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

Heated windscreen washer nozzles

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

Brakes

Electronic brake force distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake energy regeneration

Brake drying

Braking pre-tensioning

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Variable torque distribution

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

Integrated braking system

M Sport blue painted brake calipers with 'M' designation

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

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floormats

Chassis/Suspension

Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

Double wishbone front axle

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Cruise control with brake assist

Speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Driver Convenience

Driving experience switch

Automatic tailgate two part with top hinged section open and manual bottom hinged section

Driver Information

Lights on warning

Service interval indicator

Wifi hotspot preparation

Oil sensor for level and grade

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

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

Speed limit info display

iDrive controller with shortcut buttons

BMW live cockpit + with curved 12.3 instrument cluster/14.9 central display,nav/Tuner with diversity reception,RDS/4GLTE/remote software upgrade

Driving Mirrors

Mirror base in black matt

Electrically adjustable and heated aspheric folding side mirrors with auto dimming, electric fold in function, automatic parking function

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Safety battery terminal clamp

Variable vane geometry

Entertainment

Favourite buttons

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Integrated turn indicators

M high gloss shadowline

Door locking - after driving off to secure vehicle

Exterior Lights

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

LED third brake light in rear spoiler

Dynamic brake lights with LED technology

LED technology rear tail lights, brake lights and turn indicators

LED technology reflector left and right integrated in tailgate

Welcome light setting when approaching the vehicle

Interior Features

Luggage net

M leather steering wheel

Light inside glove compartment

Multifunctional hooks

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Multifunction controls for leather steering wheel

Foldable rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders and storage compartment

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

BMW inscription in front and rear door entry sills with illuminated

Grab handles in 1st and 2nd row outer seats

Interior Lights

Front footwell lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading lights

Centre and rear interior light

Make-up mirror lights

Packs

M Aerodynamic pack - X6

Ambient light interior package - X6

Parking assistant pack - X6

Safety

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

3 rear seatbelts

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front head restraints with anti-whiplash

Mechanical child proof lock on rear doors

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Airbags - driver/front passenger, rear and side, first and second row seats head airbags, front passenger seat airbag deactivation + knee airbag

Active protection

Crash sensor inclu activation of airbags, interior light, safety battery terminal clamp, hazard warn flasher, unlock doors, deactivation of fuel pump

Seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Headrests for all seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Comfort access system

Alarm system

BMW digital key

Keyless access to the vehicle

Automatic unlocking when approaching the vehicle

Automatic locking when moving away from the vehicle

Locking/unlocking and starting the vehicle using compatiable smartphone

Key card with NFC technology

Contractless opening/closing tailgate

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

8 speed automatic with steptronic transmission including automatic hold function and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket holder

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 177

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 204

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 195

Noise Level dB(A): 68

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 204

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 171

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 255

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: B58B30M2

Cylinders: 6

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 2998

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9

WLTP - MPG - Low: 25

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 36.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 37.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 31.4

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: 3.0

Badge Power: 381

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: M Sport

Coin Description: xDrive i MHT

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.1

Engine Power - KW: 280

Engine Power - RPM: 5200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 398

Engine Torque - NM: 540

Engine Torque - RPM: 1850

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 381

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.4

Top Speed: 155

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: STAR SPOKE STYLE 740M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 275/45 R20

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: RUN FLAT TYRES

Tyre Size Rear: 305/40 R20

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4960

Width: 2004

Wheelbase: 2975

Width (including mirrors): 2212

Height: 1700

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 580

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 720

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2700

Minimum Kerbweight: 2165

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 83

Max. Roof Load: 100

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2885

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1530

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Acoustic glass

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension professional

Front and rear air suspension with self levelling

Driver Aids

Integral active steering

Driving Mirrors

M Carbon mirror caps

Embellishment Trims

Carbon fibre interior trim

Fineline fine wood interior trim in black with high gloss metal effect

BMW Individual fine wood trim ash grain silver grey highgloss

Leather dashboard in instrument panel top + door upper arm in Walknappa black leather with seam pattern and instrument panel bottom in interior colour

BMW Individual piano black interior trim

BMW individual ash grain silver interior trim

Leather dashboard in combination with individual full leather merino

Entertainment

Bowers and Wilkins diamond sound system

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

BMW Individual paintwork

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

Additional BMW Individual Metallic paint

Kidney grille iconic glow

Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof

M carbon rear spoiler

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone control automatic air conditioning

Ambient air

Interior Features

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery in combination with exclusive pack or ultimate pack

CraftedClarity glass application for interior elements

BMW individual Alcantara headlining

BMW Individual full merino leather upholstery

Anthracite Alcantara headlining

Soft close doors

BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Packs

Travel pack with skylounge panoramic roof - X6

Comfort package - X6

Comfort plus package - X6

Comfort plus package with M electric front sport seats - X6

xOffroad package - X6

Exclusive pack - X6

Driving assistant professional - X6

Travel pack - X6

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Manhattan

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual paint - Dravit grey

Additional BMW Individual metallic paint - Frozen pure grey

Seats

Comfort front seats

Massage function for front seats

M electric front sport seats includes electrical seat adjustment with memory, lumbar support and M embossing on headrests

Active front seat ventilation

Towing

Trailer towbar hitch

Transmission

M Sport differential

Trim - Leather

BMW individual full Merino leather in combination with exclusive pack or ultimate pack - Black

BMW individual full Merino leather in combination with exclusive pack or ultimate pack - Ivory white/atlas grey

BMW individual full Merino leather in combination with exclusive pack or ultimate pack - Tartufo

Sensafin - Tacora red/Black

BMW individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

BMW individual extended Merino leather - Coffee

Sensafin - Coffee

Sensafin - Silverstone

Sensafin - Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Ivory white/atlas grey

BMW individual full Merino leather - Black

BMW individual full Merino leather - Tartufo

BMW Indvidual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

BMW Individual extended Merino leather - Black

Wheels - Alloy

22" M Double spoke light alloy with mixed tyre in bicolour finish - style 742 M

22" M V spoke light alloy wheels in bicolour- style 747 M with mixed tyres

22" M Double spoke jet black light alloy wheels with mixed tyres - style 742 M

21" M Y spoke light alloy wheels in bicolour finish - style 741 M with mixed tyres and runflat tyres