BMW X6 kickstarted the coupe SUV trend back in 2015. And since then, many luxury carmakers have muscled each other for a share of this increasingly popular pie. Now the third generation of the BMW X6 is headed to our shores and its launch is slated for June 11, with dealerships already accepting bookings. Like its predecessor, the X6 will continue to be produced at the BMW Group’s Spartanburg plant in the US and will be available in India as a CBU.
The new X6 is 26mm longer (4935mm), 15mm wider (2004mm) and 6mm lower (1696mm) than the outgoing model, while its wheelbase has now been increased by 42mm (2975mm). The most obvious and excessively discussed design element, the kidney grille, is now larger than before. For those wishing extra attention for the already in-your-face grille, it can now be had with illumination. That said, the flanks of the X6 continue to be highlighted by the sloping roofline that nicely integrates into the rear.
The 2020 BMW X6 will most likely be launched in the xDrive40i variant, and that means it will be propelled by BMW’s proven 3-litre, six-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo petrol unit that also does duty in a lot of other BMWs as well. In the X6, this engine makes 335bhp and 450Nm of peak torque between 1500rpm to 5200rpm. It will be paired to BMW’s staple 8-speed Steptronic transmission sending power to all four wheels via the xDrive AWD system.
It will be available from launch in xLine and M Sport trims and the two equipment lines will each have their own distinctive design cues. The former gets chrome grille, aluminium window surrounds, and standard alloys while the latter gets glossy black alloys, blacked out grille, M aerodynamics package and plenty of sporty inserts in the cabin. In terms of features, buyers are certainly in for a treat, with the X6 offering a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, sports seats, and the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system amongst many others.
Enhanced chassis systems are also a part of the standard package, including dynamic damping control, dynamic traction control, air-suspension, off-road package where the height can be raised up to 80mm, active roll stabilisation, electronic rear differential and more.
Like most recent BMWs, X6 owners will have a plethora of customisation options for chassis as well as trims to make their SUV stand out. After hitting showrooms on June 11 at around Rs 1 crore, the 2020 BMW X6 will lock horns with the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the Audi Q8.