It appears that BMW is close to taking the veils off the brand new G06 BMW X6, and it’s clear to anyone that the new Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) range will be crowned by the F96 BMW X6 M. This is the first time we’re seeing it being put through its paces around the demanding Nürburgring circuit.

While still heavily camouflaged, this set of spy photos reveal quite a bit of skin. The front fascia appears to closely resemble the G05 X5, with huge kidney grille, aggressive BMW M front bumper with huge intakes, as well as full LED headlights with BMW Laserlight technology.


Round the side, the body claddings appear to be painted, and rolling stock comes courtesy of huge 20-inch, or potentially 21-inch wheels. There are air breathers behind the front wheels for better air flow, whereas braking power is supplied by huge drilled rotors clamped by blue-painted M calipers. Similarly, the rear end is also showing some skin, this time partially revealing the tail lights. Unlike the X5, the tail lights on the X6 will feature an LED strip much like that on the G15 8 Series. Quad exhaust exits, sloping roofline and some rear spoilers (one on the roof and another on the tailgate) are to be expected as well.

Seeing as the new X6 M will ride on the CLAR platform (which underpins the G30 5 Series, G11/G12 7 Series, X5 and 8 Series), sources say that the car will weigh less, resulting in better agility, handling, and performance. Speaking of which, it’s tipped to get the F90 M5‘s 4.4 litre S63 twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, making north of 600 hp and 750 Nm of torque.


In the M5 Competition, the V8 produces 625 hp and 750 Nm of torque, rocketing it from 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. Hard to imagine the X6 M not having all that power, but in any case, expect items such as M Sport exhaust system, rear-biased M xDrive system, and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

Inside, the cabin looks largely identical to the G05 X5, save for things like a sportier M steering wheel, M leather-wrapped gear lever, and fancy leather sports seats. As usual, BMW Individual applies here, so customers can personalise the SAC to their hearts’ content. Other niceties include a fully digital M-specific instrument cluster, a high-res 12.3-inch Control Display, head-up display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the latest iDrive control system, as well as BMW Operating System 7.0. The new BMW X6 should be unveiled later this year.