If you thought the 2020 BMW X6's design was bold, you clearly haven't seen it painted in the blackest black exterior color: Vantablack. BMW is gearing up to show the Vantablack X6 at the Frankfurt auto show next month, and we're curious to see what it looks like in person. YouTube user Phoebe Heess beat us to the punch and posted the video below, but we wish it were longer.How is it so, so black? VANTA stands for Vertically Aligned Nano Tube Array, and it's essentially a matrix made from microscopic bits of carbon. Instead of reflecting light the way normal automotive finishes do, it absorbs the light and turns it to heat. We'd suggest BMW not leave the Vantablack X6 parked in the sun too long.
If you’ve ever seen the 2020 BMW X6 wearing the Vantablack VBx2 coating, you know how trippy it getsThe Vantablack VBx2 coating is so black it’s hard to even describe it. But it’s not someone’s figment of the imagination anymore. The 2020 BMW X6 Vantablack is a real thing, and we’re going to see it in the flesh in Frankfurt for the very first time. Like most people, I don’t know what to expect out of it when it shows up. What I do know is I want to see it, as I’m sure most people want to, as well.It’s different because Bimmer partnered with Surrey Nano Systems and creative Levitation 29 to bring this color to life.
The paint colour is so dark, it's said to make the vehicle look two-dimensional, allowing BMW to show off its light-up grille.BMW will use the Frankfurt motor show to unveil a stealthy special-edition X6, finished in a colour called 'Vantablack'.According to the company, the show car is the 'first and only vehicle in the world' to feature the finish, dubbed the 'world's blackest black' by its British creators. The paint was initially developed to coat space-bound componentry, and can be applied in seriously extreme temperatures.
For 2021, BMW reshuffles the X7 lineup by dropping the 456-hp, V-8-powered xDrive50i—the 523-hp M50i continues—and adding the 612-hp Alpina XB7. The latter is the first SUV that the BMW tuning specialist has offered in the U.S. The xDrive40i's powertrain gets a 48-volt starter-generator which, surprisingly, worsens its EPA fuel-economy figures; both its city and highway ratings drop by 1 mpg.
PROS Powertrains' deliciously smooth power, interior as quiet as a library but much comfier, Alpina XB7 is hilariously quick and athletic.
CONS Excessive body roll around corners, cabin and cargo spaces are smaller than expected, power rear seats are S-L-O-W.
The 2021 BMW X7 doesn’t compromise roominess, comfort, performance, or price.
PROS Standard heated armrests, seats, steering wheel Balance of comfort and power Excellent standard features Large touchscreen Larger than competition
CONS Expensive Small cargo with all seats up Two trims, essentially
The 2021 BMW X7 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.High-performance, ultra-plush Alpina XB7 is new to the lineup.The X7 xDrive50i trim and optional off-road package are no longer available.Limited-edition Dark Shadow model debuts with unique paint and trim.
PROS Strong engine performance Smooth ride Impeccable interior
CONS Expensive for the class Climate controls can be confusing to use Some systems don't behave as you'd expect