Update: After a closer look and some comments from our readers, we concluded that this is the upcoming X4 M. The next generation BMW X6 has yet to be unveiled by the Bavarians, but the M engineers are already hard at work putting the final finishes on the F96 X6 M. A prototype of the new X6 M was just spotted in California, wearing minimal camouflage and revealing some of its design features. While the back is completely covered with tape, the side view reveals the shoulder line and roofline of the X6 M, along with the beefed up wheel arches specific to M products.
The prototype also features M-designed wheels, black coated along with a black trim around the window edges. A subtle spoiler sits on top of the roof, while the trunk gets its own lip. At the bottom of the rear-end, one could easily notice the dual twin-pipes specific to M cars, along with a diffuser.
Unfortunately we don’t have a front view of the car, but as we’ve seen on recent spy photos, we expect the front-end to mimic the one found on the G05 X5, with minor adjustments. The overall proportions of the F96 X6 M are similar to the outgoing model, along with the sweeping roofline.
The BMW X6 M is likely to get the same 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the new M5, making 600 hp at least. The engine will be paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission and the all-wheel drive xDrive will continue to have a rear bias.
According to our own sources, the new X6 is set to arrive somewhere in mid 2019 and the car will be launched as a 2020 model, as the F16 X6 is going out of production in July 2019. We expect the F96 X6 M to be available in 2020.
[Photo: Richard Corey]
