BMW X6 M50i (2020)

Two model variants with distinctive design features

The new BMW X6 is available from launch in xLine and M Sport model variants as an alternative to standard specification. The two equipment lines each have their own distinctive design cues. For example, xLine highlights the robustness of the new Sports Activity Coupe with the help of underguard protection elements (in body colour at the front and matt Black at the rear). Specific components in Pearl-effect Chrome - such as the air intakes, side grilles, side skirts with trim strips, Air Breather edging, air flaps and exhaust tailpipes - are also included in xLine cars. The fronts of the grille bars are likewise in Pearl-effect Chrome.

The M Sport model brings a strikingly dynamic design angle to the front and rear aprons, and Adaptive M suspension, the side window graphic in High-gloss Black, wheel arch trim painted in body colour and M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers also take their places in the M Sport package. Available as an option from 12/2019 are M carbon exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler likewise in carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

High-quality options from BMW Individual can be added from launch to give the car an ultra-exclusive exterior look. These include special BMW Individual paint finishes and 22-inch BMW Individual lightalloy wheels. Extended BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim completes the BMW Individual offering.

The M Sport exhaust system - fitted as standard on both M models and now also available as an option for the other versions of the BMW X6 and as part of the M Sport package - gives the car an unmistakable and emotionally rich aural presence.

Interior and equipment

The interior of the new BMW X6 is geared squarely to delivering an exclusive and dynamic driving experience. Clear structures lend the cabin a modern and sporty appearance. The design of the cockpit, complete with the new arrangement and design of the control elements, embodies a progressive re-interpretation of the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. Together with the raised seating position, this design approach gives the driver the best possible overview of the driving task and therefore enables them to deal with events on the road with consummate ease at all times.

The interior boasts carefully selected materials and unbeatable build quality. The new BMW X6 comes as standard with Vernasca leather upholstery, while extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim is on the options list. The standard sports seats in the new BMW X6 are electrically adjustable and heated. Multifunction seats - with a choice of features such as seat ventilation and massage function for the driver and front passenger - can be specified as an option. The model-specific kneepads on the centre console now have a new design, and special door pulls are also included.

The new BMW X6 offers a high degree of variability. The 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,525 litres.

Specific design for the M Sport and xLine variants

The M Sport package and xLine specification employ specific design cues to imbue the interior of the new BMW X6 with a distinctive ambience. The M Sport package heightens the dynamically intense character of the new BMW X6 with an M Sport steering wheel and M-specific pedals. Exclusive Aluminium Tetragon interior trim strips and an anthracite BMW Individual headliner are also part of this package. Interior trim strips in M Carbon Fibre are available as an option.

xLine specification includes a car key with chrome trim. The new BMW X6 can also be ordered with further exclusive options from BMW Individual which allow the interior to be tailored even more closely to the owner's personal style. One example of these is BMW Individual Merino leather trim, whose immaculate leather undergoes a sophisticated tanning process to ensure it is as supple as possible.

Array of innovations help deliver a luxurious and exclusive driving experience

Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes 2.5-zone automatic climate control, while a four-zone system can be ordered as an option. Also available as an option is the Ambient Air package, which refreshes the air inside the car by ionisation and allows the driver to choose from eight selectable interior fragrances. Another innovation is the newly developed panoramic glass roof, whose clear surface is around 83 per cent larger than on the outgoing model. The optional Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, meanwhile, brings a particularly exclusive ambience to the interior of the new BMW X6 during the hours of darkness. More than 15,000 graphic patterns in the glass roof are illuminated and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. Six different colours are available for the illumination of the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge. The BMW X6 comes as standard with ambient lighting, which includes the Welcome Light Carpet. This feature illuminates the approach to the doors when they are unlocked or opened, enhancing comfort and safety when getting in and out of the car. New BMW X6 customers can also select the optional thermoelectric cup holders, which are integrated into the front section of the centre console and keep drinks containers cool or warm, as desired.

