2020 BMW X6 Goes Official With Sportier Styling, 523 HP V8 Engine

BMW kicked off the crossover coupe craze when it introduced the X6 at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Now, 11 years later, the automaker has unveiled the third-generation model.

Looking more aggressive than its predecessor, the 2020 X6 has a bold new grille which is even larger than before. The model will also be offered with an optional illuminated grille that lights up while driving or when the doors are opened or closed.

The grille is flanked by slender headlights and resides above a new front bumper which features “sharp-creased lines” for a more aggressive appearance.  Further back, there’s front fender vents and a steeply sloping roof with a double-bubble design that terminates into twin spoilers.  Other notable features include a ventilated rear fascia and LED taillights which recall those used on the 8-Series.

19-inch wheels are standard in Europe, while Americans get 20-inchers.  However, customers will have the option of ordering 21- and 22-inch units.

In terms of size, the X6 is larger than before as it now measures 194.3 inches (4935 mm) long, 78.9 inches (2004 mm) wide and 66.8 inches (1696 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 117.1 inches (2975 mm).  To put those numbers into perspective, the model is 1 inch (26 mm) longer, 0.6 inches (15 mm) wider and 0.2 inches (6 mm) lower.  The wheelbase also grows by 1.7 inches (42 mm).

The cabin echoes the X5 and comes nicely equipped with Vernasca leather sport seats and a Sensatec covered dashboard.  Drivers will also find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display.  The model also promises to be practical as 40:20:40 split rear seats can be folded down to increase the cargo capacity from 20.5 cubic feet (580 liters) to 54 cubic feet (1,530 liters).

An assortment of options will be available including a four-zone climate control system, heated / cooled cup holders and a panoramic glass roof with more than 15,000 illuminated accent points.  Other options include glass accents, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, Merino leather and a heads up display.

US-spec models will come standard with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Collision Warning.  There’s also Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Speed Limit Information and a Frontal Collision Warning system with Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation.

The optional Driving Assistance Professional package adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Side Collision Protection, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant and Evasion Aid.

In the United States, two different engines will be available. The X6 sDrive40i and xDrive40i have a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder that produces 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 5.2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 130 mph (209 km/h) when equipped with all-season tires, but models with performance tires can hit 155 mph (250 km/h).

Buyers looking for more power can opt for the X6 M50i. It has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 which cranks out 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and standard all-wheel drive, the crossover rockets from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds.

Europeans get two diesel models including the X6 M50d which has a quad turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) and 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds.

Lastly, there’s the X6 xDrive30d. It has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) of torque. The dash from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes 6.5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 143 mph (230 km/h).

Speaking of performance, the X6 can be equipped with an optional air suspension and a Dynamic Handling package which includes active roll stabilization, integral active steering and M Sport brakes. There’s even an Off-Road Package which includes the aforementioned air suspension as well as an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential and four off-road driving modes tuned for travelling over snow, sand, gravel or rocks.

The 2020 X6 will go into production in August and US sales are slated to begin in November. Pricing will start at $64,300 and top out at $85,650 for the X6 M50i (excluding a $995 destination fee).

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