BMW X6 M quick spin review
What is it?
The latest addition to the BMW M family of performance vehicles. The X6 M is the more stylish but less practical sibling to the X5 M. Both cars share the same underpinnings but the X6 is topped by BMW's pioneering SUV-cum-coupe body that continues to polarise opinion.
What it isn't?
Conventional. Until recently the idea of a high-performance, SUV-coupe crossover would have been laughable. Now it's a booming segment of the market with the likes of Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Range Rover and soon Lamborghini involved.
What does it say about me?
That you're happy to be unconventional. It also suggests you like the idea of an SUV for its taller body but don't need to use the back seats on a regular basis.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Joaquin Phoenix. Unconventional, confronting at times but unquestionably talented.
Why would I buy it?
For the performance. It may be an SUV but it performs like a sports sedan in most respects; it has an awesome engine, excellent traction and engaging dynamics. It also has a luxurious interior and (for now) unique looks.
Is it safe?
It's got all the usual safety gear – airbag protection for all occupants, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. But new owners also get a free advanced driver training course to make sure they can handle the X6 M to the best of their abilities.
Will it get me noticed?
It doesn't attract the same 'what-the-heck-is-that-thing' looks that the first generation X6 did, but with the M division bodykit, 21-inch alloys and bark from the exhaust it does still get a few looks.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
It's got all the latest toys you expect in a luxury car including a 360-degree parking camera and autonomous parking. It also comes equipped with lane departure warning, forward collision warning and pedestrian warning.
How's the cabin ambience?
It has a feeling of quality and luxury throughout. There are high quality materials used including plenty of (real) leather and aluminium trim. Being an M model there's also a splash of sportiness with a specific M instrument cluster and comfortable M seats (which embossed with the M logo).
Rear head room is the obvious compromise for the X6's silhouette but there is good space for children. It's only taller teenagers and adults that will find the roof too low.
What's the stereo like?
It's fully loaded. The infotainment system runs through a hi-res 10.2-inch colour screen mounted high on the dash and includes all the modern comforts. Sound comes through a 16-speaker, 600-watt Harmon/Kardon system which incorporates DAB+ digital radio, AUX and USB inputs, TV tuner and an MP3-compatible DVD drive. And satellite navigation is also included. It's all controlled through BMW's iDrive system that is becoming increasingly easier and more intuitive to use.
Does it go?
With 750Nm of torque the X6 M has no trouble getting going in a hurry. It may be a five-seat SUV but with so much grunt under the bonnet it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.2-seconds – which is sports car quick. It is a really impressive engine, offering up effortless performance.
The eight-speed auto gearbox is usually quite adept at finding the right gear, either when cruising or when you switch it into the more dynamic modes. However, it can hesitate for a moment to drop down a few cogs when you call for sudden acceleration.
Does it like corners?
It is just as capable in the bends as it is going fast in a straight line. It is equipped with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system which has been tweaked by M division for maximum sportiness and traction. The big 285/35 front and 325/30 rear tyres provide plenty of grip when you push on.
What about bumps?
This the Achilles heel of the X6 M with ride quality that falls short at times. The adaptive suspension has Comfort and Dynamic settings, but even in the former it is simply far too stiff for Australia's average quality roads, especially with the 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in stiff tyres. The set-up picks up even the smallest imperfections in the road and transmits it through the cabin.
What about service stations?
You'll probably need regular tops of premium unleaded but the official combined cycle rating of 11.1-litres per 100km is actually pretty impressive given the performance the engine offers up in such a large car.
Would you buy one?
The X6 M is a seriously impressive performance SUV, but I'd rather the equally quick and capable X5 M because it offers up more practicality. I'd strongly consider the BMWs – even despite the average ride comfort – but there are so many good options to consider these days.
What else should I consider?
If you're patient, the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE63 will arrive in Australia in September. But before then you could also consider the Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($230,800), Porsche Macan Turbo (from $122,400) and Range Rover Sport SVR (from $224,500).
The Spin
"The new BMW X5 M and new BMW X6 M see BMW M GmbH setting the pace once again in the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) segment."
The Translation
We build the best cars in the segments we make up.
2015 BMW X6 M pricing and specifications
Price: $194,700 plus on-road costs
On sale: Now
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol
Power: 423kW at 6000-6500rpm
Torque: 750Nm at 2200-5000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 11.1L/100km