BMW Will Use Tri-turbo Diesel on 2012 X6 and 7-Series

It feels like not a day goes by without a new rumor regarding BMW’s upcoming tri-turbo engine. But before we get stuck in and talk about the diesel version, let us remind you about all the rumored versions to come with an inline-six and an extra turbo that’s drive by electricity for lower rev torque.

It will all kick of with the first X3 M ever made, which will be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt motor show in September. This sport crossover will deliver around 350 horsepower via all four of its wheels, though BMW might surprise us and provide even more.

Next up, the most important car to get the tri-turbo is the next generation M3, which will have a 3.3-liter version with about 450 horsepower going to the back wheels. There’s also talk of the new M2 using the powerplant, but the sportscar is still in the early stages of development.

According to the Mecca of all things Bavarian, BMW Blog, the six-cylinder tri-turbo will also get a diesel version. The new unit will be introduced next spring in the facelifted X6 and could also push out 350 horsepower from under the bonnet of the coupe-ish SUV.

There’s also a higher output version coming with 400 hp, though this might have a bigger displacement. It will first be introduced in the X6 xDrive50d model which will debut in March 2012. There’s downsizing for you: a BMW with ‘50’ in its name and it uses a six-cylinder.

The new engine will also be used in the facelifted facelifted 2012 7-Series next year, a model expected to debut later this year. The 750d will also be offered with xDrive (BMW’s all-wheel-drive system) and in a new extended wheelbase variant designated the 750Ld.