BMW recently unveiled the third generation of its crossover, the X6. The X6, somewhat responsible for initiating the polarising trend of SUV and Coupe crossover, is more powerful and menacing in its latest avatar.

In terms of design, the car joins the rest of the family with the incorporation of sleek LED lamp clusters, and a massive front grille, which interestingly, is illuminated. The car gets more muscular body panels and a high seating rear bumper with gaping holes for the twin-pipe dual exhaust. The loading lip is set inconveniently high and covered by an electric tailgate with an edge-mounted boot lid spoiler. However, we aren’t complaining: the slight tradeoff for a more aggressive stance is not a bad deal.

The X6 gets two engine options to choose from, namely, a 3.0L twin-scroll turbocharged inline 6 pushing 335 hp / 447 Nm in the sDrive and xDrive variants and a more potent 4.4L twin-turbo V8 available in the M-Sport format making 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque.

Other powertrain machinery includes BMW’s ubiquitous 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, a dual wishbone suspension setup for the front and a 5-link setup for the rear wheels. An optional Dynamic handling package can equip the car with electric body roll stabilisation and active rear-wheel steering. Another option is BMW’s off-road package that makes the X6 capable of handling difficult terrains. It includes a two-axle air suspension, an electronic M-Sport rear differential and variable driving modes such as Rock, Snow, Sand and Gravel.

The interior is familiar BMW territory with two 12.3 inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment. Standard safety equipment includes radar assisted cruise control, front collision detection, parking assistance and blind-spot detection. Side collision avoidance, lane-keeping and lane-changing assistance can be had as additional options.

The car is slated for an official launch this November, after which details of its India stint will be made known.