BMW X6M review

"It's the maddest baddest SUV"

What is it?

The BMW X6 M is a super high-performance version of the already rapid SUV/ coupé that’s been well and truly upgraded by BMW’s M division. It has a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 which has been tuned to deliver 555hp and a thumping 680Nm of torque. Beefy suspension, lower ride height and computer controlled damping complete the major mechanical changes. And, of course, there are some visual changes too so other X6 drivers know their cars aren’t so fast. Oh, and it costs £77,425.

What does it look like?

Even more aggressive than the already in-yer-face X6. The front has been redesigned and now has massive air intakes, which BMW claims improves downforce – although considering the thing weighs 2,380kg it’s hard to imagine the X6 ever taking off. There are some side skirts too and a redesigned rear valance to help airflow and some quad tailpipes protrude. Bling 20-inch alloys and M-badging on the wings complete the environmentalist-angering look.

What’s it like inside?

Very luxurious. The leather interior is enhanced by M sports seats, an M steeringwheel, M footrest and M instruments. Also you get full electric seat adjustment, sat nav, high quality stereo with hard drive, and loads of other extras all thrown in. So it’s all rather sumptuous.

What’s it like to drive?

Impressive – but not as exciting as an M car should be. You have to hand it to BMW for the way the X6 M handles. There’s bags of grip from the x-Drive four-wheel-drive system and zero body roll thanks to the computer-controlled dampers.  But there is no getting away from the fact that this is a hulking great SUV and, as a result, is prone to far more understeer than you’d expect for something wearing an M badge. It’s a similar story with the engine. There’s bags of torque and the mid range punch is massively impressive.  However, you don’t get the same thrill revving the twin turbo V8 as you do the other M engines. And it doesn’t sound as good either.


Verdict

As a stand alone car the X6 M is an impressive piece of kit. However, while it’s amazingly fast, it’s not really that much better then the normal twin-turbo V8 model. And the harsh fact is it doesn’t feel like a proper M car. It’s just not entertaining enough. Still, if you are in the market for the maddest, baddest SUV of them all - look no further.

By Mat Watson