BMW X6 SUV (2014-2019) - Engines, drive & performance

The BMW X6 rivals the Porsche Cayenne as a fun-to-drive SUV

Carbuyer Rating

3.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
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Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.5 out of 5

The BMW X6 weighs more than 2,000kg, but manages to hide its weight extremely well. The huge steamroller-like tyres offer plenty of grip, while the X6's suspension resists body lean well in corners. On the downside, there isn't much steering feel, which makes it tricky to judge cornering speeds, but the car still reacts quickly to any steering inputs.

The X6 offers four driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Eco Pro attempts to maximise your fuel economy, Comfort prioritises a smooth ride, while the two sporty settings sharpen up the engine and chassis for a more involving drive. The suspension settings in the Sport modes can be a little on the firm side.

BMW X6 engines

Taking 5.2 seconds to go from 0-62mph, the 376bhp BMW M50d is very quick. Its handling has also been fine-tuned by BMW’s motorsport division, so it should be better in corners than any other model.

Both the xDrive30d and the 40d models uses the same 3.0-litre diesel engine but in different states of tune but the vast majority of buyers go for the 254bhp 30d diesel, which is still quick and can get the X6 from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, while returning decent fuel economy. For this reason, it’s our pick of the range.

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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