The 2020 BMW X6 remains ugly, boasts more power and new technology

It's been only five years since the second-generation BMW X6 went on sale and the German automaker revealed a completely redesigned SUV. The 2020 BMW X6 broke cover with a sportier, sleeker design, styling cues borrowed from the company's newer vehicles, and a range of updated or new engines. The 2020 X6 also features BMW's latest technology and a more modern interior. You can also order more options than before.

The 2020 BMW X6 is still the ugly duckling of the crossover range

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I've never been a fan of the X6, mostly because of its hunchback design, and the new-generation doesn't do much to fix that. The X6 remains a somewhat ugly crossover in my book, but this new version definitely looks better than before. The bigger grille, the sleeker headlamps, and the aggressive front bumper design with the big vents make it stand out when compared to its rivals. Like most new Bimmers out there, the X6 is available with Laserlight headlamps, which improve lighting but also add blue x-shaped elements inside the twin headlights.

The profile remains largely unchanged. You'll notice the same beltline that moves upward toward the rear and the same hunchback layout for the roof. The rear boasts a larger spoiler on the short deck lid, while the taillights are sleeker and share their design with the 8 Series'.

The new X6 is also bigger than its predecessor. At 194.3 inches long, the new crossover is one inch longer than the old model. It's also 0.6 inches wider at 78.9 inches wide. At the same time, it sits a tad lower, hence the sportier, planted look. The difference isn't massive though, as the new X6's roof sits only 0.23 inches closer to the ground. Total height is measured at 66.8 inches. The most important piece of information here is that the wheelbase is 1.65 inches longer than the old model. It looks BMW managed to stretch the wheelbase by more than the extra inch it added to the total length, probably from pushing the axles farther apart.

2020 BMW X6 exterior dimensions

Length inches	194.8
Width inches	78.9
Width including mirrors inches	87.1
Height inches	66.8
Wheelbase	117.1
Turning radius feet	20.7
Ground clearance inches	8.5

The 2020 BMW X6 has a brand-new interior

The cabin of the X6 was redesigned for the new generation. However, it's far from unique. The dashboard is clearly shared with other vehicles, including the 12.3-inch infotainment display, the thick trim on the center section, and the trapezoidal A/C vents in the center stack. The same goes for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which comes with graphics already seen in the Z4 and 8 Series.

The X6 comes with many premium features as standard, including sports seats and Vernasca leather upholstery. BMW offers Merino leather as an option if you want to take it up a notch. The options list is pretty long and includes features like multi-function seats with massage, four-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, thermoelectric cup holders, and glass applications for some controls on the center console.

As far as trunk space goes, the new X6 remains virtually unchanged. With the rear seats up, the crossover can swallow up to 20.5 cubic feet of luggage, as much as its predecessor. Fold the rear seats and total capacity increases to 54 cubic feet, only 0.15 more than the old model.

Shoulder width front inches	60.0
Shoulder room rear inches	57.7
Legroom front inches	40.4
Legroom rear inches	35.7
Headroom front inches	39.3
Headroom rear inches	37.5
Trunk volume cubic feet	27.4 – 59.6

The 2020 BMW X6 is available with four engines

The new X6 hits the market with a choice of four engines, two gasoline and two diesel units. In the U.S., the range begins with the 40i trim, which replaces the 35i. Available with either RWD or AWD, the 40i features a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six engine rated at 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That's a 33-horsepower and 35-pound-foot increase over the old model. This SUV hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, a full second quicker than its predecessor.

Next up is the M50i. A replacement for the old xDrive50i, it features the same twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 as the 8 Series coupe. It even has the same output at 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the old xDrive50i, it generates an extra 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The sprint to 60 mph takes 4.1 seconds, a half-second improvement. Both these gasoline models come with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

2020 BMW X6 drivetrain specifications

Drive type	RWD	AWD	AWD
Engine type	Inline-6	Inline-6	V8
Induction	Turbocharged	Turbocharged	Turbocharged
Cylinders	6	6	8
Valves per cylinder	4	4	4
Stroke	94.6	94.6	88.3
Bore	82.0	82.0	89.0
Displacement	2,998	2,998	4,395
Compression rate	11.0	11.0	10.5
Engine power	335	335	523
at rpm	5,500 – 6,500	5,500 – 6,500	5,500 – 6,000
Engine torque	330	330	553
at rpm	1,500 – 5,200	1,500 – 5,200	1,800 – 4,600
0-60 mph	5.2	5.3	4.1
Top Speed	130 (155)	130 (155)	130 (155)

Moving over to diesels, European customers will have the xDrive30d as a base model. Powered by a 3.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel, this crossover hits the pavement with 261 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of twist. It replaces the old xDrive30d model and adds an extra six horses and 44 pound-feet. The sprint to 62 mph takes 6.3 seconds, four tenths quicker than the outgoing model.

Finally, BMW rolled out a new M50d model. It's also powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, but with four turbos instead of two. This engine comes from the 7 Series sedan. The mill is rated at 394 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque, an 18-horsepower and 16-pound-foot improvement over the outgoing model. Despite the extra oomph, the M50d isn't quicker than its predecessor, needing the same 5.2 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. The diesel engines also mate to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The 2020 BMW X6 is off-road capable

The X6 is fitted with a revised xDrive all-wheel-drive system that splits torque between the front and rear wheels based on road conditions and driving mode. BMW says the system is quicker and more precise. The German company also offers an off-road package that adds a two-axle air suspension, an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential, and four driving modes for different terrains. You can switch between snow, sand, gravel, or rocky terrain. The bad news is that this package is only available with the xDrive40i trim.

The 2020 BMW X6 is only marginally more expensive than the old model

Pricing for the new BMW X6 starts from $64,300. For this amount, you get to take home the sDrive40i version. That's a minor $850 increase over the old sDrive35i. Opt for the AWD variant of the 40i and the sticker jumps to $66,600, a similar increase over the old model. Finally, the X6 M50i retails from $85,650, a healthier increase of $7,350 over the previous range-topping model.