New BMW X6 coupe-SUV arrives alongside facelifted X5

• New iDrive OS8 infotainment
• 48-volt mild hybrid engine tech
• Due on sale later in 2023 from £72,430

Three years after its initial launch, the third-generation BMW X6 has received a major facelift for 2023. Announced alongside an updated version of the BMW X5, the X6 sits as a sleeker, coupe version of that car, getting the same improvements including an all-new infotainment system and mild-hybrid engine tech.

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Due on sale in the coming months, the new BMW X6 starts from £72,430 – around £6,000 more than an entry-level X5. However, it's important to mention the svelte X6 is only available in high-spec M Sport guise, boasting a sportier bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated sports seats and a host of other accoutrements as standard. It’s also priced in line with other luxury coupe-SUV rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the newly-facelifted Mercedes GLE Coupe.

The changes to the BMW X6’s interior remain subtle, with a redesigned set of LED headlights, now featuring a chevron-like insignia. BMW has also redesigned the front bumpers for a more simplistic, yet sharper look – reminiscent of the new BMW X1. All X6 models also get gloss black detailing on BMW’s iconic kidney grille as well as on the window surrounds and aerodynamic trim pieces.

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On the inside, BMW has redesigned the X6’s cockpit to accommodate its new ‘Curved Panel’ iDrive OS8 infotainment system. This made its debut on the all-electric BMW iX and comprises a 12.3-inch touchscreen alongside a 14.9-inch digital driver’s display. Buyers can choose from a variety of upholstery and trim combinations, plus there’s now an additional LED trim piece on the dashboard, imprinted with the ‘X6’ lettering.

As before, all versions of the BMW X6 come equipped with xDrive four-wheel-drive and adaptive suspension; however, the big change for 2023 is that all powertrains now benefit from 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. 

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The X6 won’t be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning there are just three engine options available to buyers at launch. The entry-level xDrive30d diesel model outputs 294bhp and is claimed to return around 40mpg, while the 375bhp xDrive40i petrol should comfortably return just over 30mpg and do 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. Another more powerful diesel is set to arrive in the summer.

Until the updated high-performance X6 M Competition variant arrives, the fastest X6 available is the 4.4-litre V8-powered M60i. With a monstrous 523bhp at its disposal, the M60i will reach the 62mph benchmark from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds. A retuned suspension setup and bigger brakes should make the admittedly rather heavy X6 more fun on a twisty road, too.

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