BMW X6 M ESTATE xDrive X6 M Competition 5dr Step Auto [Ultimate]

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

Rear wiper

Heated windscreen washer jets

Variable intermittent rear wash/wipe

Acoustic glazing

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

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and windscreen wiper control

Sun protection glazing

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Integrated brake system

Brake drying

Braking pre-tensioning

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Brake fade compensation

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

Hill start assistant

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

High-performance disc brake with compound structure

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

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension pro

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspot

Enhanced bluetooth hands free facility with Telephony wireless charging

Storage for wireless charging

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

M servotronic

Attentiveness assist

Front/rear park distance control (PDC)

M drive buttons

Driver Convenience

Universal remote control

Stop/start button

BMW gesture control

Automatic tailgate with seperately opening top hinged section

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Run flat indicator

Brake force display

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

BMW legal emergency call

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

BMW Drive recorder

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Recovery braking system

32GB hard disc drive (HDD) memory

Infinity symbol with line graphic on reset of average consumption

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

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

Language version English

BMW Recovery system

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

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

M Carbon mirror caps

Integrated direction indicators

M-specific Exterior mirrors

Exterior mirror base in black matt

Embellishment Trims

Leather dashboard

BMW Individual leather finished instrument panel

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

High precision injection

Safety battery terminal clamp

Double VANOS

Turbocharger with Valvetronic

M xDrive system

BMW M TwinPowerTurbo 8 cylinder petrol engine

Entertainment

Favourite buttons

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

Bowers & Wilkins diamond surround sound system

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

BMW Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof spoiler

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

M Sport exhaust system

Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof

Roller shutter

Front and rear bumper system

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line with extended contents

M carbon rear spoiler

M carbon engine cover

Front and rear door sill strips

X6 M competition badging on tailgate high gloss black right finished

Rear side wing doors

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Door locking - after driving off to secure vehicle

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

Exterior Lights

Third brake light in rear spoiler

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED fog lights

Welcome light carpet

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

Follow me home headlight function

BMW individual lights shadow line

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

LED Reflectors, left and right, integrated in tailgate

Brake lights illuminate under normal braking

Under severe vehicle deceleration

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front and rear door pockets

Storage bins on all doors

4 Lashing eyes in boot

Front and rear cupholders x 2

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Securing rings in luggage compartment

Lockable glove compartment

Compartment in front of cupholder

Heated and cooled cup holder

Light inside glove compartment

Luggage compartment floor panel with integral storage tray

Multifunctional hooks

Roller sunblind for rear side windows

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

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

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

Soft close function for doors

M sport leather steering wheel

Storage space underneath the floor insert in luggage compartment

BMW ID

Gear selector lever and operation

Left and right bag hooks in luggage compartment

M steering wheel with gearshift paddle switches made of CFC

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading lights

Rear centre interior light

Vanity mirror lights

Packs

Ambient air pack - X5/X6 M

M Driver pack - X5/X6 M

Heated front comfort pack - X5/X6 M

Driving Assistant Professional Pack - X6 M

Connected Package Professional - X6 M

Ambient light interior pack - X5 M/ X6M

Expanded exterior mirror pack - X5 M/X6 M

Travel and comfort system pack - X5M/X6M

Parking Assistant Professional Pack - X5M&X6M

Luggage compartment package - X5M / X6M

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Front and rear head airbags

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Driver and front passenger side airbags

Child proof locking system in rear door

Three 3 point inertia reel seatbelts

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

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

Passive protection for pedestrians

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Tyre pressure indicator

Driver and front passenger airbags

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

Black M sports seatbelts with coloured M seam for all seats

Seats

Driver + front passenger lumbar support

3 rear headrests

Front and rear seat heating

Active front seat ventilation

Massage function for front seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Child seat ISOFIX attachment with rear outer seats includes top tether

Seat back with flap pocket

M Electric front sport seats with memory function

Single front passenger seat

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

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system

Vehicle key

Driver and front passenger door centre lock switch

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

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

M Sport differential

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

Active M differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

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

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

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

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

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

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

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

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

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

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: S68B44T0

Cylinders: 8

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 32

Cylinder Layout: V8

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

CC: 4395

Fuel Consumption - ICE

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

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

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

WLTP - MPG - Low: 13.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

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

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

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 23.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 26.2

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

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

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 22.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 22.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 22.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 24.6

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Generation Mark: 3

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 4.4

Badge Power: 625

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

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

Coin Series: X6 M Comp [Ultimate]

Coin Description: xDrive

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 76.5

Engine Power - KW: 460

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 553

Engine Torque - NM: 750

Engine Torque - RPM: 1800

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 625

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Top Speed: 180

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: STYLE 818M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 295/35 R21

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 315/30 R22

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4948

Width: 2019

Wheelbase: 2972

Width (including mirrors): 2212

Height: 1695

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 580

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 670

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3000

Minimum Kerbweight: 2370

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 83

Max. Roof Load: 100

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3040

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1530

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.8

Brakes

M brakes with black calipers

Embellishment Trims

BMW individual Open-pored finewood ash interior trim

BMW Individual interior trim finishers piano finish black

Carbon fibre interior trim finishers

Exterior Body Features

Frozen paint

BMW Individual special request paint

Metallic paint

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

Special metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Interior Features

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery

BMW Individual headliner alcantara

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Marina Bay blue

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Toronto Red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Special metallic paint - Dravit grey

Frozen paint - Frozen Pure grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Trim - Leather

BMW individual full Merino leather - Adelaide grey/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Taruma brown/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Sakhir orange/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Silverstone/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Black/Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Ivory white/atlas grey

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