India-bound 2020 BMW X6 breaks cover

-    The third generation X6 arrives with predicted changes both inside and out.

-    Will go on sale in November this year, India debut likely to happen in 2020.

BMW pioneered the coupe-SUV concept with the X6 back in 2007 and other manufacturers followed suit. Now the X6 – which BMW likes to call as Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) – has entered into its third generation. The 2020 X6 has not only grown in size but also looks more aggressive than before. And under the skin, it is more powerful and luxurious as well.

In terms of dimensions, the new X6 has grown by 26mm in length and by 15mm in width but is shorter by 6mm while the wheelbase has increased by 42mm. The characteristic Kidney grille is in a single frame now like most of the modern BMWs but is slightly different from the X5. And for the very first time, BMW is offering illuminated Kidney grille which can be turned on by opening or closing the car and can also be turned on while the car is in motion. 

Flanking the grille is BMW’s Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights which are almost similar to the one seen on the X5. In profile, the sloping roofline defines the BMW X6 and in the newest iteration that is highlighted furthermore with well-designed tailgate and a sharp shoulder crease.  The SAC sits on 19-21 inch wheels as standard, but the top-spec models get massive 22-inch wheels and they look smashing, to say the least. And finally, the sleek pair of taillights are akin to the new 3 Series, which is the new design language from the Bavarian carmaker. 

The cabin – in typical BMW fashion – is simple and has borrowed its bits from other cars in the line-up. The standard Vernasca leather upholstery can be had with other features such as multifunction seats with massage function, four-zone climate control, thermoelectric cup holders, glass finished controls, the Panorama sunroof and the Bowers and Wilkins 3D sound system. The 40:20:40 split rear seats can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,530 litres. 

BMW is offering the new X6 with four engine options across two trims – xLine and MSport. The top-spec X6 M50i gets a 530bhp V8 and is joined by the M50d which comes with 400bhp straight-six diesel with four turbos. The 3.0-litre straight-six petrol in the xDrive40i puts out 340bhp while the smaller diesel is the xDrive30d making 265bhp. The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard across the range.

The new-gen X6 is expected to make its way to India next year after it goes on sale in the international markets. Now, the X6 will face stiff competition from the likes of Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe and Audi Q8.