BMW’s X6 M is the ideal premium lifestyle SUV for the school run – if the commute includes a trip to a race track.
This is not the first iteration of BMW’s super-quick X6 ‘lifestyle’ SUV, but as part of the car’s mid-life refresh the engineers at the firm’s performance M Division have made some welcome changes to improve the driving and ownership experience.
What everyone wants at the expensive end of the performance market is more of everything without having to pay for it. This is true of the X6 M, as this coupe-like beast boasts more power but is also a little cleaner and greener. The car’s 4.4-litre V8 turbo petrol motor now outputs a generous 567 horsepower, while economy is a respectable 25.4mpg for something of this size.
Subtle design tweaks and detailed changes to how the car drives and rides further boost its performance credentials.
Much ink has already been spilt debating the rights and wrongs of the X6 in terms of its look. In revised guise the obvious issue remains – it’s not as practical as an X5 thanks to its coupe-like profile – but there’s no denying that the car’s more streamlined look helps disguise its considerable size well. And it’s the X6’s high-rise stance that appears to pull in the punters; in M guise it looks sporty and moderately athletic.
If you want a good level of space and practicality the X6 is not for you. It might look especially racy from the outside but that sloping roof does impact rear cabin and boot space, making the more upright X5 a safer bet. Still, the X6 in any guise has been positioned at the lifestyle end of the market, making compromises more acceptable. In practical terms the X6 M’s trump card is its high performance credentials, not whether a flat pack bookshelf will fit in the boot.
The combination of high-rise SUV and massively powerful V8 engine sounds wrong on paper, yet the clever people at BMW’s M Division have worked wonders to ensure this X6 M can sprint, stop and steer with the sophistication of some conventional sports cars. The X6 M might be a heavy car but the inclusion of a 567 horsepower V8 easily negates this issue. Straight-line speed is impressive, and the X6 M can be hustled around corners with considerable ease. Fortunately the brakes are good, too.
And while it’s a 4×4 at heart, in M trim the car’s rear-drive bias is noticeable. This is a frisky car if you’re not neat and tidy with the steering or throttle, and gradually turning down – or off – the various stability aids reveals a hooligan streak that’s hard to find in some of the most buttoned down and conservative genuine sports cars these days. Fun? Yes. But also hard work as you manhandle the X6 M at speed. You’ll need a lot of space to fully exploit the car’s talents. Thankfully it’s also refined enough for the school run when you’re done messing around.
Does anyone really need a 567 horsepower SUV? Of course not, but it’s comforting to know that a select bunch of car makers see the value in producing cars of this calibre. BMW isn’t alone in this market, but it has positioned its X6 M at the top end of the price point scale.
But for all its trick driver aids, big brakes and slick eight-speed auto gearbox, there’s still ample scope to load up with choice cost options. At least the revisions have resulted in improved economy and emissions, although single digit mpg figures are easily achievable when pressing on.
If you’re seeking to combine the raw performance of a top-end sports car and need the practicality of a premium SUV, BMW’s X6 M suddenly starts to make sense. It might occupy a small niche but, for some, it will tick many boxes – especially if you’ve only got space for one car in your life. You’ve got to love the car’s looks, though, and be prepared for frequent fuel stops despite the refreshed car’s many efficiency improvements.
Facts & figures
Model: BMW X6 M
Price: From £93,070
Engine: 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol unit producing 567bhp
Performance: 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed 155mph
Economy: 25.4mpg combined
CO2 rating: 258g/km