Large luxury SUV buyers will be interested hear the 2020 BMW X6 has just been revealed, ahead of its market deployment late this year. The new model switches to the latest CLAR platform, like its brother, the X5.
Thanks to the new platform, the overall length of the 2020 X6 is 26mm longer than the outgoing model, measuring 4935mm. It’s also 15mm wider, at 2004mm, and sits 6mm lower in roof height, at 1696mm. Helping with interior space, the wheelbase is stretched 42mm to 2975mm, over the predecessor.
It’s easy to spot the new model from the front thanks to the switch to BMW’s latest kidney grille design, which sees the two grilles merge in the middle. Buyers will also be able to option for illumination for the grilles – a first for the X6. There’s also fresh headlights that take a more slender frame, with optional Adaptive Laserlight technology.
Around at the back the taillights almost become flush with the body, like we saw on the new X4. They are also much wider than before, and incorporate new lens detailing. An integrated lip spoiler continues for the tailgate, with pumped haunches and a chunky diffuser section down below.
BMW will be presenting four powertrain levels to the market, although, availability for specific market regions is yet to be confirmed. The range spans from the xDrive30d , xDrive40i, M50d and M50i. The first three utilise a turbocharged inline six engine, while the M50i uses a twin-turbo V8.
Starting with the M50i. It comes with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that debuted with the new 8 Series in the M850i. Here it produces the same 390kW and 750Nm, which is enough to complete 0-100-km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated between 10.4-10.7L/100km.
Stepping down to the xDrive40i gets you a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six that belts out 250kW and 450Nm. We’ve usually known this engine to feature a single turbo but the spec sheet clearly states “two twin-scroll turbochargers”. It can conquer the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.5 seconds, and offers a fuel economy average between 8.0-8.6L/100km.
Topping out the diesel lineup is the monster M50d. It comes with a 3.0-litre quad-turbo inline six that develops 294kW and 760Nm. This is enough grunt to see 0-100km/h done and dusted in a claimed 5.2 seconds. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is rated between 6.9-7.2L/100km.
Lastly, the xDrive30d is powered by a single turbo version of a similar engine as above, producing 195kW and 620Nm. It offers a still-impressive 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds, while fuel economy is rated between 6.1-6.6L/100km.
At this stage there is no M model, but one is coming. BMW has been spotted testing prototypes around the Nurburgring recently, and they sport muscular V8 soundtracks and all the telltale signs of a proper M model. It’s expected to come with the M5’s twin-turbo V8 producing around 441kW.
Inside, BMW has applied its latest 7.0 operating software, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital screen for the dash and another screen of the same size for the instrument cluster. The system offers full voice command via “Hey BMW” activation.
In the back, the rear seat offers a 40:20:40 split-fold configuration, with 580 litres of boot space in the default setting. Flip down the rear seats and the space grows to 1530 litres. The capacities grow from 550L/1525L offered in the outgoing model.
The 2020 BMW X6 is expected to arrive in Australia towards the very end of this year. Final details and prices are yet to be confirmed.
