Here’s what we know: the video below shows a new variant of the BMW X6 M uber-crossover being wrung out on some entertaining European roads. We can also see that the headlights and taillights will differ from existing X6 M models, but that where the facts end and speculation begins. We’ll go on record as saying the mystery vehicle pictured is likely the world’s first diesel-powered M Series BMW, since the X6 M crossover seems like the ideal place to debut an oil-burning M.
A diesel-powered X6 M has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring, but little is know about what lies beneath its hood. Some say it’s a twin-turbo setup while other sources insist it’s a tri-turbo, bit no one is reporting horsepower figures just yet. Since the gas-burning X6 M makes 555 horsepower and 501 poiund-feet of torque, we’d expect an oil-burner version to have slightly less horsepower but gobs more torque. It may not be as quick as the standard X6 M, but it will certainly be more fuel efficient than 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.
Like a reggae-ska-death metal-polka band, the BMW X6 M is awfully difficult to categorize, which makes it the perfect candidate for a diesel-burning heart transplant. BMW is clear that this is just the first video in a series, so we’ll be sure to give you updates as soon as they’re posted.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
