BMW has just launched its third-generation X6 crossover or what they call “Sports Activity Coupe”.
In a typical BMW fashion, the 2020 model is more outrageous and controversial than you thought it’d be.
There are bound to be people that hate it, but hopefully, they will find consolation in the more traditional X5, which launched last year, or any of the other 5 models in the X-series.
For those that appreciate an outlandish design, BMW has got some cool features, plenty of performance and tons of options to personalize your new X6.
Bigger and More Aggressive Than Ever
The exterior is enlarged ever so slightly – 26 mm longer and 15 mm wider, but 6 mm lower. You’ll hardly notice these, but the 42 mm (1 ⅝ inch) increase in wheelbase should make a difference in handling.
Visually, it carries over the design language from the 2019 X5. Of course, the X6 still keeps the same sports coupe proportions that make it a distinctive proposition.
The front view is dominated by the massive kidney grill. It’s tapered to a sharp angle at the sides, giving it an even more aggressive look. For the first time on a BMW, the grill comes it optional lighting – as if it didn’t stand out enough.
Below it – equally massive intakes, housing the driver assistance sensors. The bumper is similarly chopped up with a busy shape and plenty of angles.
The headlights are very similar to the X5 and come with LED as standard. You can get the optional BMW Laserlight, which illuminates nearly 550 yards in front of the vehicle.
At the back, the roofline slopes half an inch lower. The rear bumper is questionable.
The quad chin design isn’t particularly sleek or sporty. The ultra-wide, L-shaped taillights take up almost the entire width of the vehicle. As a result, looking from the rear end, the X6 looks rather obese.
Full on BMW luxury
Let’s not mistake the X6 for an SUV you’d take to a rally or use for work. BMW knows you’ll buy it for the luxurious experience and unparalleled comfort, which goes with you wherever you might be headed – camping or just shopping.
The interior itself is almost identical to the 2019 X5, but that’s not a bad thing at all.
Entering the vehicle, you’ll be greeted with a Welcome Light Carpet as a standard feature and if you opt for more luxury, an Ambient Air Package with 8 different fragrances.
The sport seats come standard in Vernasca leather or optionally in BMW-specific Merino leather.
The M Sport package comes with its own set of pedals, steering wheel, seats and trim – both on the inside and out.
2020 BMW X6 is packed with features. The optional thermoelectric cup holders heat or cool depending on your beverage.
There is also a wireless charger for your phone, with full connectivity to the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The two 12.5 inch touch screen displays come standard with voice recognition and gesture control.
We can’t miss the large panoramic sunroof, which you can get with the Sky Lounge feature, including 15,000 illuminated patterns in the glass itself.
German efficiency and performance
X6 buyers can choose from two diesel and two gasoline engines. Check out the table below to see how they compare.
2020 BMW X6 Engine options:
| Engine name | xDrive30d (diesel) | M50d (diesel) | xDrive40i (gasoline) | M50i (gasoline) |
| Engine type | Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 | Quad-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 | Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 | Twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 |
| Power | 265 hp | 400 hp | 340 hp | 530 hp |
| Torque | 457 lb-ft | 561 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds | 5.5 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Fuel economy | 42.8 – 46.3 mpg | 39.2 – 40.9 mpg | 32.8 – 35.3 mpg | 26.4 – 27.2 mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 172–159 g/km | 190–181 g/km | 197–181 g/km | 243–237 g/km |
The M Performance engines also come with an M Sport exhaust and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. These also come as part of the M Sport trim or as individual options.
The 2020 BMW X6 is developed on the modular CLAR platform which underpins most of the X-series, 3, 5, 6, 7-series and the newly launched 8-series, Z4 and Toyota Supra. It’s a tried and tested chassis with aluminum double-wishbone suspension in the front and five-link setup in the rear.
Dynamic Damper Control comes as a standard feature. Going beyond that, the Adaptive M suspension Professional offers active roll stabilization.
Furthermore, there is the two-axle air suspension, which can be raised or lowered from the onboard settings, the drive mode, and interestingly, the key fob. You can lower the ride by as much as 3 ⅛ inches.
The Integral Active Steering system provides the sports handling and agility you wouldn’t normally get in an SUV.
The 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW xDrive system will intelligently control the power delivery to all wheels ensuring traction in any condition. The system maintains a rear-wheel bias and will go full RWD when AWD is not required.
The optional xOffroad package adds further drive modes for snow, gravel, rocks, and sand.
The X6 is not a off-road focused vehicle, but it will get you to most places, while providing sports driving experience on paved roads. On top of that, you’ll travel wrapped in comfort, luxury and plenty of tech to keep all passengers happy.
