The second-gen BMW X6 will be in showrooms his November, which means it’s not long until Munich aficionados can get into a lather about this beast: the new BMW X6 M. Yes, M division has breathed on the new version of BMW’s coupe-4×4, plumbing in a development of the same V8 used in the M5 super-saloon.
BMW X6 M: the expected specification
The look hasn’t changed much for X6 Mk2: it keeps its predecessor’s X5-meets-6-series profile, but adds X5-style kidney grille nostrils which merge into the headlight lenses. If you want a really good idea of how the X6 M will look, take a look at our first official pictures of the new BMW X4 M Sport here.
It’s a case of evolution under the bonnet too. The old X6 M used a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, and the new car is thought to use a retuned version of the same powerplant, which lives at the heart of the M5 saloon and M6 two-door.
Power is expected to climb from the old car’s 547bhp to around 565bhp, while torque will remain pegged at around 500lb ft. Out goes the old X6 M’s six-speed automatic gearbox – BMW may switch to a seven-speed dual-clutcher, or deploy its eight-speed automatic instead.
Despite the extra ratios, the new X6 M should weigh in slightly lighter than its 2380kg donor car (well, truck), thanks to new alloy wheels, more aluminium in the body, and the possibility of composite body panels.
Of course, all-wheel drive with a rearward bias will come as standard, along with adaptive damping, upgraded M Performance brakes, and a brash ‘outtamyway, now’ bodykit.
Speaking of the styling…
Expect a body-coloured rear diffuser to (ahem) compliment the four tailpipes, and a small lip spoiler atop the X6 M’s tailgate. The car’s wider stance is pumped up with small wheelarch extensions – the car pictured has taped-up mirror casings to disguise a contrast silver finish – as seen on the M235i coupe.
Up front, a small ‘X6 M’ badge on the driver’s side of this left-hook mule’s grille is just the start of a barrage of cues that’ll leave onlookers in no doubt you’ve shelled out north of £80,000. Note the darkened grilles with unique mesh, gaping lower intakes, and deeper front splitter.
Inside, expect a triple-spoke M Sport steering wheel with alloy paddleshifters, more ‘M’ badging than a DTM race meeting, and a speedometer that reads to 200mph – though the familiar 155mph limiter is almost certain to rein the X6 M in before it hits the double ton.
With the regular X6 in showrooms late this year, the X6M should be in UK showrooms in 2015.