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With photos of the new F16 BMW X6 having already leaked online, BMW wasted no time in releasing official details and a full gallery of the latest version of the controversial Sports Activity Coupe.

Despite the love-it-or-hate-it looks, the original X6 sold almost 250,000 units globally in the six years it has been on the market, so BMW has been careful not to mess with a successful formula. As such, the new car looks very much an evolution of the current car, only gaining a few new styling cues such as the current BMW corporate face, Air Curtains and Air Breathers as well as the bulging rear haunches from the X4.

The new X6 measures 32 mm longer than before at 4,909 mm, 6 mm wider at 1,989 mm and 12 mm taller at 1,702 mm. Interestingly, wheelbase has been kept the same at 2,933 mm. Compared to the X5 on which it is based, it is 23 mm longer, 51 mm wider and a full 60 mm lower.

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Weight is down by as much as 40 kg compared to the old X6 thanks to the use of ultra-high-tensile steel in the construction, thermoplastic side panels, an aluminium bonnet and a magnesium instrument panel support.

The interior has been nicked almost wholesale from the X5, save for a pair of knee pads on either side of the gear lever. Boot space is 580 litres, 10 more than before, and the new 40:20:40 split rear seats can be folded individually to boost space up to 1,525 litres, an increase of 75 litres over the previous model.

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When it goes on sale in December, the new X6 will be available with three powertrain options. The xDrive50i gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 producing 450 hp and 650 Nm, goes from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and does 9.7 litres per 100 km. The sensible shoes xDrive30d utilises a 3.0 litre straight-six turbodiesel making 258 hp and 560 Nm, does the 100 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds and sips 6.0 litres of diesel per 100 km.

At the other end of the scale is the BMW X6 M50d, which features a 3.0 litre tri-turbo diesel six producing 381 hp and 740 Nm, propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds while achieving 6.6 litres per 100 km. An xDrive35i and an xDrive40d will also be available later on, and all models will feature an eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic as standard.

Apart from the standard and M-Sport styling packages, the new X6 also comes with an optional Design Pure Extravagance package for both the exterior and interior. The exterior pack distinguishes itself with a Cerium Grey finish on the grille, side window surrounds and mirror caps, stainless steel underbody guards, aluminium side sill plates, unique grille bars and air intake inserts and 20-inch V-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior package, on the other hand, features extended Exclusive Nappa leather trim, two-tone seat upholstery in Ivory White and Black or Cognac and Black as well as American Oak or Fineline Stripe fine wood trim. Spec the car with this package and you’ll even get a key with buttons finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. Neat, huh?

While we wait for the new X6 to come to Malaysia, check out the previous generation E71 BMW X6 at CarBase.my.