Welcome to the new BMW X6. Sorry. Meant to say all-new BMW X6 as this is the full-fledged third-generation version of the car/SUV/SAV/vehicle that has since spawned many rivals since its model debut in 2009.
Built on the new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform that underpins nearly every new rear-drive BMW of this generation, this 2020 iteration of the X6 stays true to the original’s formula in that it’s still an X5 with a snap back and a pair of sneakers instead of loafers.
It’s still big and somewhat imposing, which a lot of buyers seem to really take to; but to those who weren’t fans of the previous two generations, the new ‘coupe SUV’ - a term we are loathe to use - is still as obtuse and as silly, even as an idea, as it was before. BMW has just got better that executing on it.
Speaking of it being big, yes, there is indeed more X6 in this X6 than any other X6 that precedes it with a longer wheelbase and a slightly enlarged overall footprint. To passengers, though, the difference in packaging efficiency is much more pronounced.
What this translates to is, while it does still lag noticeably behind the X5 in terms of headroom, occupants will have a much easier time spreading themselves around the cabin in other directions besides straight up. In fact, those with measuring tapes will find that this X6 is more tall people friendly too, if only slightly.
With styling, the X6 is seen here in its requisite M-Sport guise with larger wheels and a more aggressive exterior treatment. As befits any present-day BMW, though, it wouldn’t be complete without much stretched out pair of kidney grille nostrils as the front.
Luckily, despite the signature schnoz being scaled up, the large overall size of the X6 pictured here paired with its low bonnet rake and huge 22-inch wheels all help to dampen its girthed effect. Those alloys are options, by the way.
With the X6 already being high up, its snooty bum makes the rear windscreen seem like a bad joke. Apart from having the reverse camera turned on at all times, we’ve no idea how anyone is expected to have any decent rearward visibility.
Standard equipment includes smaller 20-inch rollers, full LED headlights, adaptive dampers, and a full suite of active safety pre-collision tech. You can even add on the Off-Road Package that installs air suspension, more specific off-road traction control tunes, and even a sump guard.
However, taking an X6 off-road is like asking a fish to a play in a marching band. The whole point of a X6 and its ilk is to be a sportier alternative to the family-centric SUV default while retaining most of its practicality plusses.
That in mind, it’s the M50i variant that intrigues the most with its sharper handling and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, that intrigues the most. It offers the middle-age grocery-getting thrill-seeking suburbanite a supercar-like acceleration, reaching 100km/h in 4.1 seconds while its top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
That aforementioned eight-cylinder N63 powerplant churns out 390kW and 750Nm, reaching all four wheels via the xDrive all-paw system through an 8-speed automatic. Note that all those numbers are identical to that of the X5 M50i.
The same performance, in a more practical package, with a cheaper price. Why, then, would you choose an X6 over the equivalent X5? Because at the risk of looking ridiculous, you still might suspend disbelief long enough to think that you’re making someone else jealous. However, that’s mere conjecture.
For more on BMW cars, check out our Showroom.
