Munich. From November the third generation of the BMW X6 will enrich the segment of Sports Activity Coupés (SAC) with its extroverted looks, outstanding performance and provocative design. Only a few months later, the new BMW X5 M and the new BMW X6 M will set new standards in the high performance SAV/SAC segment from spring 2020. Powered by potent 4.4 litre V8 petrol engines with BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology and 441 kW/600 hp and 460 kW/625 hp in the respective Competition variants, the new M models stand for thrilling driving dynamics. A wide range of M Performance Parts for enhancing the sporty character and customising the visual appeal even further will be available for this trio of luxurious power models as well as for the BMW X7.

These high-grade accessories developed by BMW M GmbH, are the result of extensive motorsport expertise gained on the world’s racetracks. All components are perfectly matched to the specific characters of the BMW X6, BMW X7 as well as BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M. With these parts customers can further enhance the visual appeal and sporty characteristics of their car and customise it according to their personal tastes. The M Performance Parts do not only affect the car’s looks of course. They also meet the highest functional requirements with regard to lightweight construction and aerodynamics.

Exterior: Carbon fibre for striking looks and improved aerodynamics.

The athletic character of the BMW X6 and X6 M as well as BMW X5 M can be impressively enhanced with a large number of M Performance Exterior Carbon Fibre components. Manufactured by hand and sealed with a clear finish, the components are given a high-gloss polish for an impressive depth effect. The honeycomb structure, which is so characteristic for this material, makes these carbon-fibre reinforced plastic components so thrilling to look at. The carbon fibre M Performance ornamental grille for the radiator grille and the carbon fibre M Performance side sill inserts as well as the carbon fibre rear diffuser, which will be available shortly afterwards, give the car purebred racing flair. The diffuser also optimises the air stream at the rear of the car together with the M Performance high-gloss black rear fins and the M Performance high-gloss black roof edge spoiler for the BMW X5 M. These parts also positively affect directional stability and straight-running capability.

M Performance Frozen Black Wrapping is another visual highlight for the BMW X6. This consists of a matt black and grey strip with M Performance inscription, which stretches along the side of the car and effectively emphasises the design features of the SAC. The perfectly matching front high-gloss black wrapping upgrades the front of the BMW X6 while the high-gloss black model inscription enhances the rear looks of the BMW X7. The M Performance carbon fibre exterior mirror caps add another stylish and sporty touch to the striking looks of the BMW X7.

Sports brake system and wheel sets for improved handling.

The M Performance brake system installed in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M as standard is optionally available for the BMW X6. Thanks to its larger, inner-vented and perforated lightweight construction brake discs, it offers further improved braking response, optimised deceleration even under extreme conditions as well as maximum resilience. The brake calipers finished in red are also a visual highlight which stand out especially in combination with open wheel designs, For all four models a number of these are available in sizes ranging up to 22 inches for summer wheel sets and up to 21 inches for winter wheel sets.

The 22 inch M Performance light alloy wheel Star Spoke Styling 749 M, available in either burnished Jet Black and matt black for the BMW X6 for example, combines physical lightness with extraordinary design and sporty performance. Thanks to a special manufacturing process, the wheel weighs approximately one kilogram less than a comparable cast wheel. This optimises steering behaviour and improves driving dynamics overall. The weight-optimised 22 inch M Performance matt/burnished Jet Black forged wheel Y-Spoke Styling 785 M for the BMW X7 in extravagant bicolor look also emphasises the luxurious character of the vehicle. The M Performance light alloy wheel Double Spoke Styling 809 M with mixed tyres (front: 295/35 ZR21 107Y XL; rear: 315/30 ZR22 107Y XL) for BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M and its Competition models in matt Jet Black with colour M Performance print on the other hand radiate unfiltered motorsport ambience.

High performance atmosphere in the luxurious interior.

The already striking motorsport character of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M and the respective Competition models can be enhanced even further. With the M Performance steering wheel the driver has a perfect grip on the action even under dynamic driving conditions. This is due to the extremely high-grip alcantara handling area with large thumbrests and special underlining for excellent stability and a direct steering feel. In addition to standard details such as the red centre marking and the silver-grey, hand-sewn cross-stitch, the M Performance steering wheel is also available with M Performance steering wheel trim in carbon fibre with M Performance inscription and alcantara insert. To match this, the shift paddles can also be selected in an M Performance finish featuring carbon fabric instead of the standard chrome surface. For example there are the M Performance floor mats with M Performance inscription, a pennant in the hallmark M colours and a surround in leather look including decorative seam in contrasting colours. A very stylish motorsport-inspired extra for the BMW X6 and BMW X7, which is standard in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M, are the optionally available set of stainless steel pedal rests and the stainless steel footrest.

