The new BMW X6 SUV is under final testing ahead of it going on sale internationally at the end of this year. The SUV is expected to have its public debut at the Moscow motor show in August. This latest test mule sports less camouflage than previous models. In particular, new tail-lights can be seen on this model, sporting new designs.

 

As well as a more muscular appearance than the current model, which moves away from the X5 in terms of shape and detail, the X6 will grow considerably in size, to around 4910mm long. That should give the new X6 more interior space than the current model.

 

Power for the new car is likely to come from a new range of twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel and tri-turbocharged 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engines, as well as a selection of upgraded 4.4-litre V8 petrols for both standard and M division cars. A hybrid version, combining the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol with an electric motor, is also in development. 

 

Based on a shortened version of the X5's platform, which is made largely of steel, the new X6 should weigh significantly less than the current model, which clocks in at 2145kg in standard form. As well as its lower weight, the new X6 will also use new axle assemblies, shared with the 5-series.

 

The end of the year will the launch of the X6 M following the LA motor show, which adopts a more aggressive look than the standard car and will come with around 553bhp and 69.12kgm of torque from its 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine.

The second-generation X6 will act as a sister car to the latest X5, and forms part of an expanded SUV range which will also see the launch of a new X7, the largest SUV to be produced by the firm. That car will go into production in 2016. The new BMW X1 will also launch early in 2015, while the new X4 goes on sale internationally in July.

 

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