BMW X6 M ESTATE xDrive X6 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

BMW's controversial coupe-shaped X6 SUV becomes more desirable in this updated version of the third generation design. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

This revised version of the third generation BMW X6 offers some useful improvements, notably 48V mild hybrid engine tech and a much enhanced cabin featuring the brand's latest Curved Screen displays. Otherwise, the X6 proposition is much as before. Love it or hate it, you have to respect a vehicle that's sold in such numbers and which has evolved into something rather special.

Background

Has there been a more divisive car than BMW's X6 launched in the last two decades? Possibly not. The original 'E71'-series first generation version debuted back in 2008 and the formula was pretty simple. It was basically an X5 with a coupe-style sloping back. Lots of people got very aerated about this, claiming that here was a car with the handling shortcomings of an SUV coupled with the limited practicality of a coupe; the worst of both worlds. But then the X6 sold and sold in serious numbers. In fact, BMW shifted more than a quarter of a million of the things before launching a smoother-looking 'F16'-series second generation model in 2014, which nearly doubled that sales tally before this MK3 'G06'-series version was introduced in mid-2019. It gained more competition in this form, thanks to the arrival of the Audi Q8, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and a second generation version of the Mercedes GLE Coupe. Hence the need for this update in early 2023.

Driving Experience

Quite a lot's gone on under the bonnet as part of this facelift. The 3.0-litre six cylinder diesel variant most will choose (still badged xDrive30d) gains a revised 48V mild hybrid system, adding 12bhp and 200Nm of torque via a gearbox-mounted electric motor. That xDrive30d diesel puts out 298hp and makes 62mph in 6.1s. The petrol alternative X6 xDrive40i model gets a new generation six-cylinder in-line engine which for our market can't be had in the X5. That 3.0-litre unit's 380hp output is up by 47hp compared with its direct predecessor, while peak torque rises by 70Nm to 520Nm - and can be boosted to 540Nm with the mild hybrid system. It enables the X6 xDrive40i to sprint from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds. This petrol engine also benefits from innovations in the combustion process, camshaft control, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing, plus the latest VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. Since BMW isn't offering X6 customers the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain you can get in the X5, the only other mainstream X6 variant is the petrol V8 M version, now badged 'M60i' (which also gets the 48V mild hybrid system); that M60i offers 530hp and makes 62mph in just 4.3s, courtesy of a prodigious 750Nm of torque. At the very top of the range is the X6 M Competition, which has 625hp and makes 62mph in just 3.9s. All X6s get an updated eight-speed Steptronic Sport auto transmission with a host of innovations over and above the electric motor integrated into its housing. The unit's internal efficiency, vibration damping and shift timing have all been optimised, while shift characteristics are now adapted to the Driving Experience Control switch setting. The gearbox also includes a Launch Control function, plus using the gearshift paddles, drivers can activate a Sprint function for a quick burst of speed. Otherwise, across the range things are much as before. A two-axle air suspension system is standard, as is a 'Dynamic Damper Control' set-up to tailor ride quality, this accessible through the usual Driving Experience Control driving modes system. If you want to go further, the 'Adaptive M suspension Professional' package delivers two key enhancements. First, there's 'Active roll stabilisation - which compensates for cornering roll. And second there's 'Integral Active Steering' - which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as the front wheels or the opposite direction, depending on the vehicle speed. This optimises cornering agility, ensures effortless lane changes and helps the vehicle to dart through city traffic.

Design and Build

BMW reckons the X6 combines "the robust presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle with the hallmark sporting elegance of the brand's Coupes to create an unmistakably athletic appearance". That might be the case if you consider an American football player or a pro-wrestler to be athletes. It's hefty and the car squats over its wheels like Konishiki in the sumo circle. The initial shock at the X6's styling has dissipated somewhat, and with the right colours and wheels, this BMW can even look quite handsome. This updated version of the third generation model may initially appear fairly similar to the earlier version but if you take a second look, much is different. Beneath the front kidney grille (which can now be ordered with 'Iconic Glow' illumination), models with the standard 'M Sport' trim level feature an octagonal front-end signature, plus there are M-specific side skirts and 'M High-gloss Shadowline' trim. The top M60i variant features bespoke double bars and an M logo for its front kidney grille, plus M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss, M quad-pipe style exhaust tailpipe trim and a rear spoiler in Black high-gloss. The updates are even more obvious inside, the dash de-cluttered of buttons courtesy of the installation of the BMW Curved Display we've been seeing in all the brand's most recent models. Here, it's made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment control screen, both located behind a single glass surface. The automatic climate system is now operated via permanently displayed control graphics on the BMW Curved Display, which you may or may not think to be a good thing. The same applies to the greater number of touch-sensitive buttons scattered around the dash. The fascia's also been redesigned, with surfacing in leather-like 'Sensafin'. Plus there's a re-styled gearstick and a freshly added X6-branded ambient light bar with a crystalline surface structure and LED backlighting integrated below the trim element in the front passenger area. Connectivity's improved as well; front passengers can watch video-on-demand services on the central screen; and the 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring is wireless. In addition, the now standard 'Digital Key' features allows you to unlock the car with your 'phone. Otherwise, things are much as before. The cabin sits you high and commandingly and is much as it is in an X5. You can just about fit three adults across the rear bench. And there's a decently-sized 580-litre boot, expandable to 1,525-litres if you fold the rear seats.

