BMW's X6 gets some small but noticeable updates.
BMW’s updated X6 Sport Activity Vehicle was one of those proverbial game-changers that comes along only every so often but then has a significant influence on automotive design. In this case, any number of competitors has raced to match the Bavarian maker’s quirky blend of sporty coupe and crossover/utility features.
Though decidedly controversial – generating both picks and pans among industry critics, the first-generation BMW X6 has clicked with consumers, selling more than 150,000 copies worldwide, including 20,000 here in the U.S., which the German maker insists “has far exceeded the original expectations.”
So, the spotlight is on the update that will be rolling into showrooms this spring. Not surprisingly, especially for a mid-cycle update, goes through some evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, changes. But they should nonetheless enhance the appeal of the sport-activity coupe.
The big changes are up front with the 2013 BMW X6, including optional adaptive lamps.
The most immediately noticeable change is to the front end, with a revised fascia and tweaks to the signature double kidney grille that brings the 2013 BMW X6 more in line with what we discovered at the recent auto show with the next-generation 3-Series.
The nose also gets revised matte surrounds for the foglamps and buyers will be able to opt for new adaptive headlamps rather than the stock Xenon lamps. At the back end, the X6 taillamps grow larger and migrate to LED technology.
Other visual changes are minor, with new exterior colors, such as Marrakesh Brown, new 19-inch wheels and, inside, a few subtle tweaks to the leather palette. A three-seat bench also becomes available.
There will be few changes to the interior.
But what should draw some notice is the upgraded M Performance Package, which now gets bumped up to 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft from the 3.0-liter engine and 440-hp and 480 lb-ft out of the 4.4-liter V-8.
The M Performance Package also gets black chrome exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels and a Carbon Metallic paint option.
For those looking for the ultimate performance, there’s still an available X6 M, though it maintains its 555-horsepower V-8 and six-speed gearbox for 2013.
Meanwhile, BMW has also announced that a diesel-powered version of the X6 will also be added to the maker’s M Performance sub-brand. Dubbed the X6 M50d, it will be able to launch from 0 to 60 in barely 5.3 seconds yet still get about 28 mpg in the European cycle. Due for a preview at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, it is not yet confirmed whether the performance diesel version will come to the U.S.
(Click Here for more on the BMW X6 M50d.)