BMW has been left pretty much playing on its own in the luxury niche of coupe-profiled mid-size crossovers (we know, the description sounds ridiculous, but it is what it is) with the X6 , especially after its nearest competitor, the Acura ZDX , turned out to be a sales flop and will end its career this year .
However, being that domestic rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi are already preparing their counter proposals in the segment, BMW isn't resting on its laurels; instead, it is preparing a second generation X6, which we spied testing on the Nürburgring.
Set for a world premiere in late 2014 or early 2015 (as a 2016MY in North America), the new X6 evolves the current model's familiar shape, while reminding us of a bigger X4 (evidently, Audi's one style fits all philosophy is catching up in Munich).
From what we see in these pictures, the front will have a sharper look with more edgy detailing than the rounded X6 Mk1, with the same applying more or less to the profile lines and the rear end.
The new X6 will ride on the latest X5's lighter running gear and is expected to share similar exterior dimensions to the current model, which measures 192 inches (4,877mm) long, 78.1 inches (1,984mm) wide and 66.5 inches (1,689mm) tall.
All powerplants will be common with the X5, and will include several diesel (chiefly for Europe) and gasoline units, such as a 300hp turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six petrol, a 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine delivering 445 hp and the M-branded 3.0-liter tri-turbocharged inline-six diesel with 375hp (380PS) for the X6 M50d.
Down the line, we will see a range-topping X6 M model with a turbocharged V8 and possibly, a hybrid version.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
