2013 BMW X6: First Look

• Competes with: Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Infiniti FX50 
• Looks like: Not a whole lot of change for the X6  
• Drivetrain: 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, 400-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, 555-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8; eight- or six-speed automatic transmissions
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2012

For the 2013 model year, the BMW X6 undergoes a subtle midcycle update, keeping the nearly 4-year-old model fresh enough for perspective buyers. Up front, the X6 gets a restyled grille, front clip, fog lamps and new headlights. Adaptive LED headlights are a new option for the model year; xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are still standard. In the back, there are restyled LED taillights. There also are new 19-inch wheel designs for the xDrive50i, too.

In the cabin, there’s a new red leather upholstery option. The uplevel Nappa leather upholstery now comes in a new Ivory color scheme. Like the 2012 BMW X6, the 2013 model comes standard with four bucket seats, but there’s a rear bench seat option, bringing the total capacity to five passengers.

Powertrain options remain the same as last year’s model, though there’s a new M Performance Package. Unlike purely cosmetic M Packages on models like the BMW 1 Series, the trim package actually boosts performance on the X6. The engine is upgraded to produce 15 more horsepower and 30 more pounds-feet of torque on the xDrive35i and 40 more hp and 30 more pounds-feet of torque on the xDrive50i for a total maximum of 440 hp. The 2013 BMW X6 M is still around, too, producing 555 hp. The BMW X6 Hybrid was canceled for the 2011 model year.

The new 2013 BMW X6 goes on sale this spring. Continue below for more photos.