Compared to the B6LE it had a new lower chassis frame with increased low floor area, independent front suspension giving more than 10 cm wider gangway between the front wheel arches, and front end "kneeling", giving a 25 cm entrance height.

Like its predecessor, it continued to compete with the Dennis Dart SLF.

A total of 346 known B6BLEs were produced between 1999 and 2001,[2] including two for Australia, nine for Norway and two for Sweden.

When the Irvine plant was closed in 2000, production moved to Sweden.

The last buses were registered as late as April 2002, but the model year on the chassis VINs reveal that they were built in 2001, waiting to be bodied.