Market and Model

Prices have risen quite a bit, but part of that is that is because 'M Sport' is now the standard spec level. The asking figures now start at around £76,000 for the base xDrive 30d diesel variant with 298hp. The petrol options start with the 380hp xDrive 40i at just under £78,000. Then there's the M60i with 530hp for around £95,000. The top X6 M Competition cost just over £131,000 at the time of compilation. Inside, across the range you get standard 'Vernasca' leather upholstery, available in four colours and electrically adjustable and heated sports seats. Options include an 'Ambient Air' package which provides air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 20 speakers and a 1,500-watt output will be tempting too, as will the optional Rear-seat entertainment Professional system which comprises a pair of 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreen displays, a Blu-ray-compatible DVD player and two headphone jacks. The new Comfort Pack includes seat heating for the outer rear seats and a Heat Comfort package, which brings heating for the steering wheel, driver/front passenger door armrests and centre console. The 'thermo' function for the cup holders keeps drinks cool or warm as required. The optional Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof generates an exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. As you'd expect, there's all the latest camera-driven safety kit. And, to suit the mood of the moment, BMW has included its latest automated driving tech too - though to get it, you'll have to specify the optional 'Driving Assistant Professional package'. This gives you 'Active Cruise Control', a 'Steering and lane control assistant' and 'Traffic jam assist'.

Cost of Ownership

Despite BMW's continuing refusal to offer its PHEV tech with this model, the X6 still makes a great riposte to those who rail against big, inefficient vehicles. While this Bavarian contender would find it difficult to deny the charge based on size, it's anything but inefficient and the addition of 48V mild hybrid engine tech as part of this facelift has made a useful difference. Thanks both to this and to the brand's BluePerformance technology (comprising a particulate filter, an oxidation catalyst, a NOx absorption catalyst and an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection), the volume xDrive30d diesel variant continues to offer a reasonably efficient package. It returns a combined fuel consumption of up to 40.4mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of up to 184g/km. The V8 petrol M60i meanwhile is a very different proposition, posting a combined fuel consumption of up to 24.8mpg and CO2 emissions of up to 258g/km. What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display and the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

When you pause to consider it, the BMW X6 shouldn't really have caused such controversy. It's a bit like getting hot under the collar about a 4 Series Coupe when you can buy a perfectly practical 3 Series Touring for less. They're not the same thing, the buyers aren't the same and BMW ought to be congratulated for having the savvy to spot this latent demand. Even if it's not your thing, and there are many who will put their hand up to that, the X6 deserves a certain measure of respect. This improved version of the third generation model doesn't diverge too markedly from the template laid down by its predecessors. It's just better in every measurable regard; more powerful, more economical, quicker and less polluting. It's also built of superior materials, is arguably a bit better looking and comes with some tempting high-tech options. Admire it for what it is. The X6 isn't going away.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Heated windscreen washer jets

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and windscreen wiper control

Rear wiper

Sun protection glass

Sun protection glazing

Variable intermittent rear wash/wipe

Brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Brake drying

Brake energy regeneration

Brake fade compensation

Braking pre-tensioning

Cornering brake control (CBC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function

Electronic brake force distribution

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

High-performance disc brake with compound structure

Hill start assistant

Integrated brake system

PC iBrake (Post crash approach control warning with light braking function)

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension pro

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth hands free facility with Telephony wireless charging

Storage for wireless charging

Wi-Fi hotspot

Driver Aids

Automatic tailgate with seperately opening top hinged section

BMW gesture control

Driver Convenience

Attentiveness assist

Cruise control with braking function

Electric power steering

Front/rear park distance control (PDC)

M drive buttons

M servotronic

Speed limiter

Driver Information

32GB hard disc drive (HDD) memory

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Drive recorder

BMW legal emergency call

BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head up display including 12.3" instrument display and 14.9" high resolution control display with navigation function

BMW Recovery system

BMW Teleservices

Brake force display

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

Condition based service - BMW service history, electronic service booklet, integrated owner's handbook

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

Infinity symbol with line graphic on reset of average consumption

Language version English

Oil sensor for level and grade

On board computer inc. average speed, fuel consumption, liquid crystal Info display, journey computer, outside temperature display, personal profile

Recovery braking system

Run flat indicator

Service interval indicator

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Exterior mirror base in black matt

