inch light alloy wheels for the familiar 6-cylinder variants and 20-inch for the X6 xDrive50i and new X6 M50d. The selection of light alloy wheels available is supplemented with a 20-inch version in Y-spoke, bi-colour design. A new optional feature for of the BMW X6 is an engine compartment lid with strikingly shaped powerdome (standard on the X6 M50d and X6 M).

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 Black and Ivory White.

As an additional option, the M Sport Plus package 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. Interioir features include the sports seats, M-specific Alcantara/Nappa leather combination in black with M-style welt and contrast stitching as a no cost option, M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, stainless steel pedals, interior strips in Aluminium Flywheel black and the BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite.

Sporty yet spacious and practical – The BMW X6 LCI is now equipped to seat 5, with a three-seat rear bench seat as standard.

The luggage compartment volume of the Sports Activity Coupé is 570 litres and can be extended to up to 1,450 litres by folding down the rear backrests.

The new BMW X6: dynamic, supreme, efficient, innovative.

The petrol and diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology available for the BMW X6 deliver impressive pulling power and exemplary low fuel consumption figures. The V8 engine of the BMW X6 xDrive50i delivers 300 kW, while in the BMW X6 xDrive35i an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with 225 kW ensures supreme athletic performance. The in-line 6-cylinder diesel engines of the models BMW X6 xDrive30d and BMW X6 xDrive40d mobilise 180 kW and 225 kW respectively. Both offer not only impressively sporty power delivery but also emission figures based on the combined test cycle of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the BMW X6 xDrive30d and 7.5 litres for the BMW X6 xDrive40d. The top of the range BMW X6 M50d produces 280kW of power and a staggering 740Nm of torque allowing the sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds yet fuel consumption of just 7.7l/100km.

Outstanding efficiency is a characteristic the eight-speed Sports automatic transmission in the BMW X6 LCI. The eight-speed Sports automatic transmission offers the driver two automated shift programs – D and S modes – as well as the option of changing gear manually (in M mode). Other BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components and a disengageable air conditioning compressor are all standard features. 

BMW xDrive: intelligent control, optimised to enhance dynamics.

The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels variably and according to the situation at hand. Indeed, drive can be switched between wheels in a split-second to optimise traction, directional stability and driving dynamics. xDrive and the DSC stability control system work together to provide advance analysis of the driving situation ahead. The ability to detect the danger of drive slip at an early stage and counteract one or several spinning wheels by varying the distribution of power has helped earn xDrive its status as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. In normal driving situations drive is sent predominantly to the rear wheels, accentuating the renowned handling characteristics of BMW cars.

In addition, Dynamic Performance Control enhances the handling agility of the BMW X6 by re-routing engine output variably across the rear axle to the wheel that needs it most to ensure maximum stability and optimum propulsion in all situations. Dynamic Performance Control also counteracts oversteer in its early stages, switching drive from the outside rear wheel – which is experiencing particularly high centrifugal forces – to the inside rear wheel. Dynamic Performance Control also steps in to stabilise the car when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, ensuring precise and agile turn-in and enabling extremely dynamic acceleration out of corners.

The introduction of BMW M Performance Automobiles – the new BMW X6 M50d.

The Life-Cycle Impulse of the BMW X6 sees the Australian debut of the BMW X6 M50d which sets a new benchmark for pulling power and efficiency with a newly-developed 280 kW in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine. Its unique triple turbocharging gives the world's most powerful standard in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine a thrust which sets in early on and is maintained right through to the high engine speed range. Its maximum torque is 740 Newton metres. One of the factors contributing to its exceptional efficiency - especially in relation to its output - is the new version of the common rail direct injection, whose piezo injectors apply a maximum pressure of 2,200 bar.

With an acceleration rate of 5.3 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h, the BMW X6 M50d even outdoes 8-cylinder models, while its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is still only 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Its drivetrain, suspension technology and aerodynamic properties have been harmonised with the precision so characteristic of BMW M GmbHM.

