NIP/ TUCK FOR BMW X6 IN FACELIFT OPERATION

BMW first released the X6 in 2008 and has since sold a reported 150 000 units of the thing. That’s apparently more than what they expected to sell of the coupe SUV. No one is complaining of course. Now it’s time for a facelift, as it normally is every three and a half years. Expectedly the X6 facelift will hit our dealerships during the third quarter.

Some details are in order. Modifications include matt finished fog lights, a new lower section with different grille bars, optional LED headlights (a segment first), new rear lights, and different wheels. Standard rubber is 19 inches across, but a 20-inch option can be had for extra dosh. The exterior can be painted in one of 10 different colours such as Marrakech Brown metallic or Orion Silver metallic.

While BMW initially launched the X6 strictly as a four-seater with two in front and two at the back, later a bench option was made available. The M Sport Edition also adds sweet touches like M-specific Alcantara/Nappa leather combination seats, an M leather-covered steering wheel with shift paddles and others.

Models in the range remain as follows: xDrive35i, xDrive50i, xDrive30d, xDrive40d and X6 M with 408kW. Of course with the new M Performance M50d xDrive whose 280kW, 740Nm tri-turbo diesel engine, X6 goes into a truly different dimension.

For further reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the exhaust gas, the BMW X6 xDrive30d can also be fitted with optional BMW BluePerformance Technology as of spring 2012. Here, in addition to the standard components of diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalytic converter, the AdBlue system is used, with urea injection and an NOX catalyst storage which eliminates sulphur dioxide as well as nitrogen oxides. This means that the vehicle already meets the requirements for the EU 6 emission standard which comes into effect from 2014.