The new model is expected to build on the near-250,000 sales of the first-generation model.     

The third-generation X6 features increased dimensions of 4,909mm length, 1,989mm width and 1,702mm height, making it 34mm longer, 4mm wider and 12mm higher than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been reduced by 2mm to 1933m but luggage capacity has been increased by up to 75 litres to a maximum of 1,525 litres or 580 litres with the seats in place. There’s also a revised 40:20:40 configuration for the folding rear seats, rather than the previous 60:40.

The new model features an evolution of the previous model’s styling including new headlights. Inside, there’s a revised dashboard, with the instruments enclosed within the black panel display, while a 10.2-inch widescreen display comes as part of the standard BMW Professional Navigation system.

All versions have Dakota leather upholstery in a choice of six colours, a multifunction Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

There’s also a number of personalisation options including the Pure Extravagance packages, with the Pure Extravagance Exterior Design one offering features such as illuminated aluminium door entry sills and aluminium running boards, Air Breather, exterior mirror caps, trim, kidney grille and air intakes in Cerium Grey along with rear stainless steel bumper inserts.

The new X6 will initially offer a choice of three TwinPower Turbo engines, with one more to follow after launch. An eight-speed Sport automatic transmission is standard along with the latest version of BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. 

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder common-rail diesel develops 13PS and 14.8lb.ft more than its predecessor – now 255bhp and 413lb.ft. With peak torque available from 1,500rpm, the zero to 100kph acceleration time is improved by 0.8 seconds to 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 15% to a combined 6l/100km, while CO2 emissions are down to 157g/km.

Meanwhile the M50d features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit with outputs of 381PS and 740Nm available over a wide rev range, giving a 0 to 100kph time of 5.2 seconds – a reduction of 0.1 seconds – along with official fuel consumption of 6.6l/100km, improved by 14%, while CO2 emissions come down to 174g/km.

The petrol version available at launch is a further development of the 4.4-litre V8 for the xDrive50i, which features twin turbochargers and high-precision direct injection. The power output is increased by 10% to 449PS and torque by 50Nm to 650Nm, which is available from 2,000rpm. The 0 to 62mph time is down by 0.6 seconds to 4.8 seconds, while combined fuel efficiency improves by 22% to 9.7l/100km with CO2 emissions of 225g/km.

Later in 2015 these will be joined by an additional six-cylinder diesel in the 313hp xDrive40d.

The xDrive30d and xDrive50i models are available as SE and M Sport models, while the M50d will be available as a stand-alone model.   

The new X6 also features the latest xDrive all-wheel-drive system, revisions to the double-wishbone, double-joint front suspension and patented integral rear axle, and additions to BMW’s suite of electronic driver assistance features.

And there are now three adaptive suspension packages available. Adaptive M suspension is standard on the M Sport and M50d models; Adaptive Comfort suspension is optionally available on SE variants; while Adaptive Dynamic suspension – which includes Dynamic Performance Control, Dynamic Drive with Active Roll Stabilisation to curb body roll and a torque-per-axle display – is available across the range.

A range of additional safety options are also available and include Driving Assistant Plus – which automatically maintains the distance to the car ahead above 19mph – Lane change warning system, Adaptive LED Headlights, Active Steering, Internet access, Online Entertainment and Remote Services. Park Assist, Head-up Display and Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot are also available.  

To watch a video of the new X6, click here.