BMW X6 - SIX-PACKED

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BMW's controversial coupe-shaped SUV becomes more desirable in third generation guise. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
Ten Second Review
The third generation BMW X6 looks broadly similar to its predecessor, but don't be fooled by the lookalike silhouette. It's bigger, more powerful and more efficient than 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 decade? 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's got more competition now, thanks to the arrival of the Audi Q8, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and a second generation version of the Mercedes GLE Coupe. Can this MK3 model X6 hold its own against cars as good as those?
Driving Experience
You've probably got used to the X6's shape by now and you'll also have got used to BMW's spectacularly cumbersome naming conventions for its SUVs. The X6 range consists of a couple of diesel versions and a couple of petrol variants. Most, as before, will want the xDrive 30d diesel derivative, which puts out 265hp, though BMW also expects a following for the faster M50d diesel, with its more potent 400hp version of the same 3.0-litre six cylinder unit. Your petrol options vary between a 340hp six cylinder xDrive 40i model and two top models that use different versions of BMW's 4.4-litre twin turbo V8, the 530hp M50i and the top, barnstorming 616hp X6 M. The X6 M can make 62mph in just 3.8s. Even the base xDrive30d diesel can do it in just 6.5s. All the engines come mated to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. And in every case, the ride remains on the rather firm side of comfortable.
All variants have BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system which as usual has a rear-wheel bias. In situations that don't require all-wheel drive, power can be channelled entirely to the rear wheels in the interests of efficiency. The car's sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle, available either individually as an option or as part of M Sport specification to deliver sharper handling. Added to which, the controlled locking function for the rear differential maximises traction and increases the car's ability to put down its power on rough ground. A feature of the optional xOffroad package, it also optimises traction on roads where grip levels vary between the right and left rear wheels by preventing a wheel with insufficient grip from spinning.
Design and Build
This MK3 X6 sits 6mm lower than its predecessor and is also 26mm longer and 15mm wider for a wider, more assured roadway stance. 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. The silhouette looks much as before and the car squats over its wheels like Konishiki in the sumo circle. The initial shock at the car's styling has dissipated somewhat, and with the right colours and wheels, the X6 can even look quite handsome, the deeply sculpted flanks incorporating the Air Breathers which work better here than on a 4 Series Coupe.
The cabin sits you high and commandingly and is much as it is in an X5. You get the same 12.3-inch screens for the instrument binnacle and the centre of the dash as are fitted to that car. And the same quality ambiance, with its supple leather upholstery and faultless build quality. Two adults can comfortably accommodated in the back. And there's a decently-sized 580-litre boot, expandable to 1,525-litres if you fold the rear seats.
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[@MichaelPapas]

One of the best reviews for a car that changed the trends in automotive industry... A true beast with unmatched technology and luxury but at the same time an adrenaline machine if you want it to be.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@lucaparker1084]

Always loved the look of the first gen x6

[@trk958]

The BMW X6 is on the borderline between hate and love.
Btw no more longversion reviews?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

hi Ivan, We're still doing long reviews but we are currently trailing some shorter type reviews at the moment! How did you find them and what did you like/dislike about them? 😀

[@trk958]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply The trend is the shorter review time kinda "Viewer's Digest", people don't have much time to spend.
The OSV team really does reviews in a very professional manners, full of reliable information with an excellent narrative script, which kept me.

[@MrUPSman]

Typo in the title but a great video

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Whooooooops! 😱 Thank you Mr UPSman! 😂 Not all hero's wear capes 💪

[@DIFLAZIO]

It would be nice to hear how many litres it take when you not understand gallons...like me

[@jacobthompson8507]

DORTMUND _DIF Just ask Siri to convert

[@danjarupath]

Awesome

[@MosKhan1]

They have ruined the back 😱