In the late 2000s, BMW took a gamble on an unexplored niche. They took an X5, gave it a swoopy roofline, called it the X6 and priced it above the X5. Some loved it, some hated it, but regardless it sold well enough to eventually be copied by everyone from Acura to Porsche. Now entering its third generation, the 2020 BMW X6 aims to keep buyers in love with its blend of style and utility.
On the outside, the 2020 BMW X6 is sharper and more rakish than its predecessor. The front fascia is aggressive, with its grille being influenced by the 8-Series coupe and the overall leer of it having a hint of classic E24 6-series influence. The aforementioned grille, by the way, can be illuminated. Speaking of illumination, adaptive full-LED headlights light the road ahead. Along the side, BMW’s now-signature side vent cuts high into the front fenders, with a sharp character line that sweeps along the doors and kicks up at the back. The sharp beltline and aggressive geometric wheel arches help visually plant the new X6 into the tarmac, while the sloping roof adopts a double-bubble design. Around the back, the new X6 has some of the widest taillights in recent BMW history, as well as a large diffuser-style trim piece and a pair of very prominent vents. It’s a very sharp design that forecasts the forthcoming X6 M’s styling as being downright steroidal.
The interior of the 2020 BMW X6 should look quite familiar to anyone who’s spent time in the current X5. A large, 12.3” infotainment screen running the latest version of iDrive sits above a large, sweeping bit of trim with neatly integrated air vents and climate controls. BMW’s latest 12.3” digital cluster design sits hooded behind the steering wheel, while the gear lever is available in a glass finish. BMW’s Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof makes an available appearance here, as does such luxury tech as a 1,500 watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system, heated and cooled cupholders and four-zone climate control. The rear seat splits 40:20:40 and when those seats are folded, the maximum luggage capacity is a respectable 1,525 litres.
When it comes to powering the 2020 BMW X6, Canadians have two engine choices. The entry-level model is the X6 xDrive40i with a turbocharged three-litre inline-six making 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It’s expected to do the 0-100 km/h dash in 5.5 seconds and packs a top speed of 250 km/h when optioned with performance tires. Those not content with a mere six cylinders can step up to the X6 M50i which packs a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 putting out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X6 M50i can hit 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and has a similarly limited top speed of 250 km/h when equipped with performance tires. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with predictive shift technology and put power to all four wheels using BMW’s signature xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In addition, the X6 M50i comes standard with some extra hardware to harness those 523 horsepower, namely an M Sport rear differential and big brakes, both of which are optional on the X6 xDrive40i. The X6 xDrive40i, on the other hand, is available with an off-road package consisting of the aforementioned M Sport differential and four off-road drive modes. Two-axle air suspension is available, as is active roll stabilization and four-wheel steering. The latest in active safety technology is also available, as is Back-Up Assistant, which can maneuver the X6 through a confined low-speed area for up to 50 metres without requiring any steering input.
Pricing for the 2020 BMW X6 has not yet been announced, nor has a specific on-sale date for the Canadian market. The coupe SUV wave isn’t stopping any time soon, and this new X6 should have no problem staying at the head of the pack.
