BMW X6 M review

BMW X6 M review

If Nike makes a pair of hi-top running shoes, would you buy one? Not everyone is like that, but if it looks as fast and helps you sprint like Usain Bolt, it will definitely find a place in a few cupboards. BMW’s auto-equivalent will return to showrooms in Australia in April, at a speed that promises the second-generation X6 M will kill Mr. Bolt.

Braking at a speed of more than 200km / h near Texas Circuit of the Americas (COTA) T-junction, you’d expect the complicated uphill peg to quickly descend behind the top to bring a heavy SUV. 2.3 tons rushed into the flow. Not so, the X6 M, harnesses the know-how of the M chassis to dominate its weight, just where it is driven and ejected to the other side.

You can expect the complicated uphill dowel to bring a 2.3-tonne SUV swaying into the flow

M purists may look at the shape of the X6 M’s Sports Activity Coupe with skepticism, but the SUV-coupe has plenty of M-specific tweaks underneath the leather and outside the engine compartment to justifies many M badges.

BMW M design director, Krzysztof Szews, describes the X6 M as “combining the X6’s extroverted personality with the outstanding performance of a BMW M.

Starting with a tweaked version of the previous V8 twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter petrol engine and M Steptronic eight-speed ZF torque automatic converter, BMW increased the X6M’s output power by 15kW and 70Nm. to 423kW and 750Nm.

The exterior is distinguished by the stronger front and rear bumpers, with larger air intakes at the front to help cool 10 radiators and M-branded quad exhaust protruding the rear. The examples we drove were fitted with 21-inch alloys that fit into its giant wheels.

Below, the X6 M’s sharp dynamics are supported by the upper controls, redecorated with stiffer, stiffer composite bushings and a 10-15% faster ride.

With a claimed 0-100km / h figure of 4.2 seconds that it will share with its upcoming X5 M mechanical version, the X6 M is just outperforming when the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S hits 4.1 seconds in the list of world’s fastest SUVs.

The X6 M is only rated higher than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S in the world’s fastest SUV stakes

Like all M models, M GmbH declined to quote an official Nürburgring runtime for the X6 M, but admitted it would match the 8:05 lap of the previous E92 M3. This is 9 seconds faster than the Range Rover Sport SVR’s 8:14, but ultimately toppled by the Cayenne Turbo S’s 7: 59.74.

In addition to these performance benefits, the M managed to improve the X6 M’s combined fuel consumption from 13.9L / 100km to an impressive 11.1L / 100km on the European cycle.

The interiors of our test examples are trimmed in baseball brown leather, with carbon fiber and aluminum trim and contrasting stitching that lift the cabin atmosphere to an odd level. Unlike most exterior types, the X6 M retains the same practical five-seater layout of the rest of the X6 series, with plenty of room for average-height adults in the rear, plus cargo space. 550/1525 liters.

On the road
Before we hit the COTA runway, we drove the X6 M on a long route through the flat countryside of Texas. The cornering opportunities are few and far between, but a lot of broken bitumen and stopping / start driving give us a good idea of ​​what the X6 M will live with each day.

Even when the adaptive dampers are set to the most comfortable, nothing hides its M roots. Large 21-inch wheels notice any surface irregularities, and large 285mm front / 325mm rear tires make considerable road noise. It’s rarely harsh, but you know you always drive an M.

It’s rarely harsh, but you know you always drive an M.

With maximum torque on tap all the way between 2200-5000 rpm, overtaking is a surprise, and a surprisingly similar M3 / M4 barking can be heard from the quad exhaust. when pressing hard.

On the race
COTA has plenty of opportunities to highlight the dynamic prowess of the X6 Ms and like other current M’s, the X6 M gives the driver individual control over steering response, suspension and throttle.

Your favorite combination can be stored in the M1 button on the steering wheel and the M2 button opens up MDM mode – the most race-focused combination of these three, also expands force control. traction and stability.

Working our way from the softest setting to the MDM, the X6 M transforms personality from a quick but secure handler, into a surprisingly sharp threat. The MDM also takes advantage of its limitless torque division to allow the overtaker to be easily controlled with a single push of the right foot.

X6 M transforms personality from a quick yet safe handler to a surprisingly sharp threat