BMW X6 review, first drive: The SUV that hunts like a supercar
BMW has reintroduced the X6 in India with a promise of more aggression and finesse. We drive it to find out if the coupe-SUV continues to impress as before.
In 2007, BMW introduced the X6, an SUV characterised by a revolutionary coupe-like design and it took the world by storm! People either loved it or hated it. The company launched the same in India as well, and the X6 remained on sale till 2023. Now the X6 is back and it packs in a lot of aggression and sophistication than ever before. So let’s delve deeper.
BMW X6: Design and features
While the X6's silhouette stays true to its original coupe-SUV design, its latest iteration looks noticeably more aggressive. Up front, the signature kidney grille has grown in size and is flanked by sleek LED headlamps featuring sharp LED DRLs, replacing the more traditional rounded lighting signature of its predecessor. The redesigned front bumper gets larger air intakes along with a gloss-black centre section, while the sculpted bonnet adds to its imposing stance.
In profile, the X6's sheer size becomes immediately apparent. The massive 21-inch alloy wheels fill the arches perfectly, while the red brake callipers, courtesy of the M Sport package, add a splash of sportiness. The sweeping roofline flows into a short rear deck, where the slim LED tail-lamps dominate the design.
Overall, the new BMW X6 continues to be a striking SUV that combines its distinctive coupe silhouette with an even more muscular and aggressive design.
BMW X6: Interior details and space
Step inside the X6 and the cabin echoes the chiselled design language of the exterior. The dashboard features crisp horizontal lines that lend it a sporty, driver-focused feel, while the twin displays seamlessly integrate the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
While the infotainment screen is a 14.9-inch unit, the instrument panel is a 12.3-inch screen and both are large and clear to read. Up front, the seats are exceptionally comfortable and come equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions, all of which perform flawlessly.
Material quality and fit-and-finish are exemplary, leaving little to criticise about the cabin's overall ambience.
The rear seat, however, isn't quite as accommodating. The seat squab is not large, resulting in compromised under-thigh support on longer journeys. Taller passengers will also notice the sloping roofline eating into headroom, an inevitable trade-off for the X6's distinctive coupe-SUV styling.
The boot, on the other hand, is generously sized and can easily swallow a week's worth of luggage. It also doubles up as a pleasant place to relax during a road trip, with the large tailgate providing ample shade when fully opened.
BMW X6: Engine and transmission
Now the X6 is all about how it performs and under that massive bonnet resides a 4,395cc V8 engine that churns out a mega 530bhp and 750Nm of torque. Power is sent to all wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission. The X6 also benefits from a 48V electrical system that adds to the firepower. BMW claims that the X6 can touch 100kmph in 4.3 seconds.
BMW X6: How is it to drive?
Fire up the X6 and you're greeted by a deep, boisterous exhaust note that leaves no doubt about its performance credentials. Bury the throttle and this 3.0-litre straight-six launches the SUV with startling urgency. The exhaust soundtrack builds in perfect harmony as the eight-speed automatic transmission fires through the gears with seamless precision. Before you know it, the X6 has blasted past 100kmph and is rapidly heading towards 150kmph. A word of caution keep an eye on the speedometer, because the X6 feels so composed and effortless at triple-digit speeds that it's remarkably easy to find yourself travelling much faster than intended.
Despite tipping the scales at over 2.4 tonnes, the brakes inspire confidence with strong, progressive stopping power, shedding speed with remarkable ease.
The sporty character extends well beyond straight-line performance. The X6 corners with surprising composure for an SUV of this size, with the adaptive suspension doing an admirable job of keeping body roll in check. The steering is well weighted and offers enough feedback to inspire confidence, making the X6 feel far more agile than its dimensions suggest.
Switch to the more relaxed driving modes and the X6 settles into an effortless cruiser. The straight-six engine is refined and responsive, while the gearbox continues to deliver imperceptibly smooth shifts. Its ability to cover long distances in comfort is one of its biggest strengths, making it an excellent grand tourer.
Ride quality, however, isn't quite as impressive. At lower speeds, the suspension feels noticeably firm, transmitting bumps and road imperfections into the cabin. The standard run-flat tyres only amplify this characteristic, offering less compliance over broken surfaces than conventional tyres would.
BMW X6: Verdict
Let’s start by saying that the X6 is not exactly a usual choice. It is for those who want their SUV to be a sporty one rather than one that can go anywhere. For that, the X6 is a winner. It offers ample power to please, it handles well and then there is some amount of practicality built in as well. As for the price, the X6 will set you back Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom). But for that you will have best of both worlds.
