New BMW X6 rendered

More than a decade after the original BMW X6 launched in 2008 to a chorus of smug comments from the public and media, the third-generation X6 is almost ready.

And it should look a lot like this computer-generated illustration by Automedia.

Expected to be launched globally in 2020, the all-new third-gen (G06) BMW X6 will get all the goodies bequeathed to the new (G05) BMW X5, such as a fancy new digital 12.3-inch dashboard, advanced head-up display, power-operated rear cargo cover, rotating rump-rippler massaging front seats and heated and cooled cup-holders.

Expected to up its luxury game significantly, the new BMW X6 will bring several high-end features including a stereo with 20 speakers (five speakers for each outboard passenger) and even Swarovski crystal inlays for the gear-shifter and infotainment controllers.

It will also inherit the extra-large twin kidney grille that has polarised opinions about the all-new BMW X7 flagship.

Apart from more angular headlights – now with laser beams for even greater illumination distances – and the new grille, the new BMW X6 will stick to its design roots by offering a sportier coupe-like body style than the pragmatic X5.

When the original BMX X6 (E71) launched in 2008 it had no rivals. When the second-gen BMW X6 (F16) rocked out it had more competitors and today there are plenty of copycats, with the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe chief among them and the new Audi Q8 looking to claw its way into the ultra-luxury quasi-coupe SUV segment.

Based on BMW's latest CLAR platform architecture -- which also underpins the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and most of its SUVs, including the upcoming X7 – the new X6 may shed a few kilograms but will definitely have a stiffer frame and body, which will benefit ride and handling dynamics.

The BMW X6 rendered here by Automedia appears to have the sporty treatment, with big wheels and an M Sport body kit, but the full-biscuit BMW X6 M will add bigger brakes, advanced suspension tech and a thumping twin-turbo V8 engine.

Pumping out up to 460kW and 750Nm, the flagship BMW X6 M's 4.4-litre V8 will force occupants hard into their supple Vernasca leather sports seats and should be able to blast to 100km/h in around 3.5 seconds.

Less intense versions of the Bavarian coupe-like SUV will also be available, mirroring the BMW X5 range with a quad-turbo X6 M50d (294kW/760Nm) and X6 30d (195kW/620Nm), both with 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines.

A new entry-level BMW X5 turbo-petrol model has also arrived and so the BMW X6 40i (250kW/450Nm) is also likely to arrive in Australia, propelled by a 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine.

All models will be paired to eight-speed transmissions and hybrid versions of the next X6 are tipped to come online not long into its lifecycle.

Expect to see the new BMW X6 break cover late this year.