BMW has formally introduced the upcoming third generation of its X6 coupe/SUV. The model has mostly stayed true to its former style, but has still gained a few nice features along the way. For instance, the radiator grille now lights up whenever you unlock the car. You can also turn it on manually for bragging rights, of course, and other BMW vehicles should be getting the same glowing grille design soon.
The new generation has gained in terms of length, width and wheelbase, while marginally losing in the height department. Specifically, it is now 4,935 millimeters (16.19 ft.) long, 2,004 mm (6.57 ft.) wide and 1,696 mm (5.56 ft.) tall with 2,975 mm (9.76 ft.) separating the axles.
Considered from the purely technical perspective, the new 6 Series is identical to the X5. It comes based on the same CLAR platform and features multi-link rear suspension along with adaptive shock absorbers. You may also pay extra for an upgrade to air suspension.
As usual, customers get access to an M Sport option package, which in this case includes a body kit, assorted cabin decorations, M Suspension, a sports exhaust system, and an electronic rear differential lock. An alternative comes in the form of the xOffroad package, which includes undercarriage armor, air suspension, the same rear diff lock, and selectable driving modes. If you are only really interested in eye candy, opt instead for the xLine kit, which contains bumper and sill upgrades.
By default, the cabin of the next X6 houses a 12.3-inch digital dash, a multimedia system with a wireless update feature, and sports seats. Options include a sunroof, touch-enabled multimedia displays for the rear passengers, backlit glass ornaments, and cup holders with cooling and warming functions.
The entry-level xDrive30d version packs a 3.0-liter diesel engine rated at 265 horsepower (198 kilowatts). The xDrive40i ships with a choice between a 3.0-liter gas turbo V6 (340 hp / 254 kW) and a 3.0-liter turbo diesel (400 hp / 298 kW). The top trim gets BMW’s signature 4.4-liter V8 mill boosted to 530 hp (395 kW), enabling it to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.
Neddless to say, the series comes with a plethora of electronic driver aids and safety features, notably including a smart self-parking system and a quasi-autopilot feature that can hold its distance from the traffic ahead, keep or change lanes, and even overtake cars when necessary.
The third-gen BMW X6 will celebrate its market launch in November 2019.
Photos: BMW