2020 BMW X6 launched at Rs 95 lakh

BMW has launched the 2020 X6 coupe SUV in India in two variants – the xDrive 40i xLine and xDrive 40i Msport – both priced at Rs 95 lakh. 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. This 2020 BMW X6, now in its third generation since its inception in 2015, will lock horns with the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the Audi Q8.

At a glance

The new X6 is 26mm longer (4935mm), 15mm wider (2004mm) and 6mm lower (1696mm) than its predecessor, 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, and for those wishing extra attention for the already in-your-face grille, there’s also the option for an illuminated grille!

That said, there are many more visual differences between the two variants. While the xLine trim is characterised by an abundance of ‘Pearl Chrome’ (BMW-speak for brushed aluminium) dominating the grille struts, air flap control within the grille, air inlets, side sills, and exhaust tailpipe, the MSport gets the M Aerodynamics package with front apron, side skirts and wheel arch trims in body colour, the M designation on the sides, a rear apron with diffuser insert, M sport brakes with the trademark blue brake callipers, and even tailpipe finishers in M Sport package-specific geometry. While the xLine rides on 20-inch light alloy wheels, the Msport gets the same and design design of alloys, albeit blacked-out, with the option of 21-inch wheels shod with run-flat tyres.

Stepping into the cabin

In terms of features, buyers are certainly in for a treat, with the X6 offering a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an optional head-up display, sport seats for the driver and front passenger with the option of comfort seats with lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof with the option of a full Skylounge glass roof, ambient lighting, roller sunblinds on the rear side windows, a sports leather steering wheel in the xLine and M leather steering wheel in the M sport, and the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system with navigation, Apple Carplay, audio streaming, voice and gesture control, with an optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

Another indispensable feature coming as standard is the BMW Attentiveness Assistant (which keeps a track of driver involvement during longer drives via a camera in the cluster periodically evaluating the position of the driver’s head the opening of his/her eyes).

Under the hood

Both the xDrive40i xLine and xDrive Msport variant of the 2020 BMW X6 pack the identical 3-litre, six-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo-petrol engine making 335bhp between 5500-6500rpm, and 450Nm between 1500-5200rpm. The engine is mated to BMW’s staple 8-speed Steptronic transmission sending power to all four wheels via the xDrive AWD system.

Speaking of safety features, and enhanced chassis systems including dynamic damping control, dynamic traction control, air-suspension, cornering brake control, off-road package where the height can be raised up to 80mm, active roll stabilisation and electronic rear differential are all a part of the standard package, while the optional BMW Laserlight offers selective beam and high beam function with a range of around 500 metres.

The 2020 BMW X6 is available in Riverside Blue Metallic, Carbon Black, Manhattan Metallic, Artic Grey, Mineral White, Flamenco Red Brilliant Effect, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Black Sapphire and Alpine White. Optional paintwork includes Tanzanite Blue Metallic and BMW Individual Ametrine Metallic.