Review - BMW X6

In its latest generation, BMW says that the recipe has been perfected, making for one of the most luxurious, comfortable and in higher-spec variants, dynamic vehicles you’ll find on the road.

Just how does the latest BMW X6 range stack up as a value proposition for the Australian SUV market, then, and how does it stand against its competitors? Let’s find out.

Starting Price: $132,900

OnlineAuto Savings: Enquire now

BMW X6 (xDRIVE30d M SPORT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW X6 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW X6 range kicks off from $132,900 for the entry-level X6 xDrive30d M Sport, with prices rising to $136,900 for the X6 xDrive40i M Sport.

Stepping up to the X6 M50i Pure brings the price tag to $155,900, while the range-topping M50i is priced at $170,900.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using our online car buying service, one of our auto experts can assist you in finding the greatest value model for you.

What Features Does the BMW X6 Have?

BMW’s entry-level X6 xDrive30d and xDrive40i come riding on a set of 20-inch alloys, and receive LED headlights, an M Sport exterior styling package, M Sport brakes, adaptive suspension system, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, hands-free boot lift and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the M50i adds features like four-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped dashboard, heated cup holders and an upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system.

Range Features:

• 20-inch alloys

• LED headlights

• M Sport styling package

• M Sport brakes

• Adaptive suspension

• Panoramic sunroof

• Surround-view camera

• Adaptive cruise control

• 12.3-inch driver’s display

• Hands-free boot lift

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

BMW X6 Colours

The BWM X6 is available in a choice of eleven colours, including Amentrine, Alpine White, Mineral White, Flamenco Red, Dravit Grey, Manhattan, Tanzanite Blue, M Carbon Black, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire and Arctic Grey.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

The X6’s platform makes for one of the most dynamic SUVs you’ll find on the road, which is made even more impressive by just how comfortable it is on a daily drive.

In terms of powertrains, there’s three engines on offer, with the entry-level xDrive30d receiving a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel pushing out 195kW of power and 620Nm of torque, while the xDrive40i pushes out 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

Topping the range is a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine in the M50i that pushes out 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque, which results in a rapid 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds. Power for all variants is thrown to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF torque-converter transmission.

BMW’s entry-level petrol and diesel engines offer buyers more than enough power and torque for all types of driving, while the range-topping V8 gives buyers a slice of seriously impressive performance motoring.

While the X6 is a big, heavy package, BMW’s adaptive suspension system helps to keep the body flat through the corners while softening up to accommodate bumps on the road, making for a very versatile platform.

Around town, the X6 is impressively user-friendly thanks to its smooth transmission and lightweight steering rack which feels beefier as you pick up speed and makes for a very entertaining driving experience.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While the styling is radically different, the X6 is based on the platform taken from the X5, which means there’s a heap of space and practicality on offer.

In the front of the cabin, you’ll find a spacious and modern cockpit with digital displays headlining the interior design. There’s a huge amount of headroom for tall drivers and enough width in the cabin to stretch out and get comfortable, while BMW’s clever packaging gives the X6 a decent amount of practical elements up front.

The X6 features a large centre console with a retractable storage area behind the gear lever, a set of cupholders, storage inside the large folding arm rest and inside the glove box, as well as a set of door bins on either side of the cabin.

Move to the rear of the cabin and you’ll find a decent amount of legroom for adults to stretch out on long journeys, with ISOFIX anchors fitted to each of the outside seats.

The X6’s sleek looks have, however, come at the expense of some interior headroom which isn’t too much of an issue unless you’re planning on squeezing tall adults in the rear of the cabin for long journeys.

In terms of boot space, the X6 can accommodate up to 580L of cargo which makes for a very family-friendly load of luggage.

Is it Safe?

The BMW X6 is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, however, its twin-under-the-skin, the X5 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety score, which is a good indication of its safety credentials.

As standard, the X6 comes fitted with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, a surround-view camera with parking sensors, rear-cross traffic alerts and traffic sign recognition.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

With three engines on offer in the X6 range, fuel efficiency depends on which engine you’re opting for, with the xDrive30d diesel offering the best fuel economy figures of 7.1L/100km.

The xDrive40i petrol is rated at 9.0L/100km on a combined cycle, while the range-topping twin-turbo V8 is rated at 11.5L/100km on a combined cycle.

Our Verdict: Is the BMW X6 Worth it?

When it comes to a one-of-a-kind SUV package, the BMW X6 remains at the top of its class for buyers looking for a sleek coupe-styled SUV.

Put under the microscope, the X6 is a strong achiever when it comes to comfortable driving, generous equipment lists and an impressively dynamic character when pushed, making for one of the most exciting SUVs on the road.

One important consideration here is that the coupe styling package has eaten up some of the second row headroom and overall practicality, however, the X6 remains very family-friendly.

If you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Three-year, unlimited KM warranty

2. No official ANCAP safety rating

3. Three engine options available (all paired with an eight-speed automatic)

4. 580L of boot space

5. Fuel economy ranges from 7.1L - 11.5L/100km

Pros

• Sleek engine & transmission combinations

• Outstanding interior quality, fit and finish

• Impressive driving characteristics

Cons

• Not as much space and storage as you might expect for a large SUV

• Significant blindspots due to sloping roofline design

• Large platform to squeeze into car parks

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

BMW X6 Competition