BMW X6

Introduced to the BMW line-up back in 2008, the high-riding BMW X6 is credited with creating a whole new market segment of coupé-SUVs.

Few cars manage to divide opinions quite like it, and it has since spawned a host of sought-after rivals, such as the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and Porsche Cayenne Coupé.

Whatever you think about it, though, there’s no denying its success. And despite the increased competition and increasingly tight emission regulations in key markets, global demand for it continues to grow.

The third-generation X6 has been on sale since 2019. It introduced a bold, love-it-or-hate-it design, with a far more brutish exterior look than its BMW X5 sister.

But is the class's creator still its leader? And more importantly, can it match the excellent 4.5-star X5? Our review will give you all the answers, so read on to find out more…

The BMW X6 range at a glance

The boxier X5 gets a plug-in hybrid powertrain with up to 68 miles of electric-only range, but no such thing is offered in the X6. Instead, it offers a choice of two diesel engines, with 293bhp (in the xDrive30d) and 347bhp (in the xDrive40d). Both pack a punch, accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.1sec and 5.5sec. 

If petrol is more your style, the X6 is also offered as the xDrive40i, which is powered by a 375bhp straight six, or the M60i, which packs a twin-turbocharged V8 that pumps out a staggering 523bhp and 553lb ft of torque.

All versions are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, xDrive four-wheel drive and 48V mild-hybrid assistance.

If that's still not enough power for you, the BMW X6 M Competition might grab your attention. It takes a 4.4-litre V8 producing 616bhp and 552lb ft, which is good for 0-62mph in just 3.9sec. That's 74bhp more than the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo and 24bhp more than the Audi RS Q8.

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