For the first time in Malaysia, BMW has unveiled its latest model online via its new BMW Shop Online portal. The model to have this honour is the latest BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport which is the third generation of the pioneering Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).

As with its predecessor, the new X6 has a bold, expressive design language which gives it a dominant presence on the road. It has grown in overall length (+ 26mm), width (+15 mm) and wheelbase (+42 mm) but the roofline is now 6 mm closer to the road.

A key element of the front design is the large kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination, with both halves framed by a common surround. The characteristic, slim twin BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant and LED foglights underscore the vehicle’s width and road presence. The wheelarches are shaped in a slightly hexagonal shape.

The version officially imported to Malaysia has the stylish BMW Individual Exterieur Line in aluminium satinated and roof rails in aluminium satinated. At the rear, full-LED 3-dimensional taillights are formed in the familiar BMW L-shape, along with Air Breathers as well.

The M Sport package consists of a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brake, Adaptive M Suspension and 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour with mixed and runflat tyres.

The driver of the new X6 has 340 bhp/450 Nm available from the formidable 3-litre 6-cylinder powerplant under the long bonnet. This gives a 0 to 100 km/h time claimed to be 5.5 seconds and if not for a limiter, the top speed can be above 250 km/h. Power delivery to all four wheels starts from an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and flows through the BMW xDrive system.

As a SAC, the X6 possesses superior driving dynamics on and also off-road (if the owner chooses to detour from the highway). The double-wishbone front suspension, and 5-link rear suspension have Dynamic Damper Control as standard, while the Driving Experience Control system provides a choice of a sporty or comfort-focused set-up.

The interior has been reconfigured and represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic, driver-focused BMW cockpit. Superlative workmanship and premium materials are evident throughout with Vernasca leather upholstery included as standard. The M leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, along with sports front seats. Rear passengers get moulded single-seats with automatic air-conditioning and 4-zone control ensuring that everyone will be comfortable.

The two-part panoramic glass roof, now 83% larger, giving a more spacious ambience. The rear backrest has a 40/20/40-split folding function so there’s flexibility in carrying people or cargo, with the possibility of expanding boot volume from 580 litres to 1,530 litres.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is standard too and, combined with the Head-Up Display, Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver has comprehensive and efficient communication with the car.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch Instrument Display, customisable instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers also get two 10-inch touchscreen displays.

Other standard features of the new X6 include the BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

Finally, there’s a choice of 6 exterior colours (Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red), paired with design-perforated BMW Leather ‘Vernasca’ in either Black (for all pairings) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).

Now available at the BMW Shop Online for RM729,800 (without insurance), the new X6 can be booked for RM5,000. Those who take financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose monthly instalment plans starting from RM 8,328.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

Moving to the next chapter of the BMW Efficient Dynamics story