Coupé-inspired SUVs appear to be the flavour of the month for many of the world’s biggest car makers, but one that inspired the segment is the BMW X6.
Since the BMW launched, the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne Coupé and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe have all been added.
The X6 first joined the BMW range in 2008 and at the time was considered vulgar by some, but it is now credited with kick-starting the desire for luxury, premium SUVs with sleek coupé-like styling. As of 2019, the X6 is now in its third generation, and it’s better than ever.
It is a pleasure to be behind the wheel of today’s X6, and not only because of the impressive entry-level equipment. An intuitive gearbox and direct handling relative to the car’s size are key to its driving appeal. We are also admirers of its long-distance abilities, but perhaps best of all is the BMW’s selection of punchy petrol and diesel engines.
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The X6 offers a versatile selection, including options for both frugal economy drivers and those hankering after a 2.2-tonne performance SUV. All units are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and equipped with rear-axle-biased four-wheel drive.
The X6’s petrol line-up starts with the xDrive40i, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 328bhp and 560lb ft. Above it sits the X6 M50i, which draws inspiration from BMW’s M performance division with a powerful twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 making 523bhp and 533lb ft. That will get you from 0-62mph in 4.3sec, which is mightily impressive given the car’s size and weight.
Diesels are traditionally the biggest sellers in the UK, and you won’t need to compromise on power if you’re eyeing up a more economical proposition. The entry-level 3.0-litre xDrive30d offers 282bhp and 457lb ft: drive it carefully and you’ll be able to get more than 45mpg. The most powerful diesel is a quad-turbo 3.0-litre unit producing 394bhp and 560lb ft and badged M50d.
BMW added an electrified model (well, sort of) shortly after launch. The mild-hybrid xDrive40d benefits from an electric motor in addition to its 335bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine. The tiny 11bhp motor is used to assist the wheels during low-rev acceleration. Rated at 48.7mpg, it is your best bet for economy.
At the very top of the pile sits the BMW X6 M Competition, the most powerful and fastest-accelerating production combustion SUV that BMW has ever made. Powered by the same 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine as the BMW M5, the X6’s lairiest model puts out 616bhp and 552lb ft for a 0-62mph time of 3.8sec, but the firm ride isn’t suited to everyday driving.
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Proof read your fucking articles!
You've got the 40i at 560lb ft??? And the wild card M50i making 616bhp?
Shoddy, shoddy, shoddy.
Buyers' Guide - Don't
there, that was easy.
A spare time article for some, but, if your a searcher, you'll find out what you want to know, if you don't like the looks that's fine your entitled to your opinion, I don't like the size of it, I'd say that about any Car if it was too big for my taste, I drive a BMW ,so I'm not being biased here.