Face-lifted BMW X6 Launched

If ‘Beauty and the Beast’ have ever managed to harmoniously merge into creating a single product , it would most certainly have to be the BMW X6. Presented to the world as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and selling in India since 2009, this oxymoron of a vehicle despite being the brand’s least selling utility vehicle in the country has played a key role in building the brand’s reputation as one that can in fact design cars that are worth drooling over.

Operating in a very niche upmarket utility vehicle space with no real competition the X6 recently progressed into its second generation look  and now replaces its predecessor looking more aggressive, flamboyant and curvacious than before.

The face-lifted BMW X6 is now on sale pan India and presents a more expressive Sports Activity Coupé demeanor with modified details such as standard fog lights now set in matt finish surrounds, a higher and more lateral position that emphasies the width of the vehicle, a three-dimensional modelling of the frame and a newly designed kidney grille that stands out at the front of the vehicle. 

Having done away with the bi-xenon lights for the 2013 model, the X6 is the first vehicle in this segment to be fitted with adaptive LED headlamps as standard. Also visible are the 19-inch light alloy wheels featuring a double spoke design in bi-colour.

A massive 4.4-litre V8 for the the xDriver50i petrol model and an in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine for the BMW X6 xDrive40d will now mobilise the new X6 producing 408PS and 306PS respectively. Both models get a standard 8-speed sports transmission including shift paddles at the steering wheel. The Dynamic Performance Control feature is a standard fitment across all versions of the BMW X6 as is the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive system.

Even the insides have undergone special treatment with better quality leathers for the four-seater model. 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 2013 X6 obviously benefits from the Driver assistance systems offered through BMW’s ConnectedDrive system and will be available in two exclusive packages for customers. The Innovation Package enhances driving experience through Adaptive Full-LED Headlights, BMW Head-up Display and BMW Apps, while the Luxury Package is designed specifically for customers with a focus on comfort. The package includes special Comfort Seats with Lumbar Support, Active Seat Ventilation and Seat Heating.

Speaking at the launch of the new BMW X6 Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, “There are SUVs and there are coupes, but there is only one BMW X6. This vehicle is like no other. It unites apparent opposites, such as size with agility and sportiness with elegance. It’s a sports car that also feels at home when away from the road. That is why, we have created a separate vehicle category for the BMW X6 – the Sports Activity Coupe. These three words encompass everything that makes the BMW X6 so special and this is apparent at first sight. And there is another certainty. The new BMW X6 will definitely attract attention, wherever it goes.”

Priced at Rs 78.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the now better displaced xDrive40d Diesel model and and even heftier price tag of Rs 93.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the xDriver50i Petrol model, the new BMW X6 will continue to sell as a CBU (Completely Built-up) unit here in India and demand a handsome price for its enigmatic on road persona among other personal merits.