Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW X6 – the original Coupe-SUV

"The BMW X6 was the original coupe-SUV, and it's been reinvented with even more power and luxury"

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Straight-line performance
  • Updated interior
  • Great infotainment

Cons

  • Expensive to run
  • No plug-in hybrid
  • Reduced boot space

The coupe-SUV might still seem like a daring new niche, but the original BMW X6, widely considered the first car of this type, was launched way back in 2008. Almost half-a-million cars later, BMW's experiment can safely be deemed a sales success, and its all-new replacement updates the recipe with fresh ingredients.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the BMW X6 kicked off this sector, it’s now been joined by a number of rivals. There’s the Mercedes GLE Coupe, the Audi Q5 Sportback and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe to name three, while the seemingly contradictory coupe-SUV body style has now filtered down to cheaper models such as the Toyota C-HR and Renault Arkana.

The best 4x4s and SUVs 2023 heroTop 10 best 4x4s and SUVs

As before, the X6 is a sister car to the BMW X5, sharing its front end and even a new (and optional) illuminated grille, but departing from the more conventional model as you trace its roofline backwards. In exchange for a few thousand pounds extra and a slight reduction in practicality, the roofline slashes downwards for dramatic effect.

Even as the number of competitors it faces has increased, an X6 will still get you noticed, yet inside there's plenty of space – even in the back, though due to the smaller windows it doesn’t feel as open and airy – and the same great dashboard layout as the X5. This boasts the latest digital displays for the instruments and iDrive infotainment system, along with quality materials and standard leather upholstery. Of course, you can also spend a small fortune on optional extras, including a panoramic glass roof that's almost twice as big as before. It’s all built well too, and BMW’s balance of touchscreen and physical controls is among the better approaches on the market.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Engines are all 3.0 litres in capacity in the standard range, while flagship M models get a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine. Even the entry-level xDrive30d diesel model means the X6 is as fast as a hot hatch. Representing a big step up in performance and price, there's the M50i with 523bhp, but this costs around £20,000 more than an entry-level car. BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are standard across the range, and the M60i can get from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds. Previously, there was also an entry-level xDrive30i petrol and while it’s no longer offered new, a hot M50d diesel model with 395bhp, capable of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.

Further up the X6 model range from the 30d, the xDrive40i is a competent performer providing a decent level of comfort on UK roads, with strong performance from its 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox.

At the top of the standard X6 line-up, the M60i is fitted with advanced air suspension and its main party trick is the awe-inspiring levels of acceleration it exhibits for such a big SUV. The BMW never quite threatens the class-leading Porsche Cayenne Coupe in the handling stakes, but it is a comfortable cruiser, taking the edge off most bumps effectively.

As a standalone flagship model, the X6 M Competition is a superb example of how BMW’s ‘M Division’ can transform an already fast SUV into one that can match supercars for pace. It’s capable of matching the Audi RS Q8 for pace, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds – a considerable feat for a car that weighs well over two tonnes.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
1 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners
Carbuyer best used cars 2025
Best cars
30 Oct 2024

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners

More on X6

New BMW X6 coupe-SUV arrives alongside facelifted X5
2023 BMW X6 - front 1
News
7 Feb 2023

New BMW X6 coupe-SUV arrives alongside facelifted X5

The facelifted version of the BMW X6 has been unveiled, with a new look and mild-hybrid technology
BMW X6 facelift to bring augmented reality navigation
2023 BMW X6 - front
News
20 Oct 2022

BMW X6 facelift to bring augmented reality navigation

A new version of BMW’s large coupe-SUV is due to arrive in 2023, with an updated design and the latest infotainment tech
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe revealed
2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe front driving
News
18 Feb 2020

2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe revealed

Hot 603bhp Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe will take on BMW X6 M and Porsche Cayenne Coupe this spring
New BMW X6 makes its public debut
2020 BMW X6 - RH 3/4 static view
News
10 Sep 2019

New BMW X6 makes its public debut

Facelifted BMW X6 features a subtle redesign and a light-up grille
BMW X6 SUV (2014-2019)
In-depth reviews
20 Aug 2019

BMW X6 SUV (2014-2019)

"Its styling divides opinion, but there’s no denying the BMW X6 offers impressive performance, a great driving experience and serious road presence"
BMW X6 M SUV (2015-2019)
In-depth reviews
20 Aug 2019

BMW X6 M SUV (2015-2019)

“The BMW X6 M is a coupe version of the hugely powerful BMW X5 M SUV. With polarising looks, it’s less practical than that car, but just as good to dr…
Diesel Audi SQ8 muscles in
Audi SQ8 SUV front 3/4 tracking
News
21 Jun 2019

Diesel Audi SQ8 muscles in

The Audi SQ8 arrives in September to challenge the BMW X6 M50d
2019 BMW X6 spotted testing in camouflage
News
8 Mar 2019

2019 BMW X6 spotted testing in camouflage

BMW X6 SUV will be available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time
Skip advert
Advertisement
BMW X5 Special Edition and X6 Sport Edition announced
News
11 Oct 2017

BMW X5 Special Edition and X6 Sport Edition announced

Limited-run BMW X5 and X6 SUVs get the special edition treatment
Mercedes GLE Coupe unveiled
News
12 Jan 2015

Mercedes GLE Coupe unveiled

Mercedes uses Detroit to unveil its new BMW X6 rival – the Mercedes GLE
BMW X6 SUV (2009-2014)
In-depth reviews
29 Aug 2014

BMW X6 SUV (2009-2014)

“The BMW X6 is a mixes all the qualities of coupe, hatchback and SUV. It’s luxurious and desirable, but comes with a few compromises.”
New BMW X6 release date & specs confirmed
News
5 Jun 2014

New BMW X6 release date & specs confirmed

Second generation of BMW's largest and fastest SUV will go on sale in December
BMW X4 2014 price, release date & specs
News
23 Apr 2014

BMW X4 2014 price, release date & specs

The new BMW X4 SUV gets coupe looks and four-wheel drive
BMW X4 2014 price & release date
News
22 Nov 2013

BMW X4 2014 price & release date

All the latest information on the BMW X4, due to be launched in 2014

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024