There are new photos of the 2020 BMW X6 ahead of the crossover's public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but you might struggle to see the vehicle because it's wearing a Vantablack VBx2 coating. The substance absorbs more than 99 percent of visible light making this covering the blackest color in the world.
BMW partnered with Vantablack maker Surrey Nano Systems and creative agency Levitation 29 to create the world's blackest X6. The playful idea behind the vehicle is to create a new spin on concealing an upcoming model. Rather than using camouflage or extra panels, this incredibly dark color is supposed to make the crossover's styling difficult to discern.
The Vantablack covering creates the desired effect. At least in photos, it's impossible to see any of the details of the 2020 X6's shape. The vehicle looks like a black void other than a few bits of trim, the greenhouse, and the lights. If you'd actually like to see the X6, check out the automaker's previously released gallery, below.
The third-generation X6 has a similar look to the previous models by taking the X5's general appearance and applying a sloping, coupe-like roofline to the back. In the United States, the new model is available as the rear-drive sDrive40i and all-wheel-drive xDrive40i that both use a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 335 horsepower (249 kilowatts) and 330 pound-feet (447 Newton-meters) of torque. There's also the X6 M50i with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 offering 523 hp (390 kW) and 553 lb-feet (750 Nm) of torque. Regardless of engine, buyers get an eight-speed automatic. The interior features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.
Prices start at $65,290 (including the $995 destination fee) for an sDrive40i, $67,595 for the xDrive40i, and $86,465 for the M50i. They should begin arriving at showrooms in November.
Source: BMW