Experience the M Performance spirit even when the car is stationary.

The four BMW X models radiate the thrill of motorsport and of M Performance in particular even at a standstill. For example the M Performance slide set for the BMW LED door projectors is a very eye-catching option. When the doors are opened, it projects the BMW M logo or other M Performance motifs onto the asphalt. The M Performance key holder made of high-quality alcantara with carbon fibre insert makes the look and feel of the the M performance idea come alive. Thanks to internal hex screw in M Light Blue, the car key is firmly connected to the holder and therefore effectively protected from being scratched or damaged. The M Performance tyre bags made of high-quality and resilient plastic protect wheels sized up to 22 inches. They not only make storing and transporting the wheels a clean and safe affair, but also bring a racing feel to your garage thanks to their distinctive M Performance design. And each bag is clearly marked so allocating tyres is easy.

Munich. This September, the Frankfurt Motor Show will provide the backdrop for the world premiere of the third-generation BMW X6 (fuel consumption combined: 10.7–6.1 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 243–159 g/km)*, the car that established the Sports Activity Coupé segment a good ten years ago. At the event, BMW will also present a spectacular one-off vehicle with a Vantablack^® VBx2 nanostructure paint finish that highlights the expressive design language and confident, dominant and muscular appearance of the new BMW X6 to perfection. This exclusive show car is the result of a collaboration between BMW and Surrey NanoSystems, the inventors of the Vantablack technology.

The BMW X6 is the first and only vehicle in the world to feature a Vantablack VBx2 paint finish. “We turned down numerous requests from various automobile manufacturers in the past,” explains Ben Jensen, founder and Chief Technical Officer of Surrey NanoSystems. “It took the BMW X6 and its unique, expressive design for us to entertain the idea.” With design highlights like the optional Iconic Glow kidney grille, distinctive twin headlights and striking taillights, the new BMW X6 provides fascinating contrasts to offset the Vantablack VBx2 paint finish, which changes the viewer’s visual perception of an object’s three-dimensional shape.

The human eye perceives Vantablack as two-dimensional.

A surface coated in Vantablack loses its defining features to the human eye, with objects appearing two-dimensional. This can be interpreted by the brain as staring into a hole or even a void, making Vantablack a rather unsuitable vehicle paint finish, as it blots out virtually all the design details and highlights. For this reason, the BMW X6 was coated in the VBx2 variant initially developed for use in architectural and scientific applications. This coating can be sprayed on and has a one-per-cent total hemispherical reflectance (THR), meaning it is still considered “super black” while enabling a small amount of reflection from every angle. Thus, materials painted with it seem to lose their three-dimensional appearance – as demonstrated impressively on the BMW X6.

Vantablack: the “blackest black”, developed for aerospace applications.

The name Vantablack has already become synonymous with an entire range of extremely black coatings and paints such as VBx2. It contains an acronym of the technology enabling this superior black in its first two syllables, which stand for Vertically Aligned Nano Tube Array, a matrix made out of carbon. Each of these carbon nanotubes has a length of 14 to 50 micrometres, with a diameter of 20 nanometres, making it around 5,000 times thinner than a human hair. As a result, around a billion of these vertically aligned carbon nanotubes fit into one square centimetre. Any light striking this surface is almost completely absorbed rather than reflected, and effectively converted into heat.

This technology was initially developed for coating space-borne components. As Vantablack can be applied at temperatures from as low as 430 degrees Celsius, it is suitable for delicate materials such as aluminium, and optical components coated in Vantablack enable observation of faint stars and distant galaxies that stray light from the sun makes difficult to detect. The first generation of Vantablack introduced by Surrey NanoSystems in 2014 absorbed up to 99.965 per cent of light, almost completely eliminating reflectance and stray light.

An interview with Ben Jensen, Vantablack inventor and founder of Surrey NanoSystems.

