BMW has taken wraps off the all-new X6 crossover. The company likes to call it a Sports Activity Coupé but we all know that the X6 has always been an X5 with a fancy frock. Even in its latest generation, the X6 shares its underpinnings with the X5. Built on BMW’s CLAR platform, the third-gen X6 is 26mm longer, 15mm wider and 6mm shorter in height than its predecessor. The wheelbase, however, has grown by 42mm which should translate into more room for stuff.

Yes. The larger-than-life, single-frame BMW kidney grille has made it on the new X6 as well. But it doesn’t look too much of a misfit here. To further enhance the flashiness of the grille, it can be optionally had with illumination. If fitted, the grille will glow upon closing and opening of doors. If that’s not what you want, the illumination can be switched on or off manually too. It is flanked by the typical BMW style headlamp enclosures which house LED units standard but can be upgraded with LaserLight tech.

As standard, the new BMW X6 comes with 19-inch alloy wheels. Those can be optionally upgraded up to 22 inches. The M-marked variants, however, come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels by default. BMW will offer the X6 in two trim levels at the time of launch – xLine and M Sport. As expected, both will differ from each other in terms of kit and looks. Unpredictably, several customisation options will also be offered, including special paint finishes, under BMW Individual. The M Sport exhaust system, which will be fitted by default on M models, will also be available as an optional extra for the rest of the range.

Inside the cabin, BMW X6 gets Vernasca leather upholstery as standard. The standard kit includes 2.5-zone automatic climate control (four-zone is an optional extra) and ambient lighting. All that is complemented by a new dashboard layout, 40:20:40 split rear seats and electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. The X6 will also come with cruise control with braking function, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking and two 12.3-inch displays – one taking the role of a digital instrument cluster and the other handling infotainment functions.

The options list includes seat ventilation and massage functions, Merino leather upholstery, ambient air package, panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, cool/warm cup holders, BMW Display Key, wireless mobile charger and a 1,500-watt, 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and Driving Assistant Professional package which includes steering and lane control assistant with traffic jam assistant and land keeping assistant with active side collision protection. BMW is also offering the xOffroad package which brings in two-axle air suspension and an electronically controlled rear differential lock.

Over to the engine line-up. Depending on the market, the new BMW X6 will be available with four engine variants – two petrol and two types of diesel. Given below are the details:

Variant – M50i

• Engine: 4.4-litre, turbocharged V8
• Power/Torque: 530PS/750Nm
• Transmission options: 8-speed Steptronic
• 0-100kmph: 4.3 seconds
• Top speed: 250kmph

Variant – xDrive40i

• Engine: 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, in-line 6-cylinder
• Power/Torque: 340PS/450Nm
• Transmission options: 8-speed Steptronic
• 0-100kmph: 5.5 seconds
• Top speed: 250kmph

Variant – M50d

• Engine: 3.0-litre, quad-turbocharged, in-line 6-cylinder
• Power/Torque: 400PS/760Nm
• Transmission options: 8-speed Steptronic
• 0-100kmph: 5.2 seconds
• Top speed: 250kmph

Variant – xDrive30d

• Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged, in-line 6-cylinder
• Power/Torque: 265PS/620Nm
• Transmission options: 8-speed Steptronic
• 0-100kmph: 6.5 seconds
• Top speed: 230kmph

The third-gen BMW X6 will make its world premiere at IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt. The new model will be built alongside its siblings X4, X5 and the X7 in BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA. The market launch will begin in November this year. It will come to India too but that is expected to happen in the second half of next year.