Integrated direction indicators

M-specific Exterior mirrors

Embellishment Trims

BMW Individual leather finished instrument panel

Leather dashboard

Engine

BMW M TwinPowerTurbo 8 cylinder petrol engine

Double VANOS

High precision injection

M xDrive system

Petrol Particulate Filter

Safety battery terminal clamp

Stop/start button

Turbocharger with Valvetronic

Entertainment

BMW Personal eSim

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

Favourite buttons

USB connection, USB type A 1.5A in cupholder, USB Type C 3A in centre armrest

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line exterior trim

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line with extended contents

Body colour bumpers

Body colour door handles

Body colour roof spoiler

Door locking - after driving off to secure vehicle

Front and rear bumper system

Front and rear door sill strips

M Sport exhaust system

M strake element with model designation, integrated in the Air Breather

Rear side wing doors

Roller shutter

X6 M competition badging on tailgate high gloss black right finished

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

BMW individual lights shadow line

Brake lights illuminate under normal braking

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

Follow me home headlight function

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

LED fog lights

LED Rear light with tail light, brake light and turn indicators

LED Reflectors, left and right, integrated in tailgate

Third brake light in rear spoiler

Under severe vehicle deceleration

Welcome light carpet

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

12V - Power sockets with 2x centre console and 1x luggage compartment

4 Lashing eyes in boot

BMW ID

Compartment in front of cupholder

Electrical steering column with adjustable height and length with activation and control on the steering column

Front and rear cupholders x 2

Front and rear door pockets

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Gear selector lever and operation

Left and right bag hooks in luggage compartment

Light inside glove compartment

Lockable glove compartment

Luggage compartment floor panel with integral storage tray

M sport leather steering wheel

M steering wheel with gearshift paddle switches made of CFC

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

Multifunctional hooks

Securing rings in luggage compartment

Storage bins on all doors

Storage space underneath the floor insert in luggage compartment

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Interior Lights

Front reading lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Vanity mirror lights

Packs

Ambient light interior pack - X5 M/ X6M

Connected Package Professional - X6 M

Driving Assistant Professional Pack - X6 M

Expanded exterior mirror pack - X5 M/X6 M

Parking Assistant Professional Pack - X5M&X6M

Safety

Black M sports seatbelts with coloured M seam for all seats

Child proof locking system in rear door

Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off, interior lighting + activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Deformation zones - front and rear with door reinforcements and bumpers up to 2.5 mph

Driver and front passenger airbags

Driver and front passenger side airbags

Front and rear head airbags

Front and rear M seatbelts stopper, seatbelt tensioner for front and outer rear seats and belt force limiter

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Passive protection for pedestrians

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Side impact protection

Three 3 point inertia reel seatbelts

Two tone horn

Tyre pressure indicator

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seats

3 rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Driver + front passenger lumbar support

Electric adjustment of the upper section of the backrest with Illuminated M logo on the head restraint

Lumbar support with height and depth adjustment in backrest

M Electric front sport seats with memory function

Seat back with flap pocket

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Comfort Access with Keyless access to the vehicle through all doors and tailgate, BMW Digital Key Plus for locking/unlocking

Driver and front passenger door centre lock switch

Locking wheel bolts

Vehicle key

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

8 speed automatic with steptronic transmission including launch control and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel

Active M differential

M Sport differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 72

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 285

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 289

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 285

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 261

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 244

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 465

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 274

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 4395

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Cylinder Layout: V8

Cylinders: 8

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

Engine Code: S68B44T0

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Number of Valves: 32

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 12.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 12.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 11.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 10.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 20.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 12.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 22.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 24.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 26.2

WLTP - MPG - Low: 13.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 23.3

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 4.4

Badge Power: 625

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: xDrive

Coin Series: X6 M Competition

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Engine Power - BHP: 625

Engine Power - KW: 460

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 553

Engine Torque - MKG: 76.5

Engine Torque - NM: 750

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

Top Speed: 155

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 295/35 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R22

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: STYLE 818M

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1695

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4948

Wheelbase: 2972

Width: 2019

Width (including mirrors): 2212

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 83

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3040

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1530

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 580

Max. Loading Weight: 670

Max. Roof Load: 100

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2700

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 2370

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.8

Body Glass

Acoustic glazing

Brakes

M brakes with black calipers

Driver Aids

Universal remote control

Driving Mirrors

M Carbon mirror caps

Embellishment Trims

BMW Individual interior trim finishers piano finish black

BMW individual Open-pored finewood ash interior trim

Carbon fibre interior trim finishers

Entertainment

Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual special request paint

Frozen paint

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

M carbon engine cover

M carbon rear spoiler

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Special metallic paint

Interior Features

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery

BMW Individual headliner alcantara

Soft close function for doors

Packs

Ambient air pack - X5/X6 M

Comfort pack - X5/X5 M/X6 M

Comfort Plus Pack with acoustic glazing - X5 M/X6 M

M Driver pack - X5/X6 M

Travel pack with panoramic glass roof - X5 M/X6 M

Travel pack with sky lounge panoramic glass roof - X5 M/X6 M

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Metallic - Marina Bay blue

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Toronto Red

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Frozen paint - Frozen Pure grey

Special metallic paint - Dravit grey

Seats

Active front seat ventilation

Massage function for front seats

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Leather

BMW individual full Merino leather - Adelaide grey/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Black/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Ivory white/atlas grey

BMW individual full Merino leather - Sakhir orange/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Silverstone/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Taruma brown/Black

Trim - Part Leather

Individual alcantara/full merino leather - Midrand Beige/black

Wheels - Alloy

21" front / 22" rear 818M Black alloy wheels

21" front /22" rear M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 809 M Bicolour with mixed tyres