More pressure, more output, more torque: world premiere for six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with three turbochargers.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the X6 M50d is without parallel worldwide, having the highest output ever achieved by a BMW diesel engine together with outstanding levels of efficiency. With the BMW X6 M50d, BMW becomes the world’s first carmaker to present a diesel engine which expands the principle of multi-stage turbocharging to incorporate a third turbocharger. The engine developed for the BMW M Performance Automobiles sees two comparatively small high-pressure chargers working with a larger low-pressure unit. The integration of an additional high-pressure turbo increases the engine’s capability when it comes to generating charge pressure, a key ingredient in taking the engine’s power output to the next level.

The M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology – including the requisite charge air cooling – is integrated into a small space in the main engine unit. Both the exhaust inflow to drive the turbos and the supply of fresh air, plus the channelling of compressed air to the combustion chambers, have been designed to ensure that the three compression units work as a team as effectively as possible at all engine speeds. Efficiency is further optimised by the variable turbine geometry of the two high-pressure chargers, which allows them to react even more precisely to the driver’s power needs.

One of the two small turbos is activated at engine speeds just above idle. Its low moment of inertia allows it to respond without delay to the slightest movements of the accelerator and therefore supply the combustion chambers with compressed air at an early stage. As revs increase, the flow of exhaust gas also reaches the larger turbocharger at just 1,500 rpm. Working together with the small charger, it ensures that the impressive peak torque of 740 Newton metres is generated at this low engine speed and maintained up to 3,000 rpm.

To further increase the performance of the large turbocharger, a greater volume of exhaust gas is required at around 2,700 rpm. If the driver calls up additional power, a vacuum-modulated exhaust flap instantly opens up another supply route, allowing extra exhaust gas to flow past the already active high-pressure charger to the large low-pressure turbo. The third turbocharger – integrated into this bypass line – also has a low moment of inertia and variable compressor geometry, which allow it to spring into action as soon as the exhaust flap opens. The result is additional charge pressure, generated by two sources at the same time. The large turbocharger is able to deliver its full output, while the second small turbo builds on the effect of its two active colleagues by supplying even more compressed air to the combustion chambers. This arrangement allows the turbocharging system to drive the engine with forceful and sustained thrust to its maximum output of 280 kW, which it notches up between 4,000 and 4,400 rpm. The maximum engine speed of the new diesel powerplant is 5,400 rpm.

In order to ensure that charge pressure is developed as effectively as possible, not to mention efficiently, both the exhaust flow and supply of fresh air to the turbos and the channelling of compressed air into the combustion chambers is regulated with maximum precision. If the large turbocharger is spinning at particularly high speeds, a vacuum regulator opens a waste-gate valve to relieve the pressure and so avoid unwanted exhaust backpressure. The supply of fresh air is also controlled according to need by means of pneumatically activated flaps. For example, at low revs a bypass flap ensures that the air is channelled directly to the high-pressure charger, which spins into action very early.

Higher combustion pressure, increased output and enhanced efficiency.

The new torquey and high-revving diesel engine also breaks new ground with its specific output of 93.6 kW per litre of displacement. However, the output possible using M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology is generated not in the turbochargers but in the core of the basic engine, which has therefore also been extensively modified. Maximum combustion pressure has risen from the 185 bar of the most powerful diesel engine in the existing BMW line-up to 200 bar.

As part of this development, the crankcase in the new 3.0-litre diesel engine features an innovative tie rod concept for the assembly of the main bearing caps and cylinder head. The sintered main bearing caps are given extra strength by a central screw. Like the crankcase, the cylinder head is also subjected to a special high-pressure compression process. This “HIPen” manufacturing concept sees the aluminium castings heated to solution annealing temperature and the casting pores created during manufacturing welded under high pressure. This process gives the finished component additional strength. A double diagonal bore ensures the interbore bridges have high thermal stability.

The geometry of the crankshaft and connecting rods has been further optimised and they are now made from higher-strength materials. Added to which, hub bushings and bowl rim remelting enhance the effect of the increase in piston compression height. Higher pressure also raises the efficiency of the injection system.

