BMW->ke178 brought out the X6->ke2396 in the second half of 2008, and with a few years of experience in the market, the SUV is now ready for a minor facelift to keep it refreshingly attractive. And when we say minor, we really do mean minor, because you need to look very close to see the changes in this facelift.

The facelift starts off with redesigned fog lights, headlights, and taillamps with a new adaptive LED option, and moves on to newly designed bars, new paint finishes, light alloy wheels, and leather trim. And that's pretty much it.

The US market will get its usual xDrive50i powered by a 4.4-liter 400 hp TwinPower Turbo V8 and the X6 xDrive35i with a 300 HP TwinPower Turbo inline-6. However, for the first time, the BMW X6 will be able to be ordered with an M-Performance package that adds a few ponies and a meaner look.

On the US market, the new BMW X6 will go on sale in the spring of 2012.

UPDATE 06/26/2012: BMW has unveiled a pretty cool video for their new X6 SUV. The new model comes with selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 BMW X6.

2013 BMW X6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 BMW X6
  • Engine/Motor: twin turbo V8
  • Horsepower: 440
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The BMW X6 turned out to be a little more successful than BMW expected, so throughout the years, there were little reason to change anything about it. Just a few tweaks were done here and there to offer a fresher look and keep up with the ever-changing market. The new "facelift" X6 still maintains many of the features that made it successful originally, but changes had to be made to keep it fresh in everyone;s memory. It has received redesigned foglights - they now feature matte finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets and are positioned higher and more lateral to emphasize the width of the vehicle. The changes continue with a striking three-dimensional modeling of the frame and newly designed bars, and headlamps that can now be ordered with adaptive LED lighting. The rear gets newly designed taillights with LED technology and a more powerfully shaped rear.

The new X6 can be ordered in two non-metallic and nine metallic colors, including Marrakesh Brown metallic, Orion Silver metallic, and Midnight Blue metallic. BMW is also offering new 19-inch light alloy wheels as standard for the X6 xDrive50i.

For the interior, the standard Nevada leather upholstery is now available in Vermilion Red, but customers can also opt for a new Nappa Leather upholstery in Ivory White.

Engine

The US market will get its typical X6 variants: the X6 xDrive50i and the X6 xDrive35i. The xDrive50i is powered by a 4.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 400 HP. The xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers 300 HP. Both are mated to BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission.

New, Optional M Performance Package

Along with the minor changes associated with the facelift X6, BMW has also decided to offer it with the popular M Performance Package. This package adds an extra 15 HP and 30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive35i and 40 HP and 30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive50i. In terms of exterior upgrades, it brings in 20" light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, an M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

Prices

The new BMW X6 will go on sale in the spring of 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Until Audi and Mercedes finally unveil their competitors for the X6, the only ones left on the market are the Porsche Cayenne->ke212 and the Range Rover Sport->ke469. The Cayenne is also offered in both V6 and V8 versions, but the X6 is more powerful than both when equipped with the M Performance Package. The Cayenne V6 delivers 290 HP and the Cayenne V8 delivers 405 HP. The Range Rover Sport only gets a V8 engine with 390 HP - again the X6 with M Performance Package still comes out on top.