A NEW triple-turbo engine – the world’s most powered inline six-cylinder diesel – in a new M-enhanced model, the M50d, is the highlight of a facelifted X6 SUV range from German manufacturer BMW.

The first overhaul for the ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ since its launch in 2008, the new X6 otherwise gets superficial tweaks such as a rear bench seat to seat three (instead of two) and adaptive LED headlamps on X6 M flagship.

The new tri-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine – which also becomes available in the related X5 – produces a whopping 280kW of power and 740Nm of torque in the new variant.

The M50d also marks the debut of BMW’s M Performance sports level – sort of a halfway house between the standard models and the hardcore M flagships.

Such is the performance of the engine with its two small high-pressure turbos and one large low-pressure unit that the 2.2-tonne vehicle can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds – faster than its petrol V8 xDrive50i stablemate.

At the same time, it uses just 7.7 litres of diesel per 100km on the combined fuel test.