Generation history
The BMW X6 has been through 3 generations, starting in 2007, 2014 and 2019. The gaps were 7, 5 years, an average of 6.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2019. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2024 through 2026, centered on 2025. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The third-generation X6 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and sports more aggressive bodywork including a more angular grille which can be illuminated as an option for the first time on a BMW. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the BMW X6 model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | E71 | 2007–2014 | E71 development began in 2003 under Peter Tuennermann, after the start of E70 X5 development in 2001. |
| Second generation | F16 | 2014–2019 | The second generation X6 was launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show featuring a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a slightly larger luggage bay. |
| Third generation | G06 | 2019–present | The third-generation X6 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and sports more aggressive bodywork including a more angular grille which can be illuminated as an option for the first time on a BMW. |
The BMW X6 spent 6.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 7 years old. Treat 2024 to 2026 as a range, not a date.
Source: BMW X6 (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the BMW X6 model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
E71 development began in 2003 under Peter Tuennermann, after the start of E70 X5 development in 2001. Design work by E70 X5 designer Pierre Leclercq was frozen in 2005, with test mules being run from the summer of 2005 and prototypes being tested from late 2006. Production began on December 3, 2007. The X6 marks BMW's first use of its new Dynamic Performance Control system, which works in unison with xDrive all-wheel drive, both being standard on the X6.
The second generation X6 was launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show featuring a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a slightly larger luggage bay. Sales in most markets commenced by the end of 2014. Like the other models in the BMW range powered by the twin-turbo 4.4-litre V-8, the xDrive50i benefits from increased the power of a newer engine, which is 50 hp (37 kW) and 30 lb⋅ft more than its predecessor rising to 445 hp (332 kW) at 5500 rpm and 480 lb⋅ft of torque at 2000 rpm.
The third-generation X6 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and sports more aggressive bodywork including a more angular grille which can be illuminated as an option for the first time on a BMW. An M50i performance model is also new, replacing the xDrive50i model. The headlights mirror those on the X5, but the bumper designs and taillights are unique to the X6. Inside, a panoramic roof is standard, and 83 percent larger than the previous X6's.
Generation notes adapted from BMW X6 (Wikipedia).
Today's BMW X6
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW X6, most often about vehicle speed control (1), back over prevention (1), forward collision avoidance (1).