BMW unveils new X6

390kW M50i heads new SUV coupe line-up

BMW has followed up the launch of the latest X5 and new X7 with the unveiling of their North American produced sister model, the third-generation X6.

Set to see Chinese showrooms in early 2020 following a planned public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, the new five-seat model enters a crowded premium brand SUV coupe market that now includes direct rivals in the form of the Audi Q8, soon-to-be-replaced Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and newly introduced Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Despite the increased competition, BMW is confident a loyal customer base will see the new X6 continue the sales success of its predecessors, with an initial line-up that includes the gasoline powered X6 xDrive40i and M50i bound for China as well as the diesel engine touting X6 xDrive30d and M50d set to be offered in other markets.

As with the latest X5, the 2020 model year X6 boasts an evolutionary design update. It includes a bold new interpretation of BMW’s signature kidney grille, angular headlamps and a broad-shouldered body.

Overall, it is more angular in appearance with flanks that are dominated by a heavy etched feature line and breather elements behind the front and rear wheel arches.

At the rear, the new BMW shares its look with the second generation X4, most notably in the shape of its tail lamps and design of its heavily angled tailgate.

The fresh look is accompanied by an increase in dimensions; length is up by 26mm over the second-generation X6 at 4935mm and width has been extended by 15mm to 2004mm.  A 42mm stretch in the wheelbase to 2975mm is claimed to have liberated greater interior space, though boot capacity remains the same as before at 580 litres – some 65 litres less than that offered by the X5. With the 40:20:40 configured rear seat folded away, capacity increases to 1530 litres.

The interior design is largely shared with the X5. BMW says it uses higher grade materials than the old X6, including Vernasca leather upholstery as standard. It also receives new high definition digital displays for the instruments and infotainment system as well as revised switchgear in bid to provide the new model with a distinctly more upmarket feel than its predecessor. Added comfort is also promised through the adoption of redesigned seats that are claimed to offer greater support.

BMW has confirmed the new X6 will be produced from the outset with four different engines, two gasoline units and a pair of diesels with EU6d-TEMP certification. All come mated with a standard eight-speed torque converter equipped gearbox and BMW’s latest four-cylinder xDrive system, as found in the latest X5 and X7.

Heading the gasoline line-up is the X6 M50i, which runs a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 390kW and 750Nm of torque in the X6 M50i. It boasts a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.3sec and a limited 250km/h top speed in combination with combined cycle fuel consumption of 10.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 237g/km on the WLTP test procedure.

It is joined by the X6 xDrive40i, whose turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine delivers 250kW and 450Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 5.5sec, limited 250km/h top speed along with combined consumption of 8.0L/100km and CO2 emissions of 181g/km.

The diesels are led by the X6 M50d with a quad-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine developing 294kW and 760Nm. It is claimed to reach 100km/h from standstill in 5.2secs, hit a top speed of 250km/h and deliver combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 6.9L/100km and 181g/km respectively.

As with today’s second-generation model, there’s also a base X6 xDrive30d model. It uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder diesel with 194kW and 620Nm – sufficient to provide it with an official 0-100km/h time of 6.5sec and 230km/h top speed, combined consumption of 6.1L/100km and CO emissions of 159g/km.

The suspension of the X6 is based around the arrangement already used by the X5 with double wishbones up front and a five-link set-up at the rear together with the latest incarnation of BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control system as standard. Buyers can option the new model with a so-called Adaptive M suspension Professional, which brings active roll bars and a rear-wheel steer function known as Integral Active Steering.

On top of this, there’s an air suspension offering 80mm of ride height adjustment and automatic self-levelling as well as an off-road package for non-M models with four additional driving modes that BMW says have been specifically tuned for driving on snow, sand, gravel and rocks.

In a development that has already made it presence felt on the X5, the new X6 possesses a stiffer bodyshell that is claimed to help it better isolate road shock and secondary vibration for added ride comfort and improved refinement.

BMW has provided its latest SUV with a wide range of driver assistance systems, including the latest incarnation of the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which now capable of alerting the driver when a cyclist is detected, as standard. As on the X5, Active Cruise Control with a stop and go function is among a long list of options.