This isn’t just our first look inside the M-powered version of BMW’s upcoming X6, but our first look inside any 2020 X6 prototype – period.
Is it exactly what we expected? You bet. The dashboard design is straight out of the latest X5, which has always been the case with these two.
However, this isn’t just any X6, but one that’s meant to reflect the performance prowess of BMW’s M Division. Which means you get a sportier cabin than the regular, non-M versions.
Visually, there isn’t a lot going on inside this X6 M prototype, with BMW still trying to keep some things under wraps. However, we can see that it’s equipped with sports seats whose prominent bolsters will hug the driver and front-seat passenger tight. Then we have what looks like carbon trim above the air vents and surrounding the center console, and a dark leather cover for the shifter with an embossed ‘M’ emblem and contrast stitching.
Other than that, the door panels remain fully covered, and are probably hiding differently colored materials with more contrast stitching, much like with the old X6 M.
Like all the other 2020 X6 M prototypes spotted thus far, this one is wearing tight-fitting camouflage, masking the actual design of its flared wheel arches, massive air intakes, air vents behind the front wheels and side skirts.
The new X6 M will be powered by the S63 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that’ll also be used in the upcoming X5 M. This engine produces 600 PS (592 HP) in the M5, which should be more than enough for the two SUVs, although they could eventually be fitted with the M5 Competition’s 625 PS (617 HP) unit instead.
We expect BMW to showcase the all-new X6 M sometime this year, which means it could go on sale either in late 2019 or early 2020 to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and 63 S Coupe and the Audi RS Q8.