The new BMW X6 can be specified as an option with glass applications for selected controls, adding unique visual and haptic flourishes to the interior and heightening the level of individualisation. The glass applications are available for the transmission selector lever, the iDrive Controller, the start/stop button and the audio system's volume control. The optionally available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System conjures an engrossing treat for the ears inside the new BMW X6. A seven-channel amplifier with 1,500-watt output and 20 speakers generates an impressive 3D audio experience in all seats. This sound system is unique worldwide in the automotive sector. The telephony with wireless charging option allows compatible mobile phones to be charged wirelessly in the tray positioned ahead of the cup holders.

Powertrain and driving experience

The line-up of engines available for the new BMW X6 from launch includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. Topping the X6 range is a BMW M model: the BMW X6 M50i. This ultrasporty flagship, powered by a newly developed petrol V8, is joined by another BMW M family member in the shape of the BMW X6 M50d with six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and four turbochargers. Straight-six units also see action - in the BMW X6 xDrive40i and BMW X6 xDrive30d. All models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive enhances dynamics and maximises traction both on the road and over loose ground.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for petrol engines consists of turbocharging, High Precision Injection direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. The package of technology in the diesel units is made up of turbocharging and common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors. Exhaust gas treatment in the petrol models is courtesy of a gasoline particulate filter, which minimises particulate emissions. The diesel models employ BMW BluePerformance technology including a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx adsorption catalyst and an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. All variants of the new BMW X6 fulfil the requirements of the EU6d-TEMP emissions standard.

BMW xDrive maximises traction, agility and directional stability in the new BMW X6, as in all BMW X models. In particularly dynamic driving situations, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system has a rear-wheel bias. In situations which do not require all-wheel drive, drive power can be channelled entirely to the rear wheels in the interests of efficiency. The car's sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle available either individually as an option or as part of M Sport specification. It optimises the transfer of power in dynamic driving situations by limiting equalisation of the rotational speeds of the wheels on the inside and the outside of the bend, with the result that the new BMW X6 can power out of corners with exceptional élan. Added to which, the controlled locking function for the rear differential maximises traction and the ability of the X6 to put down its power on rough ground. A feature of the optional xOffroad package, it also optimises traction on roads where grip levels vary between the right and left rear wheels by preventing a wheel with insufficient grip from spinning.

Access all areas: top-class dynamics, comfort and off-road ability

A double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle give the suspension of the new BMW X6 the ideal tools to deliver dynamism and ride comfort on the road, plus unshakable traction off the beaten track. The Sports Activity Coupe comes as standard with Dynamic Damper Control. As well as improving the primary and secondary ride, the electronically controlled dampers also enhance the car's dynamic characteristics. The driver can use the Driving Experience Control switch to select either of two settings placing the emphasis on a sporting or comfort-biased driving experience. Indeed, the suspension systems in the new BMW X6 make it possible to boost its dynamic flair, comfort or off-road performance more intently and effectively than ever before. Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities. The roll stabilisation system works using electric swivel motors and enables remarkably swift and precise compensation of body roll when powering through twists and turns. Not only does this facilitate agility and directional stability when turning into corners, it helps optimise traction when accelerating out the other side as well. The roll stabilisation system on the new BMW X6 also increases straight-line driving comfort by actively countering the vibrations triggered by bumps on one side of the road. The electromechanically operated Integral Active Steering is also available as an individual option. By turning the rear wheels in either the same direction as or the opposite direction to the fronts, depending on the road speed, it lends itself to more nimble cornering, effortless lane changes and darting through city traffic. Integral Active Steering makes light work of manoeuvring into and out of tight parking spots, while also increasing directional stability when overtaking at motorway speeds.

The new BMW X6 is available with two-axle air suspension including automatic self-levelling. The suspension's air supply is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir, making it possible to balance out an unevenly loaded car. Thanks to the linkup with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, the vehicle load registered by the air suspension's sensors can also be factored into braking modulation. The car's height can be altered at the touch of a button in the cockpit and the driver can choose from five different modes. For example, the driver is also able to adjust the body's ground clearance for off-road driving to a maximum 40 millimetres above the standard setting. Another button lowers the car by 40 millimetres below the default height in preparation for loading or unloading items. The height of the X6 above the ground can therefore be varied through up to 80 millimetres, making it significantly easier to get in and out of the car and to load and unload items from the boot. The desired vehicle ride height can also be set with the engine switched off and using the optional BMW Display Key.

