Pretty much all BMW models are going under the knife for a refresh. One of those models is the X6, and our spy photographers have spotted it testing again. This isn’t the first time it’s been spied, though. The facelift edX6 as well as the X6 M have been seen testing with camouflage several times. The X6 doesn’t seem to boast a lot of changes when compared to the outgoing model, but there is enough the keep it fresh for a year or two more.

Typical Facelift Upgrades

On the outside, it comes with the typical LCI updates. There are new headlights and new graphics within the lamps. The slimmer design seems to be inspired by the XM concept. You can also spot a new grille up front, which, from the looks of it, will still be a talking point. It also features a new bumper with redesigned intakes.

The rear setup is somewhat unchanged, but we expect to see new taillights and a revised bumper. The taillights, just like the headlights, could have new details and graphics, too. The fact that it is still wearing the taillights from the current model makes us wonder if the X6 LCI is still some time away. The heavy camouflage doesn’t do any favors in making a case for its early arrival either. So, is this a 2023 model year coupe, or a 2024 model year? Only time will tell, but 2024 seems more likely.

On the inside, the upcoming X6 is expected to get a new touchscreen with the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system. The cabin layout might not get a complete overhaul, but expect new trims and materials to grace the dash, seats, and other interior trim pieces.

There Could Be Changes Under The Hood

The current models come with two engine options, and one would expect the same engine options will be carried over since this is just a facelift. The current models come with two engine options - a 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six or a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8. The six-pot mill churns out 335 ponies and 330 pound-feet of torque, whereas the V-8 puts out 523 horses and 553 pound-feet of oomph.

However, the M model might receive something hotter. There are rumors that BMW‘s new V-8, codenamed the S68, will debut under the X6 M’s hood.} It will first come in the production-spec XM, but the X6 M could be the next beneficiary of this new mill, which could be the last of its kind before electrification takes over.

It is supposedly paired with a mild-hybrid setup that will offer a boost on demand when the battery is charged, and might help with the efficiency to a certain extent. If the battery’s size is large, it’s going to be good for the engine, but will directly impact the cargo capacity. In the end, it will be a trade-off between cargo space and performance. As for the power, we can’t say for sure what the output will be like, but in the XM, it will deliver 750 horses.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, we’re still not sure when the updated X6 will be launched. It could either arrive late this year as a 2023 model or could be launched in 2023 as a 2024 model. There were some hushed talks that it will enter production in April 2023, but take it with a pinch of salt until we have some concrete information on hand.