The Sports Activity Coupe – SAC – Evolves into its Second Generation

BMW has fully redesigned its crossover SUV model, the "X6." First introduced in 2008, the X6 was a new proposal from BMW as a "Sports Activity Coupe" that incorporated coupe-like design into an SUV. Its unique style and high driving performance, supported by the "xDrive" four-wheel-drive system, have led to cumulative sales of over 250,000 units.

The second-generation model, launched this time, inherits the elegant roofline that was its identity, featuring a coupe-like design.



A look at the side profile reveals a model with BMW's characteristic packaging, including a long hood, long wheelbase, and a cabin space set back towards the rear. The front fascia, inspired by the "X" in its series name, features a wild design with a front apron and sharp-edged headlights, creating an active impression.

The headlight units, flanking the traditional kidney grille, now feature "Adaptive LED Headlights" as standard on all models, ensuring excellent visibility not only at night but also in poor daylight conditions.

Emphasis on Spatial Expansion Through Contrasting Light and Shadow

The interior, similar to the recently redesigned "X5," employs a layering technique with multiple surfaces, creating a three-dimensional design that emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow. This not only enhances the sense of spaciousness but also contributes to a modern cabin ambiance.

Following the layout of other BMW models, the driver-oriented cockpit features a highly legible instrument panel and a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. In the center, a 10.2-inch high-resolution wide control display, linked to iDrive, presents various information such as navigation and audio.



The spacious rear seats, while designed as sporty individual units, are equipped with headrests and seatbelts in the center, accommodating up to three passengers.

Beneath the gently sloping roofline, reminiscent of a coupe, the luggage compartment offers 580 liters, an increase of 10 liters over the previous model. With the rear seats folded down, the maximum capacity expands to 1,525 liters, a gain of 75 liters. The convenient "Automatic Tailgate Operation," allowing automatic opening and closing of the large tailgate via remote key or button, is also standard.

Introduction of the "M Sport" Package for the First Time in the X6 Series

A significant new development for the redesigned X6 is the introduction of the sporty "M Sport" package, available for the first time alongside the standard specification. This package includes an M Aerodynamics package for a more aggressive exterior, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim, and various exclusive features curated by BMW M, such as adaptive M suspension with sporty driving modes.

The powertrain lineup includes a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine producing a maximum output of 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) of torque, and a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine boasting 330 kW (450 hp) and 650 Nm (66.3 kgm) of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

To maximize the efficiency of the powerful engines and high-performance transmissions, BMW has incorporated its latest technologies, including an engine auto start/stop function to suppress unnecessary idling, an ECO PRO mode to support fuel-efficient driving, and Air Curtains and Air Breathers to reduce air turbulence around the front wheels.



The body also utilizes lightweight materials to ensure excellent strength and rigidity while achieving a weight reduction of up to approximately 40 kg compared to the previous model.

The drivetrain is a full-time four-wheel-drive system, "xDrive," which electronically controls the variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. This unique BMW system ensures maximum traction under all conditions. Furthermore, with the "Dynamic Performance Control" option, linked with xDrive, the drive force between the left and right rear wheels is optimized according to driving conditions, delivering superior cornering performance and handling.

Deliveries to Begin at Year-End

As a suite of safety driving assistance systems, "Driving Assistant Plus" is standard on all models. This system uses a combination of cameras and radar sensors to monitor the area ahead and support safe driving. It includes "Forward Collision Warning," "Automatic Collision Mitigation" that automatically applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision when a crash is imminent, "Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function," and "Lane Departure Warning" that alerts the driver to unintentional lane departures.

Additionally, "Side View Camera," which displays a panoramic view of the area in front of and to the sides of the vehicle, and "Top View," which uses camera images processed digitally to show a bird's-eye view of the vehicle on the display, are also standard on all models. Like other BMW models, it is equipped with "BMW SOS Call," an automatic emergency notification function utilizing an integrated communication module.



Pricing for the new model starts at 8.98 million yen for the 3.0-liter inline-6 "X6 xDrive35i" and 9.75 million yen for the "X6 xDrive35i M Sport." The 4.4-liter V8-powered "X6 xDrive50i" is priced at 11.85 million yen, and the "X6 xDrive50i M Sport" at 12.85 million yen. Orders have been accepted nationwide by authorized dealers since August 7th, with deliveries for the X6 xDrive50i scheduled for December of this year and the X6 xDrive35i starting in February of next year.

BMW X6 xDrive50i | BMW X6 xDrive50i
Body Dimensions | Length 4,925 x Width 1,990 x Height 1,700 mm
Wheelbase | 2,935 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,640 / 1,706 mm (*)
Ground Clearance | 212 mm (*)
Vehicle Weight | 2,170 kg (*)
Engine | 4,394 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Max Output | 330 kW (450 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 650 Nm (66.3 kgm) / 2,000-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic Sport
Drivetrain | 4WD
Trunk Space (VDA) | 580 - 1,525 Liters
Min Turning Radius | 6.4 m (*)
Brakes | Ventilated Discs
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 6.4 Seconds (*)
Top Speed | 250 km/h (*)
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 9.7 ℓ/100km (approx. 10.3 km/ℓ) (*)
CO2 Emissions | 227 g/km (*)
Price | (Standard) 11.85 million yen (M Sport) 12.85 million yen

BMW X6 xDrive35i | BMW X6 xDrive35i
Body Dimensions | Length 4,925 x Width 1,990 x Height 1,700 mm
Wheelbase | 2,935 mm
Engine | 2,979 cc Inline-6 Turbo
Max Output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,800 rpm
Max Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-1,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic Sport
Drivetrain | 4WD
Trunk Space (VDA) | 580 - 1,525 Liters
Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Top Speed | 250 km/h (Limited)
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 8.5 - 8.6 ℓ/100km (approx. 11.6 - 11.8 km/ℓ) (*)
CO2 Emissions | 198 - 200 g/km (*)
Price | (Standard) 8.98 million yen (M Sport) 9.75 million yen

(*) European specification reference values