BMW X6 2020 revealed: Larger, more radical design, still very niche

BMW has revealed its third-generation BMW X6 coupe SUV, set to launch in Australia for the 2020 model year.

While local pricing and spec is yet to be revealed, BMW will offer the X6 internationally with four engine choices, two diesel in-line sixes, a petrol inline six, and a petrol V8.

These kick off with the xDrive30d with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel (195kW/620Nm) and xDrive40i with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol (250kW/450Nm) and move up to the M50d with a more powerful version of the diesel straight-six (294kW/760Nm) and M50i topping the range with a 4.4-litre V8 (390kW/750Nm).

The new X6 has grown in size fairly significantly, while having its height trimmed to improve its centre of gravity. It is 26mm longer (4935mm), 6mm lower (1696mm) and its track has increased 44mm in width (overall width is up 15mm, to 2004mm).

The X6 wears radically overhauled styling, bringing it in line with the rest of BMW’s recently updated SUV range. It will also premier a new design highlight, an illuminated version of BMW’s infamous ‘kidney grille’. LED headlights will be standard on all X6s, while BMW’s “Laserlight” selective beam laser headlight system will be an option.

The X6 has overhauled styling and has grown in size.

Depending on the grade chosen, the X6 will have specific design flourishes. If the lower grade xDrive40i or xDrive30d are chosen, these highlights include “underguard protection elements” and chrome finishes around grilles, intakes and side skirts.

All X6s will get Vernasca leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable sports seats as standard, as well as “2.5-zone climate control”, ambient lighting and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard.

Meanwhile the M Sport variants instead carry high gloss black highlights and body-coloured trim instead of plastic wheel-arches.

The M Sport variants also receive Adaptive M suspension, M Sport exhaust system and M Sport brakes (identified by blue calipers) as standard.

All X6s will have full leather interior trim.

Further design touches will be able to be specified by option packs and BMW’s Individual program.

Optional performance extras include an M differential lock, and the xOffroad package which includes two-axle air suspension, the rear differential lock, and four traction control modes designed for snow, sand, gravel, or rocks.

Every BMW X6 has a 40:20:40 split folding second row, which allows the boot to be expanded from 580 litres to 1525L.

Muiltimedia is via a 12.3-inch display controlled via a rotary dial, and has as standard wi-fi, Bluetooth and built-in navigation. There was no word on Apple CarPlay connectivity, which BMW sells as an option in some models.

Owners will be able to lock and unlock their car via a BMW digital key app on their phone.

A V8 will top out the X6 range in the M50i.

On the safety front the X6 has city-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as forward collision warning (FCW).

Active cruise control is on the global options list, alongside the ‘Driving Assistant Professional’ pack which also adds lane departure warning (LDW) with lane keep assist (LKAS), as well as ‘Emergency Stop Assistant’ which is able to bring the car to a safe halt where the driver has become impaired for medical reasons. Between the speeds of 70-100km/h the system is capable of autonomously changing lanes, it then brings the car to a halt, activates the hazard lights and calls emergency services. 

The X6 is capable of self-parking via a sonar system and has a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors as standard. The system can be expanded to a 360-degree top-down parking suite with the ‘Parking Assistant Plus’ pack. Some or all of these may be standard in Australia.

The new X6 is not set to arrive internationally until November, making for an early 2020 launch in Australia. Stay tuned for local pricing and spec.

What do you think of the new X6’s styling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.