The new BMW X6 is offered with an off-road package as an option. This can be identified by its rugged underguard elements at the front end. Available for all model variants with the exception of the BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d, the xOffroad package includes two-axle air suspension and an electronically controlled rear differential lock. The person at the wheel can choose from four modes specialising in driving over snow, sand, gravel or rocks respectively. At the press of a button, drivers can activate the ideal settings for the vehicle's ride height, the xDrive system, the transmission control and the DSC system's corrective inputs. Accelerator response also adapts to the driving mode selected.

The new BMW X6 M50i

A BMW M model represents the top rung of the third-generation BMW X6 model line-up at launch, its immense performance headlining the dynamic character of the new Sports Activity Coupe. The new BMW X6 M50i is powered by a comprehensively newly developed 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp. Linking up with the eightspeed Steptronic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, the potent power delivery of the eight-cylinder unit ensures impressively sporty performance. The motor racing expertise amassed by BMW M GmbH is clearly evident in the driving characteristics of the new BMW X6 M50i, its handling a compelling concoction of exceptional steering precision, agility and stability. The eye-catching and emotionally engaging appearance of the BMW M model is underscored by bespoke flourishes in the body design, and the pronounced sporting character of the new BMW X6 M50i also shines through in its exclusive interior design.

Muscular eight-cylinder engine with signature M power delivery and emotionally stirring soundtrack

From crankcase to engine management, the engine under the bonnet of the new BMW X6 M50i has been the recipient of sweeping change. The V8 develops maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp from its 4.4-litre displacement between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. Meanwhile, peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) is served up all the way from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. The instantaneous and sustained serving of full power fits the performance profile for M engines like a glove. That an M power unit will be backed by a suitable aural accompaniment goes without saying. The flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard produces an exhilarating soundtrack to match the engine's prodigious power delivery. The eight-cylinder unit's standout features include the pair of twin-scroll turbochargers nestled in the 90-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders.

The new BMW X6 M50i needs just 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is 10.7 - 10.4 l/100 km (26.4 - 27.2 mpg imp) and combined CO2 emissions come in at 243 - 237 grams per kilometre.

Like the BMW xDrive system, the eight-speed Steptronic transmission is tuned specifically to the performance attributes of the V8 engine. The new BMW X6 M50i is fitted as standard with an M Sport differential, ensuring the eight-cylinder engine's impressive power enjoys the smoothest possible transition into dynamic panache.

Another technical highlight is the chassis technology - tailored specifically to this model by the BMW M GmbH engineers - which gives the new BMW X6 M50i exceptional agility and precisely controllable handling even when exploring the dynamic limits. A standard element of the chassis' toolkit is Adaptive M suspension, which includes Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The electromechanical power steering of the new BMW X6 M50i has an Mspecific configuration and allows the driver to choose between two settings. The new BMW X6 M50i is fitted as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. On the options list, meanwhile, are exclusive M Performance Styling 22-inch twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in Cerium Grey, which further accentuate the visual brawn of the new BMW X6 M50i.

Body design with distinctive accents

The exterior looks of the new BMW X6 M50i are shaped by aerodynamically optimised body components including a front apron with large air intakes and a rear apron with body-coloured diffuser insert. The BMW kidney grille, the horizontal trim elements in the air intakes and the exterior mirror caps are painted in Cerium Grey, and the model badge at the rear and exhaust tailpipes adopt the same colour. The new BMW X6 M50i comes as standard with black sports seats in Vernasca leather trim and an M Sport leather steering wheel. Needless to say, the illuminated kidney grille is also available as an option for the X6 M50i.

Driver assistance systems

An extensive selection of standard and optional driver assistance systems mark out the new BMW X6 as an exceptionally innovative Sports Activity Coupe. Fresh from the addition of myriad new functions, the systems enable an effective increase in comfort and safety. They ease the driver's workload in monotonous driving conditions, such as congestion and slow traffic, in particular. And the driver assistance systems in the new BMW X6 also provide the driver with effective assistance in complex driving situations in urban areas, minimising the risk of accident. These systems use camera images and the data gathered by radar and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the area around the car. Deployed as part of the BMW Personal Co-Pilot, the systems represent the latest innovations on the road to automated driving.

Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes Cruise Control with braking function. Another standard feature is the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected. The Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function available as an option is capable of braking to a standstill then pulling away again automatically once the traffic situation allows. The maximum time that can pass between the car stopping and setting off again automatically is now 30 seconds, making the driver's life that extra bit more comfortable. The speed limits detected by the Speed Limit Info traffic sign recognition system including No Passing Info display can be incorporated into the system's automatic speed modulation, with a preset adjustment of up to 15 km/h (9 mph) possible, if required.

Driving Assistant Professional provides a particularly far-reaching helping hand

The Driving Assistant Professional is offered as an option for the new BMW X6. This complete package of safety- and comfort-enhancing tech includes both the steering and lane control assistant with Traffic jam assistant and lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection. With the steering and lane control assistant activated, the driver can make use of the Lane Change Assistant on motorways and dual carriageways. To initiate the lane change, the driver simply has to hold the indicator stalk in the required direction. If the system detects that there is space in the adjacent lane and that no other vehicle is approaching at high speed, the driver benefits from helpful steering assistance during the lane change. Another component of the Driving Assistant Professional is the Evasion Assistant (which now also reacts to pedestrians), rear collision warning, road priority warning and wrongway driving warning systems. The package also includes crossing traffic warning and Lane Change Warning, which in its latest version now also provides active steering inputs to bring the vehicle back into the intended lane.

The Driving Assistant Professional also hands customers the benefits of the innovative Emergency Stop Assistant. In situations where the driver is, for medical reasons, no longer able to drive the car, the Emergency Stop Assistant can be activated by pulling the electric parking brake switch. Depending on the driving situation and the vehicle's surroundings, the Emergency Stop Assistant will bring the vehicle safely to a standstill either in the current lane, at the edge of the road or on the hard shoulder. Any necessary lane-change manoeuvres can be performed automatically when travelling at 70 - 100 km/h (43 - 62 mph). At the same time, the Emergency Stop Assistant activates the hazard warning lights and the Intelligent Emergency Call function automatically notifies a call centre so the emergency services can be alerted.

Parking Assistant: all the help you need into and out of spaces

The new BMW X6 adds further breadth to the functional range of numerous assistance systems offering effective parking and manoeuvring support. Standard specification includes active Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at both the front and rear. The Parking Assistant enables automatic selection of and manoeuvring into spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road. The system identifies suitable parking spots with the help of ultrasonic sensors as the vehicle drives past. Pressing the button on the centre console initiates the parking process, the Parking Assistant automatically executing the necessary steering inputs, acceleration, braking and gear changes. The Parking Assistant can also back the car automatically out of parallel parking spaces.

The innovative reversing assistant, which helps the driver when exiting parking spaces and manoeuvring within a confined space, represents another step en route to automated driving. The system offers the extremely convenient option of automated reversing in multi-storey car parks or entrances to courtyards, for example. To do this, it first stores the steering movements for any section the car has just driven forward along. The system is then able to reverse the vehicle for distances of up to 50 metres by steering it along the same line it took when moving forward. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and monitor the area around the car, while the system takes care of steering. The reversing assistant is initiated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in the "P" position. The steering movements along the line the car has just taken when moving forward are stored for an extended period, so the reversing assistant can offer the driver the convenience of backing their car out of a parking space they drove into the day before.

The rear view camera and numerous functions included in Parking Assistant Plus provide drivers with an excellent overview of the situation at hand. The Top View, Panorama View and 3D View features are used to create a 360° image of the vehicle and its surroundings in the Control Display. Meanwhile, the Remote 3D View function allows a threedimensional live image of the driver's vehicle and its immediate vicinity to be sent to their smartphone.

Display and operating system, BMW Connected and ConnectedDrive

The new BMW X6 comes as standard with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent digital character who responds to the prompt "Hey BMW". The BMW Group is revolutionising driving pleasure with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and, in so doing, entering a new era in which drivers will increasingly be able to operate their car and access its functions and information simply by speaking. Added to which, the Intelligent Personal Assistant will also be at the driver's service outside the car - e.g. at home via smart speaker or out and about through their smartphone. The range of functions and skills available will be constantly expanded as part of updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in-car by Remote Software Upgrade.