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In 2007, BMW introduced the X6, an SUV characterised by a revolutionary coupe-like design and it took the world by storm! People either loved it or hated it. The company launched the same in India as well, and the X6 remained on sale till 2023. Now the X6 is back and it packs in a lot of aggression and sophistication than ever before. So let’s delve deeper.
BMW X6: Design and features
While the X6's silhouette stays true to its original coupe-SUV design, its latest iteration looks noticeably more aggressive. Up front, the signature kidney grille has grown in size and is flanked by sleek LED headlamps featuring sharp LED DRLs, replacing the more traditional rounded lighting signature of its predecessor. The redesigned front bumper gets larger air intakes along with a gloss-black centre section, while the sculpted bonnet adds to its imposing stance.
In profile, the X6's sheer size becomes immediately apparent. The massive 21-inch alloy wheels fill the arches perfectly, while the red brake callipers, courtesy of the M Sport package, add a splash of sportiness. The sweeping roofline flows into a short rear deck, where the slim LED tail-lamps dominate the design.
Overall, the new BMW X6 continues to be a striking SUV that combines its distinctive coupe silhouette with an even more muscular and aggressive design.
BMW X6: Interior details and space
Step inside the X6 and the cabin echoes the chiselled design language of the exterior. The dashboard features crisp horizontal lines that lend it a sporty, driver-focused feel, while the twin displays seamlessly integrate the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
While the infotainment screen is a 14.9-inch unit, the instrument panel is a 12.3-inch screen and both are large and clear to read. Up front, the seats are exceptionally comfortable and come equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions, all of which perform flawlessly.
Material quality and fit-and-finish are exemplary, leaving little to criticise about the cabin's overall ambience.
The rear seat, however, isn't quite as accommodating. The seat squab is not large, resulting in compromised under-thigh support on longer journeys. Taller passengers will also notice the sloping roofline eating into headroom, an inevitable trade-off for the X6's distinctive coupe-SUV styling.
The boot, on the other hand, is generously sized and can easily swallow a week's worth of luggage. It also doubles up as a pleasant place to relax during a road trip, with the large tailgate providing ample shade when fully opened.
BMW X6: Engine and transmission
Now the X6 is all about how it performs and under that massive bonnet resides a 4,395cc V8 engine that churns out a mega 530bhp and 750Nm of torque. Power is sent to all wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission. The X6 also benefits from a 48V electrical system that adds to the firepower. BMW claims that the X6 can touch 100kmph in 4.3 seconds.
BMW X6: How is it to drive?
Fire up the X6 and you're greeted by a deep, boisterous exhaust note that leaves no doubt about its performance credentials. Bury the throttle and this 3.0-litre straight-six launches the SUV with startling urgency. The exhaust soundtrack builds in perfect harmony as the eight-speed automatic transmission fires through the gears with seamless precision. Before you know it, the X6 has blasted past 100kmph and is rapidly heading towards 150kmph. A word of caution keep an eye on the speedometer, because the X6 feels so composed and effortless at triple-digit speeds that it's remarkably easy to find yourself travelling much faster than intended.
Despite tipping the scales at over 2.4 tonnes, the brakes inspire confidence with strong, progressive stopping power, shedding speed with remarkable ease.
The sporty character extends well beyond straight-line performance. The X6 corners with surprising composure for an SUV of this size, with the adaptive suspension doing an admirable job of keeping body roll in check. The steering is well weighted and offers enough feedback to inspire confidence, making the X6 feel far more agile than its dimensions suggest.
Switch to the more relaxed driving modes and the X6 settles into an effortless cruiser. The straight-six engine is refined and responsive, while the gearbox continues to deliver imperceptibly smooth shifts. Its ability to cover long distances in comfort is one of its biggest strengths, making it an excellent grand tourer.
Ride quality, however, isn't quite as impressive. At lower speeds, the suspension feels noticeably firm, transmitting bumps and road imperfections into the cabin. The standard run-flat tyres only amplify this characteristic, offering less compliance over broken surfaces than conventional tyres would.
BMW X6: Verdict
Let’s start by saying that the X6 is not exactly a usual choice. It is for those who want their SUV to be a sporty one rather than one that can go anywhere. For that, the X6 is a winner. It offers ample power to please, it handles well and then there is some amount of practicality built in as well. As for the price, the X6 will set you back Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom). But for that you will have best of both worlds.
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