Prices up for new X6

BMW Australia has released the second generation of its original 'SUV coupe' and the cheapest version will be almost $5000 more expensive than before.

Now available for $115,400 plus on-road costs, the new X6 xDrive 30d is $4825 pricier than the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel model it replaces ($110,575 plus ORCs), while the 4.4-litre xDrive 50i V8 costs $151,600 (up $1525) and the triple-turbo diesel M50d is $157,900 (up $1225).

Revealed at the Moscow motor show in June, the MkII X6 line-up will be joined by replacements for the X5M and X6M first shown at the LA show last month and could also be offered here with the M Performance parts released in Europe last week.

BMW says the higher pricing for the initial X6 line-up is more than offset by a host of extra standard equipment. New range-wide features include an eight-speed automatic transmission, leather instrument panel, Adaptive LED headlights, Driving Assistant safety package, multifunctional instrument display and 20-inch alloy wheels for all models.

Also standard across the range are ConnectedDrive safety features including Head-up Display, Intelligent Emergency Call for automatic rapid response to accidents and TeleServices automatic transmission of service data.

In addition, the X6 xDrive50i and BMW X6 M50d also gain Driving Assistant Plus with active cruise control, automatic Parking Assistant, a harman/kardon audio system, DAB+ digital radio and heated front seats as standard.

Driving Experience Control is also now standard on all models, with the xDrive50i and M50d featuring adaptive suspension packages with rear air suspension.

New BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Auto Start/Stop and ECO PRO mode help deliver fuel consumption reductions of between 14 and 22 per cent.

For the entry-level 30d, which receives the least changes, an upgraded TwinPower Turbo 190kW/560Nm six-cylinder diesel engine delivers an extra 10kW/20Nm, yet reduces its fuel consumption by 1.4L/100km to 6.0L/100km.

Meantime, the 330kW/650Nm TwinPower Turbo petrol V8 in the xDrive50i generates 30kW/50Nm more than its predecessor, and sprints to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds (0.6 seconds sooner than before) while consuming 9.7L/100km – 22 per cent less than before (12.5L/100km).