BMW started production of the second generation X6 at its Greer plant located in Spartanburg, USA. The first car was a "Sophisto Gray" color xDrive 35i with a black leather interior. It is bound for a dealership in China, BMW said.
The X6 is made exclusively at this American facility for more than 140 global markets including India. Since the first generation model entered production in 2008, over 265,000 units of the SUV have been manufactured.
Sporting minor design changes such as new headlights, grille, bumpers and taillights, the second gen X6 is largely reminiscent of the first generation model. However, thanks to the use of high-strength steel, aluminium and thermoplastics, the SUV now weighs 40 kg less. It even comes with a 50:50 weight distribution.
Earlier this year, BMW announced that it would invest 1 billion USD in this plant to increase production capacity to 450,000 units per annum by 2016. The BMW X7 will also enter production at this plant.
The X6 is imported into India via the CBU route. We expect this arrangement to remain unaltered when the second generation model launches sometime next year.
Competitors: Mercedes ML Coupe, Audi Q6 (both still under development)
Expected Price: INR 90 lakhs to 1 crore, ex-Showroom
