BMW has released official images of the updated version of its flagship SUV – the BMW X6. The big news for the upgraded, 2012 BMW X6 is the addition of the new X6 M50d variant, which comes under the brand’s recently revealed BMW M Performance Automobiles range.
The X6 M50d will be powered by a 3.0-litre triple-turbo diesel engine. Producing 280kW of power and 740Nm of torque, the new variant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, yet uses just 7.7 litres of fuel per 100km under European combined standards. That makes it one-tenth quicker than the petrol-powered twin-turbo V8 xDrive50i, and almost 40 per cent more fuel efficient.
The M50d will slot into the range between the xDrive50i and the X6 M, suggesting a starting price of around $165,000 before on-roads.
The mid-life X6 upgrade is largely cosmetic, with small changes to the front, rear, wheel designs and interior finishes.
BMW’s designers aimed to emphasise the car’s width, giving attention to the fog lights, air intakes, bumper design and kidney grille. Adaptive LED headlights are available as an option to the standard xenon units. The taillights now incorporate twin LED banks, mirroring others in the modern BMW range. The xDrive50i gets new 19-inch light alloy wheels. The standard leather can now be optioned in Vermillion Red, while those who opt for the nappa leather upholstery can select between Black and Ebony White.
