2019 BMW X6 spotted testing in camouflage

Development models of the new BMW X6 have been spotted testing underneath camouflaged wraps. Set to be revealed later this year, the next X6 will continue to share its underpinnings with the BMW X5. Photographers have also captured an upcoming X6M performance model, which will feature sportier styling and over 600bhp.

The new X6 will continue to feature a large, coupe-like shape that gives it a similar look to the smaller BMW X4. While the styling of the current X6 has been divisive, BMW has sold enough of them to make it profitable and to warrant making another.

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Overall, the new X6 carries a stocky shape thanks to a large, square front end and a steeply sloping windowline. The front features BMW’s new ‘kidney grille’ design and slimmer LED headlights, which give the X6 added presence on the road. At the rear, the top of the boot seems to be about as tall as most hatchbacks, and it includes LED tail-lights and a thoroughly redesigned bumper. The fast X6M will have four exhaust pipes, larger alloy wheels and more aggressive-looking bumpers. However, the narrow windowline and tall rear window could reduce rear visibility and make life in the back seats a little claustrophobic.

Given the car’s size, however, rear-seat passengers should have plenty of room to stretch their legs. The boot is likely to be a decent size too, despite the sloping roof; it could offer around 600 litres of space with the rear seats up.

The interior will be a luxurious place to spend long journeys, and will be very familiar to X5 owners. It’s likely that the two cars will share almost every part of the interior, including the large central touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. As one of BMW’s most expensive SUVs, the X6 will feature a lot of equipment, including wireless phone charging, heated leather seats and Apple CarPlay, plus a lot of safety technology. Semi-autonomous driving capability will be offered, thanks to adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a stop-and-go function.

The engine range will mirror the X5’s, with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. A 261bhp 3.0-litre diesel will be the entry point in the range, while an M50d model will offer nearly 400bhp. Petrol choices are a 3.0-litre V6 engine with 335bhp (badged M40i) or a 4.4-litre V8 with over 600bhp. The latter will be reserved for the range-topping X6M model, which is expected to join the standard car after launch.

A plug-in hybrid X6 will also be offered for the first time. Combining the 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, the X6 xDrive45e hybrid will offer eye-watering performance yet should be able to travel around 30 miles on electric power alone. While no figures have been revealed yet, the electric motor will give good figures for fuel economy and CO2 emissions, which could appeal to company-car buyers lucky enough to be able to afford the X6.

Prices won’t be known until the new X6 is officially revealed, but it’s likely to start from over £60,000 and rise to just shy of £100,000 for the X6M.

Read our review of the BMW X5 for more information about BMW’s luxurious SUVs, or compare the X6 to one of its rivals, the Audi Q8.