What was your first thought when you were approached with the idea of providing the BMW X6 with a Vantablack paint finish?
Ben Jensen: To be honest, we received inquiries from most of the big-name automotive manufacturers, almost from the day we launched the original material in 2014, but we’d always said no. This was also due to the fact that we only had a suitable material once we came up with VBx2. When we were approached by BMW, we were still quite hesitant to begin with. But the new X6 looked so incredibly different that it just felt like a really good fit.

Have your expectations been met?
Jensen: I think it went beyond all our expectations. The BMW X6 in Vantablack looks absolutely fantastic. We also realised that it wouldn’t have worked if we’d put on the original material, as the viewer would have lost all sense of three-dimensionality. VBx2 with its one-per-cent reflectance provides just enough of a hint of shape. Add to that the contrast between the matt black surface and details such as the Iconic Glow kidney grille, the headlights and the windows – everything is just set off beautifully.

Hypothetically speaking, could you imagine Vantablack VBx2 becoming a regular paint finish option for people buying a car in the future?
Jensen: I think it worked really well on the BMW X6, because of the size of the car, its distinctive shape, and how imposing it is. But putting a paint like that on a conventional car lacking a distinctive design would probably detract from it in some way. In addition, developing a Vantablack VBx2 car paint durable enough for daily use is a huge technological challenge.

However, Vantablack already has an important role in advanced automotive technology …
Jensen: Indeed, the material is now being used more and more in various types of, laser-based sensor equipment for driver assistance systems and technologies for autonomous driving, for instance. That is because incident sunlight can cause a degradation of performance in these systems as well. A Vantablack coating eliminates these issues and results in increased safety.

An interview with Hussein Al Attar, Creative Director Automotive Design at Designworks and the designer responsible for the new BMW X6.

What does it mean to you that “your” BMW X6 is the first car in the world to have been chosen for such a project by the makers of Vantablack?
Al Attar: I first heard about Vantablack a few years ago – and I’ve been absolutely fascinated with the technology ever since. So, for me personally, this is a big deal. When my colleagues told me about a possible collaboration some months ago, I was very excited.

What makes the BMW X6 the perfect car for this project?
Al Attar: Internally, we often refer to the BMW X6 as “The Beast.” I think that says it all. The Vantablack VBx2 finish emphasises this aspect and makes the BMW X6 look particularly menacing. Moreover, the BMW X6 has always been the most provocative and in-your-face model in our portfolio. So why not emphasise this even further, with a finish that simply captivates the viewer’s attention? After all, that’s what the BMW X6 has always been about.

But a Vantablack finish makes objects appear two-dimensional. Doesn’t that render it supremely unsuitable as a car paint, especially for a car with a design as expressive as the BMW X6?
Al Attar: Yes, there is a certain inherent contradiction. But that’s exactly what makes this interesting and explains why the BMW X6 is the perfect car for this project. In addition, Vantablack VBx2 opens up new possibilities for us as designers. We often prefer to talk about silhouettes and proportions rather than surfaces and lines. The Vantablack VBx2 coating foregrounds these fundamental aspects of automotive design, without any distraction from light and reflections. I am very proud of how beautiful the new BMW X6 has turned out, including its bold and expressive surfaces. But the most remarkable evolution over the predecessor concerns its proportions. And that is precisely what Vantablack underscores, albeit in a rather unexpected fashion.

Hypothetically speaking, could you imagine Vantablack VBx2 becoming a regular paint finish option for people buying a car in the future?
Al Attar: Absolutely. BMW X6 drivers are among our most extrovert and free-spirited customers. If anyone were to opt for a Vantablack paint option, it would definitely be a BMW X6 driver.

Third-generation BMW X6 to start in November 2019.
The latest incarnation of the car that established the innovative and distinctive Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) segment will have its world premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, from 12 to 22 September. The showroom launch will begin shortly afterwards, in November 2019. The third-generation BMW X6 employs a precise and exclusive design language to underscore its confident, dominant appearance. In addition, its advanced powertrain and chassis technology combines with numerous innovations to provide a uniquely sporty yet luxurious driving experience. Like its predecessors, the new BMW X6 is produced at the BMW plant in Spartanburg in the United States.

Munich. The new BMW X6 blends the agile and versatile driving properties of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the head-turning looks of a coupe. The third-generation X6 employs a clean, exclusive design language to underscore its confident and commanding appearance. And advanced powertrain and chassis technology teams up with a wealth of innovations to deliver a uniquely sporting yet also luxurious driving experience. Like its predecessor, the new BMW X6 will be produced in the US at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The market launch will begin in November 2019.

