For 2020, the X6 gets completely redesigned. Longer, wider, and lower than the version it replaces, the new 2020 BMW X6 is about the same size inside as the 2019.

Three versions are available. The X6 sDrive40i with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and the X6 xDrive40i with all-wheel drive (AWD) share a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that makes 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. According to BMW, the new sDrive40i X6 accelerates to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the xDrive40i gets to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

If that’s not good enough, the X6 M50i is equipped with an updated twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. It is significantly more powerful than it was last year, generating 523 hp and 553 lb-ft and getting from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

Both engines employ an 8-speed sport automatic that can adapt its shift strategy based on information from the navigation system related to the upcoming route. The automaker’s xDrive AWD system is rear-biased to preserve sporting sensations, and an active damping suspension comes standard. Maximum towing capacity, when the X6 is properly equipped, is 7,200 pounds.

An Off-Road Package is available for the X6 xDrive40i, adding four off-road traction-control settings, an air suspension, and an M Sport rear differential. The latter two are available separately, along with active roll stabilization and active steering that makes the X6 easier to maneuver at low speeds and feel more stable at high speeds. Additional performance enhancements include M Sport brakes and an M Sport exhaust system.

Two different exterior treatments are available. The xLine gives the X6 a more rugged look, while the M Sport presents a sportier style. Various wheel designs ranging between 20 and 22 inches are available, and depending on how the SUV is configured, it offers between 8.1 and 8.5 inches of ground clearance. New for 2020, an illuminated kidney grille ensures that everyone knows the X6 is a BMW, night or day.

Five people fit into the X6, though four are likely to be more comfortable. Leather upholstery comes standard and is offered in five colors. Every 2020 X6 has sport-bolstered front seats, automatic climate control, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Fold the 40/20/40 rear seats and you can expand the cargo area from 27.4 to 59.6 cubic feet.

Options include premium-grade leather, 4-zone climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, and heated and cooled front cup holders. For a truly premium interior, a glass switchgear is available, as well as a Sky Lounge LED ambient lighting upgrade.

BMW installs the latest iDrive 7 infotainment system in the new X6. Highlights include haptic feedback, a tablet-size touch interface, natural voice control, available gesture control, and expanded customization capability. Upgrades include a WiFi hotspot, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, a 20-speaker premium 3D surround sound audio system, and a back-seat entertainment system. Apple CarPlay is available, but not Android Auto.

ConnectedDrive services and the associated ConnectedDrive app are compatible with Android smartphones and smartwatches as well as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. One cool ConnectedDrive app function is the ability to remotely view the X6 and its surroundings from anywhere using your smartphone.

Right out of the box, the BMW X6 features forward- and rear-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning systems also come standard.

Available active-driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies include an adaptive cruise control system with stop-and-go capability. This is useful in traffic, as it can re-engage for up to 30 seconds after the X6 comes to a halt. This, in combination with steering assist and a traffic-jam assist function that works at speeds up to 40 mph, can make grueling daily commutes easier.

Additional driving aids include lane-keeping assist, evasion assist, evasion aid with pedestrian detection, active side-collision protection, front cross-traffic alert, and a night-vision system with pedestrian detection. The optional Back-up Assistant reverses the X6 from tight parking situations following the exact path the SUV took to enter the location.

Equipped with more power, performance, technology, and sophistication, the 2020 BMW X6 is the best one yet. Its growing list of competitors includes the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.