THE 2020 BMW X6 offers class, sophistication, luxury and elegance, coupled with smooth body lines, massive 22-inch rims, an ‘Iconic Glow’ BMW kidney grille, and last but not least, a booty with more rolls than a bakery.
The X6 draws attention wherever it goes. It’s like a boxer, making it’s way out for a fight, with the ring announcer in full voice: stepping into the ring, weighing a generous 2185kg and powered by a 195kW inline-6 turbo diesel engine, it’s the xDrive30d.
With a claimed 0-100km/h speed of 6.5 seconds, this contender is sure to be a crowd favourite, with more than enough stamina to handle your on and off-road expeditions. Okay, you can stop reading in a ring announcer voice now.
The 2020 BMW X6 xDrive30d is a bit of a technological marvel. Not only is there the option to use a digital key function to allow smart phone control, you can even utter the words “Hey BMW” and have your own intelligent personal assistant.
Strict spoken commands are a thing of the past, your BMW IPA understands free speech and is eager to assist, remembering your climate control settings, warming your seats to your preference, even advising on the weather, and assisting with vehicle functions.
Wireless phone charging and cable free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature, as does DAB+ digital radio, along with a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system that will fill your travels with auditory bliss.
We should also mention BMW Gesture Control, whereby defined hand movements can operate selected functions, and BMW’s Connected professional package, which adds remote services, concierge, and live traffic.
And in what feels like an advert for a certain ‘as seen on TV’ brand, when you buy one up-sized 12.3-inch screen, you get one for free. That’s right, there’s two of them. One is the main infotainment screen, the other sits behind your steering wheel.
The full digital instrument cluster is next level in the 2020 BMW X6, allowing you to see everything from your album art cleverly integrated into your speedo, to live vehicle health and performance information, live traffic, news and weather updates.
Amazing technology aside, the X6 also features comfortable ‘Vernasca’ perforated leather sport seats as part of its stylish cockpit, along with every creature comfort you could want, need and imagine.
Right then, foot on the brake, start button engaged and hands on the ergonomic leather sports wheel of your very own 2020 BMW made Panzer Tank. Fuel economy is a claimed 7.1-litres/100km, and we managed 9.6-litres/100km. Pretty damn good.
Don’t let the X6’s size and engine fool you though, the handling is smooth, precise and balanced. This car is amazingly quiet for a diesel (inside and outside) and doesn’t give away hints of your speed till you see numbers flashing on your dash or head-up display.
Spirited driving on your favourite twisty road or venturing out on picturesque scenic routes can also be tracked using the X6’s Drive Recorder to capture every corner along with speed and GPS position.
Utilising all exterior cameras, the Drive Recorder also comes in handy for dealing with any unplanned road events or distracted drivers caught staring in awe. And to keep both you and your precious cargo safe, the X6 also comes with a host of safety technology.
There’s a tyre pressure monitor, front, rear and side airbags, active protection assisted braking for critical situations, and active guard for potential collisions, as well as cross traffic warning, and steering and lane control, including support for narrow paths.
Parking assistant plus and reversing assistant complete the package. If there’s a downside, and okay, there might be a couple, the angled rear window is among them, causing rear visibility issues, especially if you throw in some extra high child seats.
Rear head room if you’re super tall, isn’t magnificent either. But your back seat drivers are well and truly catered for, with USB ports for charging, a HDMI port, monitor/iPad mounts, and even in-car internet.
With a recommended drive away price starting from $134,995, makes for a great daily driver, weekend warrior, executive commuter or mum’s taxi. Hell, it could nearly be everything to everyone.
Mind you, there’s the opportunity to get carried away with optional extras that could see the price skyrocket a little. There’s so many choices, including eight different interiors, and seven different trim styles.
Our Alpine White test vehicle featured the big brakes and 22-inch Jet Black M light alloy wheels that the standard M Sport package adds for a truly stunning look. But you can choose from nine other colours, should white not be for you.
These include Mineral White, Carbon Black Metallic, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect, Flamenco Red Brilliant Effect, Artic Grey Brilliant Effect, Manhattan Metallic, Riverside Blue or Tanzanite Blue Metallic.
Service intervals for the 2020 BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport are every 15,000km or 12 months. It comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 3-years roadside assist.
Our test vehicle was provided by BMW Australia. To find out more about the 2020 BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport, contact your local BMW dealer. Images courtesy of J_Hui Design/Photography.