Choose your name

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is there to help the driver. He learns routines and habits, and will be able to apply them in the appropriate context. He notes the driver's preferences and is familiar with their favoured settings - e.g. for the seat heating or the places they drive to frequently using the navigation system. And there is the option of giving him a personally selected name (such as "Charlie"). This is a unique feature over other digital assistants and lends him even greater individuality and personality. He is familiar with the vehicle's functions and is able to operate them as required. The Intelligent Personal Assistant awaits the driver's every command, is always there to assist them and even provides casual conversation. The assistant will benefit from constant technical upgrades and be able to recognise more and more of the driver's preferences and favoured settings. The Intelligent Personal Assistant takes further strides forward with every command given, every question asked and every setting selected.

Digital BMW expert and ideal co-driver

The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. He is able to explain all sorts of different functions, provide current information, and help answer questions. Plus, he knows the driver's favourite settings, and can combine and activate them. For instance, "Hey BMW, I feel tired" triggers a vitality programme that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things, in order to make the driver feel more awake. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the ideal co-driver and comes in particularly useful during everyday driving. Indeed, he makes light work of navigation, finding parking spaces at the destination, providing information on traffic jams along the route and searching for cafés in the area if the driver so desires. The assistant's integration into Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business transforms the BMW X6 into a mobile office and enables him to join teleconferences at the driver's request. But BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant is an entertainment expert, too. For example, he can quickly seek out suitable radio stations for the desired music genre.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is included as standard in the new BMW X6 - along with the Live Cockpit Professional - as part of the new BMW Operating System 7.0. The Live Cockpit Professional is included for the first three years. The Connected Package Professional adds a spread of additional functions.

BMW Operating System 7.0: geared to the driver's needs

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW X6 combines a new display and operating concept with unbeatable connectivity. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a likewise 12.3-inch Control Display. This BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features an adaptive navigation system and a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 20 GB of storage. Two USB ports plus Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces are also present and correct. The driver can be automatically detected and personal settings activated either using the vehicle key or BMW Digital Key. The user can also be selected via the Control Display by entering the correct PIN.

The car's built-in SIM card provides unrestricted connectivity. The intelligent connectivity of the new BMW X6 gives the driver access to vehicle apps such as news, weather, office and online search and allows the navigation system's maps to be updated regularly. It also enables use of Intelligent Emergency Call, which automatically summons swift assistance in an emergency.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Operating System 7.0 team up in the new BMW X6. The latest generation of the display and operating system offers fully digital displays and is geared even more closely to the driver's personal needs - with the aim of maximising their attention levels. The system's clear presentation and structuring are designed to provide drivers with the right information at the right time, aided further by the customisable and personalised content. The upgraded graphics in the instrument cluster now leave enough room for an excerpt from the navigation map, for instance. In the main menu on the Control Display, the driver is able to create and configure up to ten pages, each showing two to four pads (tiles) with live content. The intuitive multimodal interaction between driver and vehicle has also undergone further improvement. Depending on the situation, the driver can choose from the familiar iDrive Controller, the steering wheel controls, the Control Display's touch control, voice control and BMW gesture control.

BMW offers a bundle of digital services in the form of the Connected Package Professional. This makes it easier for customers to select particularly attractive digital services, either when ordering their new BMW X6 or further down the line. The Connected Package Professional includes Remote Services, the Concierge Service and Real Time Traffic Information. Customers can continue to download these digital services individually and at a later date from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

The smartphone as digital key

The BMW Digital Key hands smartphones a new role. Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, customers can lock and unlock their car using their smartphone. Accessible via the BMW Connected app, the BMW Digital Key dispenses with the need for a conventional car key. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. The engine can then be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. The BMW Digital Key offers unrivalled flexibility, as the driver can share it with up to five other people.

Automatically up to date: Remote Software Upgrade

The Remote Software Upgrade feature keeps the car constantly updated with the latest software. The upgrades can be loaded onto a smartphone via the BMW Connected app when connected to a domestic WiFi network or imported directly via the BMW's built-in SIM card, which happens automatically for important vehicle upgrades. This saves customers the trouble of visiting their BMW Service Partner for updates. The Remote Software Upgrade facility therefore maximises flexibility while keeping the car in tune with the latest technology and developments.