Report: Next-gen BMW X6 to be lighter and slightly bigger, due within next year along with new X5

AutoCaUK reports that BMW is hard at work with the second generation BMW X6 as the current model nears the end of its run. According to the report, the world is set to see a new next-generation X6 within the coming 18 months.

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This comes after some of BMW’s direct competitors have announced that they’ll be conceiving four-wheel drive luxury crossovers of similar caliber for the near future. Additionally, BMW seeks to expand their crossover offerings from four models today, to six by 2016. Styling wise, the future X6 is also described to move away from the model’s current design, which takes heavy inspiration from the current X5.

“We want to give our sporting models a more individual look, separating them more visually from the more practical models in our line-up,” some BMW sources told AutoCarUK.

The new X6 will gain some utility as well as it is described to gain some length as well, which is aimed to give the future X6 some more room inside. This is thanks to BMW’s new platform, which will also underpin the future X5 that is due by the end of this year. Due to this new platform, you can also expect significant weight savings as BMW has reworked its structure.

Some of the drivetrain components also help with the weight loss as the next generation X6 will receive an electrically controlled torque-vectoring system for its all-wheel drive, versus the current models mechanical system.

Base X6s will continue to ride on standard steel sprung suspension while higher end models will get self-leveling pneumatic suspension. Engine wise, the X6 will continue to use BMW’s twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, twin-turbo 3.0L diesel six, and revised versions of the current 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engines. Channeling that power will be an updated ZF eight-speed automatic.

The BMW plug-in X6 ActiveHybrid is also said to make a return as well.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK