The New BMW X6 Is The Latest 'Coupe' SUV That'll Sell In Ludicrously High Numbers

Whichever way you look at it, the original X6 was concocted from a rather strange recipe. BMW took its practical, high-riding X5 SUV, gave it a much less practical coupe-like body, and lowered the suspension for extra sportiness. The makeover wasn’t even a very attractive one - quite the opposite, arguably - and yet BMW sold shed loads. That’s why this all-new version, which has just been unveiled, is kind of a big deal.

As you can see, it’s still no oil painting, but the new aggressive look - which is maybe a little too similar to its X4 little brother - is a slight improvement over the old car. It’s grown ever so slightly and has more kit than before, but the weight has dropped by around 10kg.

Three versions will be available from launch. The range kicks off with the xDrive30d, which has BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel under the bonnet, kicking out 245bhp and 413lb ft. Next up is the X6 M50d, which uses a triple turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel producing 376bhp and 545lb ft. If you prefer petrol, there’s the 4.4-litre turbo V8 xDrive50i with 443bhp and 480lb ft.

Performance-wise, you can expect to sort the 0-62mph dash in 6.7, 5.2 and 4.8 respectively, while all top out at an electronically-limited 155mph. The 30d prices start at £51,150, the M50d £66,920, and the 50i £63,065. Claimed economy figures range from 47.1mpg in the 30d, dropping to 29.1 in the V8 50i. It goes on sale in the UK in December, and it’ll make its public debut at August’s Moscow motor show.

What do you think, an improvement on the old car, or still a little too ungainly?