By Staff Reporter

BMW has revealed a new generation of the pioneer of the SUV Coupe segment, the new 2020 BMW X6 which shares the same BMW Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform as the X5.

Those who may have complained about space will be pleased to know that the new X6 has grown by 26 millimetres in exterior length over the outgoing model (to 4,935 mm) and by 15 mm in width (to 2,004 mm). It now stands 6 mm lower (at 1,696 mm). The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres. The interior also offers flexibility thanks to 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests that can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,530 litres.

Inside you can expect BMW’s latest Live Cockpit with iDrive which includes 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The infotainment comes with AppleCar Play and BMW’s voice assistant (‘Hey BMW’). Gesture control, Wi-Fi connectivity and wireless charging will also be on offer.

The new BMW X6 is available for the first time as an option with an illuminated BMW kidney grille. The illumination is activated by opening or closing the car, but the driver can switch it on and off manually too. This lighting function for the kidney grille is also available while driving. Blue lights, anyone?

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. 19-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with other wheel variants ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches available as an option. The BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.

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. At the top of the line-up is the X6 M50i with a newly developed 390 kW/ 750 Nm V8 petrol engine capable of taking the X6 M50i from 0-100 km/h in just 4,3 seconds. Coming in second is the BMW X6 M50d with 294 kW/ 760 Nm six-cylinder in‑line diesel engine and a quartet of turbochargers. A straight-six petrol unit with output of 250 kW/ 447 Nm sees action in the BMW X6 xDrive40i and the BMW X6 xDrive30d employs a six-cylinder in-line diesel with 195 kW. All new BMW X6 models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Standard safuety specification for the new BMW X6 includes Cruise Control with braking function and 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 is available as an option. The Driving Assistant Professional can also be found on the options list 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.

The X6 is expected to land in Mzansi in November 2019.