The 2020 BMW X6 is the best yet
Back in 2008 the original BMW X6 pioneered the SUV trend. It helped coin a class that’s very much going strong today. Through the X6 BMW were able to take 4x4 desirability to a whole new level thanks to a sloping rear end. The X6 is back for 2020 and in an all new form. It’s the 3rd generation of the model and once again aims to win over buyers with style, sportiness and seismic road presence. So, is the X6 a triumph for BMW or have they missed the mark? In this short article we’re going to find out.
The X6 can be described as being the BMW X5‘s sleeker sibling though sets itself apart with some key differences especially when it comes to the car’s design. Most notably the model has a sloping coupe-like rear end giving it a much more aggressive stance. The X6’s front end also has a sportier look and is even more stylish too. You can even get your X6 fitted with an aluminium kidney grille which isn’t something you see every day. The car we reviewed was the M50d and is one of the high-end variants in the line-up. It has the M Sport styling so it really does stand out.
Much like the X5 the X6’s interior is well crafted and full of good quality materials. The switchgears also feel great and overall everything is laid out in an easy-to-use manner. Furthermore, the seats are extremely comfortable and offer a lot of adjustability. Therefore, no matter what your body type you should be able to find a good driving position. With regards to the infotainment system the X6 gets the 7th generation iDrive system which is both quick, responsive and easy to use. In fact, it’s so good that we’d have to say that it’s definitely one of the front running system fitted to a car on sale today.
Being one of BMW’s larger SUVs the X6’s cabin is very roomy and spacious throughout. Ok, you’ll going to have to accept that passengers in the rear will have less headroom than in the more practical X5 but even taller passengers shouldn’t struggle. The legroom you get in this car is also plentiful. The X6’s sloping roofline does have an impact on boot space but certainly not to the extent you may think. When compared to the X5’s massive 645 litre boot the X6 offers only slightly less space at a still impressive 580 litres.
There’s no getting away from the fact that the X6 is a big heavy SUV so don’t expect sports car levels of handling on the road. Despite this it still feels very quick and agile for a car of its size. It’s certainly more than a match for the Audi Q8 when handling corners. All versions of the X6 come fitted with four-wheel-drive as standard and the system is simply excellent at putting the power down when it’s needed. To make this car corner well and with little body roll through the bends BMW has had to firm up the suspension which can make the drive a little harsh. Despite this the X6 is a brilliant long distance cruiser.
The X6 is available with a line-up of economical and punchy diesel and petrol engines which range in power from 261brake horse power (bhp) to 616 bhp. The latter of which is present in the top of the range X6 M Competition version. The M50d we tested was fitted with the most powerful diesel unit in the range - a 3.0 litre straight-six. With 395 bhp and 760 newton meters of torque the M50d can do 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5 seconds meaning it’s really rather rapid. If diesel power isn’t really your cup to tea then there’s also a petrol version available badged the M50i. It’s a 4.4 litre V8 which churns out 523 bhp and is even more of a powerhouse. Despite having a powerful engine under the bonnet the M50d still features a diesel unit at the end of the day meaning it should be relatively cheap to run for the class. Car buyers should expect to return up to 35.3 miles to the gallon (mpg) while emitting 180 g/km of co2 emissions. If you opt for the lesser powered diesel, badged the 30d, then you can expect to achieve fuel economy figures of 46.3 mpg. With this in mind the 30d is the X6 to go for if you’re after the lowest running costs possible. On the other end of the spectrum the V8 powered M50i will be the priciest to run if you exclude the M Competition. Its immense performance results in fuel economy figures of around 25 mpg.
There’s no doubt that the X6 has come a long way since 2008. It’s also successfully distanced itself from its more conventional counterpart, the X5. The 2020 version is definitely the best one yet offering great performance throughout the engine range, a well thought out premium interior and well as modern technology. Now more than ever the X6 faces tough competition from rivals such as the Audi Q8 and Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe. If you want an SUV that stands out from the crowd and can hold its own then take a look at the used BMW X6 cars for sale on the DesperateSeller.co.uk website.
