BMW has ramped up the quirk factor with reveals of its striking new X6 and …an X7 bakkie
POWER PLAY
Although the new X6 will open its innings in certain markets with 3,0-litre petrol and diesel inline-sixes, South Africa will instead dive straight into high-performance territory with the full-fat M50i and M50d.
2020 BMW X6 M50i G06
Engine: 4,4-litre, V8, twin-turbo-petrol
Max Power: 523bhp (390 kW)
Torque: 750 N.m
0-62mph (0-100 km/h): 4,3 seconds
2020 BMW X6 M50d G06
Engine: 3,0-litre, 6-cyl, quad-turbo-diesel
Max Power: 395bhp(294 kW)
Torque: 760 N.m
0-62mph (0-100 km/h): 5,2 seconds
Our initial crop of X6s, the M50i and M50d, will both feature M Sport body kits, 21-inch rims and model-specific trimmings for their X5-based cabins. The X6 xDrive40i, mounting a 3,0-litre inline-six petrol engine developing 250 kW, and the X6 xDrive30d with a six-cylinder inline diesel unit worth 195 kW, will likely join the range at a later stage.
XPANDING DIMENSIONS
Compared with its forebear, the new X6 has grown in length by 26 mm to 4,935 mm, while 15 mm has been added to its width (2 004 mm). It now stands six millimetres lower (at 1,696 mm), while the wheelbase has stretched by 42 mm to 2 975 mm. Despite its oddball proportions, BMW claims the new X6 is practically packaged, with a claimed 580 litres of boot space that can be expanded to 1,530 litres with the rear bench stowed.
LEADING LIGHT
Bentley’s EXP 100 GT isn’t the sole recipient of a luminous nose. The new X6 will be offered with the option of an illuminated kidney grille that lights up when opening the car, or when switched on manually by the driver. We’ll initially get the 294 kW M50d and 390 kW M50i, with the 40i and 30d possibly joining the range at a later stage
