At first glance one might not even spot any difference at all, but upon further inspection one should notice a considerable amount of detail-oriented changes from front to back. For example, the front of the X6 now gains a new fascia, complete with a new grille, foglamps and optional adaptive LED headlamps (Xenons come standard).
Xenon was king not along ago, but with the advancement of technology comes a new top dog in the headlight realm: LED. The bright white light that is characteristic of LED headlamps ensure optimum visibility, while their cosmetics serve up a new interpretation of BMW's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlights are leveled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its center, feeding their light into the reflectors in front.
Continuing the LED theme are the taillights, which are newly designed and feature two LED-fed light banks with horizontal alignment - continuing the overall flow of the vehicle's style.
Let's talk power
Just as important as luxury appointments and cutting-edge styling are power and performance. Realizing that, BMW has added an available M Performance Package for both the base X6 xDrive35i's 300 horsepower, 300 lb-ft of torque TwinPower Turbo inline-6 and the X6 xDrive50i's 400 horsepower, 450 lb-ft 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. The result? 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque for the inline-6, and a more significant upgrade to 440 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque for the big boy V8. Both models come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to sizable power gains comes the addition of standard 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.
Still not enough? For 2013 there will still be a full-blown X6 M on order, complete with the same 555 horsepower from its turbo-fed 4.4-liter V8, mated with a tough six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2013 BMW X6 arrives in US showrooms in the spring of 2012.
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