Dynamically stretched proportions exude sporting prowess.

The new BMW 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) and combines dynamically stretched proportions with exceptional visual muscularity. The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres.

The large, single-frame BMW kidney grille is the most striking feature of the front end, the outer edges of the kidney grille now approaching the headlights at a clearly defined angle. The new BMW X6 is available for the first time as an option with an illuminated BMW kidney grille, which adds an exclusive flourish to the exterior design. 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.

If the optional BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights is specified, a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam optimises the non-dazzling high beam function, whose range increases to around 500 metres. BMW Laserlight can be identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the signature BMW twin headlights. The flanks of the new X6 are defined by familiar BMW proportions, a crisply drawn character line and the dynamic roofline. 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 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.

Interior: an exclusive ambience imbued with sporting flair.

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, represents a progressive re‑interpretation of the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. The new BMW X6 comes as standard with Vernasca leather upholstery.

The interior offers a high degree of variability, thanks to 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests that can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,530 litres. Highlight equipment features from the list of optional extras include multifunction seats with massage function for the driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, thermoelectric cup holders, glass applications for selected controls, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, the Ambient Air interior fragrancing package and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond+ 3D Surround Sound System.

Four powerful engines and an M duo from launch.

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. The model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M model with a newly developed 390 kW/530 hp V8 petrol engine. The BMW X6 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 10.7–10.4 l/100 km [26.4–27.2 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 243–237 g/km)* is joined in the range by the BMW X6 M50d (fuel consumption combined: 7.2–6.9 l/100 km [39.2‑40.9 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 190–181 g/km)* with 294 kW/400 hp six-cylinder in‑line diesel engine and a quartet of turbochargers. A straight-six petrol unit with output of 250 kW/340 hp sees action in the BMW X6 xDrive40i (fuel consumption combined: 8.6–8.0 l/100 km [32.8–35.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 197–181 g/km)*, and the BMW X6 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.6–6.1 l/100 km [42.8–46.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 172–159 g/km)* employs a six-cylinder in-line diesel with 195 kW/265 hp. All variants of the new BMW X6 fulfil the requirements of the EU6d-TEMP emissions standard. The M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard on both M models is also available as an option for the other versions of the BMW X6 or as part of the M Sport package, and gives the car an unmistakable and emotionally rich aural presence.

All new BMW X6 models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while intelligent all-wheel drive maximises traction, agility and directional stability. The latest generation of the BMW xDrive system once again splits drive torque between the front and rear wheels variably and as the situation demands – only now with even greater precision and speed. In situations which do not require all-wheel drive, drive can be channelled entirely to the rear wheels in the interests of efficiency. The xDrive system also maintains a rear-wheel bias in particularly dynamic driving situations. The car’s sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle available as part of M Sport specification or in conjunction with the optional xOffroad package.

Perfectly tuned chassis systems enhance sporting responses, comfort levels and off-road prowess.

A double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle give the new BMW X6 the ideal suspension tools to deliver dynamism and ride comfort on the road, plus unshakable traction off the beaten track. Dynamic Damper Control is included as standard, the Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities, and the new BMW X6 is also available with two-axle air suspension including automatic self-levelling. The car’s height can be altered at the touch of a button in the cockpit through a maximum 80 millimetres. An off-road package is available for all model variants with the exception of the BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d, allowing the driver to choose from four modes that optimise progress over snow, sand, gravel or rocks respectively. And at the press of a button, they can also activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator response, transmission control and the DSC system’s corrective inputs.

Innovative driver assistance systems offering new functions.

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 do an extremely effective job in enhancing comfort and safety. Standard 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 Evasion Assistant is another component of the Driving Assistant Professional, as are the rear collision warning, road priority warning and wrong-way driving warning systems, crossing traffic warning, Lane Change Warning and the Emergency Stop Assistant. 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.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is on hand to help the driver.

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 and a Control Display, both with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The new BMW X6 comes with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent digital character who responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can choose their own name for him. 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 up-to-date information and assist the driver. The range of functions and skills available will be constantly expanded as part of regular updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in‑car via Remote Software Upgrade.