Garmin Fenix 6 launched, as company reveals latest chunky fitness tracker with new features

Flagship GPS watch includes solar power and special run pacing features

Garmin has launched the Fenix 6, the latest version of its chunky, flagship GPS smartwatch.

The new watch comes with a variety of new features including the ability to charge from the sun and to more usefully set paces for runners.

It is also now the biggest round display that Garmin makes.

The new watch is available now for £529.99 or €599.99.

Perhaps the biggest new feature is the various battery tools. The "Fenix 6X Pro Solar" includes a special kind of glass that allows the watch to the use the sun's energy to charge up – adding three days to the 21 day battery life, according to Garmin – and the watch also has a new power manager that allows it to better store charge.

It also includes a new "PacePro" feature, which allows runners to track their speed even when going up hills and going around a course. The watch will be able to adjust the recommended pace by looking at the elevation of the run, and show that information on the screen.

“We are thrilled to introduce solar charging into the the new fēnix 6X Pro Solar edition, giving users all of the features they’ve come to expect from the fēnix lineup with increased battery life and larger displays,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, in a statement.

“In addition to our brand-new solar technology, we’ve built the fēnix 6 to redefine expectations, with enhanced features and design elements to appeal to driven athletes and adventurers of every kind.”