New BMW X6 2014 revealed at Paris Motor Show

Despite not getting the best reception on its release in 2008, the BMW X6 has gone on to sell around 250,000 units globally. And the German brand is looking to add to that success with this latest model, revealed this week at the Paris Motor Show. 

It’s got the same 2,933mm wheelbase as BMW’s X5 large SUV, but it’s 60mm lower and 23mm longer. Those newly created dimensions obviously help create the coupé-crossover look that distinguishes the X6, and now the smaller X4.

While its profile is recognisable, BMW has updated the styling with a few of the cues used on its latest models. That means headlights flowing directly into the double kidney grille and Air Curtains in either side of the front bumper, which work in conjunction with new Air Breathers in the side panels to reduce drag.

BMW is now offering buyers a Design Pure Extravagance option for the interior, the exterior or both. This adds things like stainless steel underbody guards, bespoke 20-inch alloys and aluminium surrounds for the window line and mirror caps. Meanwhile, the interior pack includes extended leather and a key featuring chrome buttons.

Inside, the new X6 is a little more practical than before, featuring rear seats that can now be folded 40:20:40 (rather than 60:40). With them all in place there’s 580 litres of space; fold them all down, and this increases to 1,525 litres, which is 75 litres more than in the old X6.

From launch in December, the X6 comes with two diesel engines – the 30d and M50d – with the 50i rounding off the range. A 35i and 40d arrive in spring 2015. The 30d will be the big seller, promising 47.1mpg economy and 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Those are improvements of 19 per cent and 0.8 seconds respectively over the old car.

There are similar gains throughout the range, with the quickest model being the 50i. It can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, which is just a tenth of a second down on the old X6 M. We’re expecting a new M version to arrive using a boosted version of the 50i’s 4.4-litre V8, with power up to around 550bhp.

Until that car arrives, buyers can go for the M50d, which does 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and comes with a few M-style chassis upgrades, such as Adaptive M suspension and bespoke settings for the steering and dampers.

Much of the technology found on the latest X5 will also be available on the new X6, including a system to brake and accelerate for you in traffic, a head-up display and active lane keep assist.