SUVs regularly get criticized for their uselessness and are not really welcome by a large slice of the population. However, a few days behind the wheel of a BMW X6 M60i would quickly convince any punter of its relevance. Its supreme comfort and imperious road control of the road in a luxurious environment would convince you. Nothing frightens this SAV and you enjoy a nice well-being feeling once seated in the driver’s seat. You would cross Europe in it without any reason. Its 4.4 V8 is a powerful and smooth lump even if, quite logically, it doens’t get great mileage. We have obviously no problem enjoying the pleasure of such a great engine, while we can as it will unfortunately be phased out soon.
BMW just slightly facelifted its X6 third generation and we just couldn’t refuse rediscovering this beautiful beast. At the front, the headlamp units are now more tapered, while an illuminated grille is also available for those who fancy it. The M pack is now standard on all models and adds a dynamic flavour to the overall package, along with redesigned front and rear bumpers and new wheels. Under the bonnet of our test car we’re happy to find a twin-turbo 4.4 V8. This time, it gets backed up by a lightweight 48-volt hybrid system. Power reaches 530 bhp and torque rises to 750 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The result is breathtaking performance, with a 0-60 MPH time of 4.3 seconds and a 155 MPH top speed that can be enjoyed at any time. And if that’s not enough power, a 625bhp X6 M Competition is also available!
I like it
Like the rest of Bavarian manufacturer’s X range, the X6 has a curved, fully digital dashboard with two screens. The instrument panel measures 12.3 inches and the central infotainment one is 14.9 inches. This definitely brings the car right up to date but unlike most of its electric rivals, the interior is cosseting and particularly well made, giving you the feeling that you’re getting good value for money. We didn’t really enjoy the thick-rimmed steering wheel but that was quickly forgotten as we enjoyed the superbly comfortable leather seats and all their toys (heating, ventilation, massage, etc.). Space in the rear is rather cramped but headroom remains decent, given the coupe’s rake. Of course, compare with the 580 liters X5 boot the X6’s is smaller, offering 70 liters less but it’s still OK.
Quite clever
What a beast! Admittedly, it’s an imposing car, and one can legitimately wonder what’s the point of having so much power in an SUV. However, it only takes a few miles behind the wheel to fall under the spell of this brilliant machine. The interior is luxurious and comfortable and the X6 is imperial in all circumstances. It swallows up hills or glides along sunny B roads with a flick of the throttle. The icing on the cake? Its V8 power will humble many sportscars even though it could be more sonorous, unfortunately we didn’t get any lasting memories of it.
I don’t like it
We enjoyed making the most of the V8’s capabilities during a week, but that implied feeding it regularly with petrol… something that shouldn’t be a problem for this type of vehicle typical owner…
Why I buy it
The serenity you feel at the wheel of the BMW X6 is simply irresistible. Outside vision is very good and the inside offers high levels of comfort and fit and finish. The driving position and the numerous seats toys allow its passengers to cross Europe without batting an eyelid, obviously making fun of passenger of electric cars forced to stop very often to get some power. Of course, the V8 is a gas guzzler but refuelling is done in less than 3 minutes. For drivers who often drives long journeys, the X6 is still available with diesel engines ! Another advantage of this exceptional machine is its four-wheel drive set up, which means you can take to the road without a second thought, whatever the weather – rain, wind or snow, the X6 M60i always remain in control.
Why I don’t buy it
The X6 major problems are its recommended retail price (€113,700) and its fuel consumption (less than 25 MPG on average). But these elements are often of secondary importance to those who can afford this type of vehicle. Slightly redesigned, with cutting-edge infotainment and driver assistance systems, it fully justifies its price, especially as it still offers an interior that oozes character when compared with its Chinese and American rivals. True, space in the back could be better. And the fresh air vents plastic rods look very fragile, they shouldn’t be used on such a car… (Translation: Dimitri Urbain – Pictures: Pierre Fontignies)
