BMW released photos and some information about its X6 update, showing a car little changed from its first generation. The new vehicle includes features such as LED headlamps and BMW's latest engine technology.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
BMW launched the oddly shaped X6 in 2008 in an attempt to create a model for the new crossover segment. Called a sport activity coupe, it shares a platform and many specifications with the X5. Following a five-year product cycle, BMW offers this freshened version for the 2013 model year.
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The styling changes are subdued, and actually make the X6 look less aggressive than the previous generation. Air intakes on the front of the car have been reduced in size and the grille looks more upright.
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One technical innovation for the 2013 X6 is the LED headlights. These use adaptive technology to keep light on the road when the car is going around a turn.
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Like the previous generation, the X6 will be available with either the 3-liter straight 6 or the 4.4-liter V-8 engines, both using direct injection and twin-scroll turbochargers.
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BMW will offer new M Performance packages for the standard X6 models. These packages go beyond mere cosmetics to increase engine power output. The full X6 M model will also still be available; it uses a bigger engine and active-suspension technology to improve handling.
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BMW's current cabin style is apparent in the 2013 X6, with sculpted levers for the door pulls and shifter. An intriguing detail in this photo is the pair of leather pads at the front of the console.
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As an updated model, the X6 will get BMW's latest cabin electronics, which includes new connected services through the BMW Apps feature. Currently, that would include Pandora and MOG integration for online music.
