Upcoming new BMW X6 leaks out ahead of full reveal

Thu, 05 Jun 2014

The X5 may have been the first BMW crossover on the market when it arrived in 2000, opening the door to more high-riding Bavarians to follow, but it's been replaced twice over now. The X3 is on its second generation, and with the X1 having been introduced in 2009 and the X4 soon to hit showrooms, that makes the X6 – introduced in 2008 – the oldest crossover in the BMW lineup. But it won't be for much longer.

Soon BMW will reveal the all-new X6, based on the latest X5 but with that tell-tale slanted roofline. But before it gets the chance, a handful of images have leaked their way all over the Internet to give us an advance look at what to expect.

The overall shape of the new X6 comes across as familiar, if a bit less of an awkward take on the vehicle that (for better or worse) launched the crossover coupe segment. Up front the twin kidney grilles and headlights are larger, in keeping with the latest BMW design language, and the bumper less horizontal and more dynamic. Towards the back there's a sharp crease above the wheel arch blending into the more rakishly shaped tail lights, while the metallic vent behind the front wheel arch lends the flank an even sportier appearance.

The interior looks to have been substantially updated as well, closely mirroring that of the new X5 but with a more compact steering wheel hub (which could come down to different European airbag regulations). It shouldn't be long now before BMW officially releases its latest take on this surprisingly successful, segment-busting crossover – one which rivals are acting fast to emulate – so watch this space.

By Noah Joseph