The injection system of the new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine has also benefited from a rigorous process of further development. The upgraded common-rail direct injection system raises the injection pressure of the piezo injectors to 2,200 bar. During each power stroke, three pre-injections, one main injection and four post-injections of fuel take place. An ultra-high-performance pump channels the fuel to the combustion chambers through a common rail made from forged stainless steel.

The output and capacity of the cooling system have been given another boost, too. An additional low-temperature circuit supplied by an electric water pump controls the temperature of the intercoolers. The exhaust treatment system includes a diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalytic converter, which is located close to the engine in the same casing. More efficient exhaust cooling, meanwhile, minimises the formation of nitrogen oxides.

Eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with M-specific gearshift dynamics.

The combination of the most powerful diesel engine ever offered for a BMW with an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission ensures that drive is transferred onto the road surface extremely effectively and efficiently. The M-specification gearshift dynamics enable extremely rapid gear changes with an almost uninterrupted flow of power.

Manual mode allows the driver to change gears sequentially using either the gearshift lever or the paddles on the steering wheel. In customary M fashion, the right-hand paddle changes up a gear and the left-hand paddle is used for downshifts. If the driver activates manual mode using the gearshift lever, the transmission holds the gear selected until the engine’s revs hit the limiter. By not shifting up automatically in this mode, the gearbox gives the driver maximum control over the car when pushing the dynamic boundaries. The driver can also switch instantaneously from automatic gear changes to M mode with a nudge of one of the gearshift paddles; if M mode is selected in this way, the gearbox’s automatic shift-up function remains active. The transmission also restores automatic mode if the gearshift paddles are not used again following an upshift or downshift.

M-specification chassis set-up produces accurate steering and precisely controllable handling.

The chassis technology underpinning the BMW X6 M50d is based on a double-wishbone front axle and integral rear axle. This arrangement offers the ideal platform for a sporty handling set-up which also achieves high standards of ride comfort. The X6 M50d also features air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The support mounts, elastokinematics, spring and damper system, and Servotronic mapping of the hydraulic steering – among other things – have been modified to imbue the chassis set-up of the BMW X6 with hallmark M characteristics.

Stronger body mounting reduces roll, which in turn optimises steering accuracy through corners. At the same time, the linear build-up of lateral forces for which M cars are renowned enables precisely controllable handling up to the limit. The M-specification tuning of chassis components extends to the electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll control function of Adaptive Drive, which comes as standard on the BMW X6 M50d, meanwhile, the large-format braking system – with 385-millimetre front discs and 345-millimetre rear discs – provides powerful and consistent braking, even under heavy loads. 

Exclusive design features: aerodynamically optimised body, sporty interior ambience.

Exclusive exterior and interior design features for this BMW M Performance Automobile based on the BMW X6 models provide clear visual differentiation, optimised aerodynamic balance and enhanced driving pleasure. Its powerful presence and distinctively three-dimensional contours make the body-coloured front apron a genuinely eye-catching item. To optimise the supply of cooling air to the power unit, the spaces normally reserved for foglamps on regular BMW X6 models take on a new role as air intakes, and these large surfaces offer a tantalising hint of the engine power lurking behind the scenes. Horizontal bars in the colour shade Ferric Grey metallic course across their surface. The race-inspired air-channelling flaps sited below the side air intakes optimise the cars’ aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

Titanium-coloured vertical bars for the BMW kidney grille, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic, a model badge on the tailgate and BMW High-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases add further model-specific touches. The X6 M50d come standard with the exclusive BMW M Performance Automobiles 20-inch M light-alloy wheels and fitted with mixed tyres. The powerful appearance of the BMW X6 M50d is underlined by a bonnet sporting a striking powerdome as standard, and also boasts a muscular rear apron with the embellishers for the exhaust tailpipes integrated left and right.

The sporting driving pleasure served up by the BMW X6 M50d is summed up in its interiors by door sills bearing the “M Performance” lettering, the inscription “M50d” in the instrument cluster, a gearshift lever with M logo, an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim strips. Also standard fare is the exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats offering electric adjustability and a memory function. The black seats are adorned with white contrast stitching with the M logo featured along the piping.

BMW X6 Australian Pricing

* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and states/territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.