One could say that the BMW X6 is essentially the same as the X5, but upon closer inspection, the X6 has its own unique features that sometimes surprise, as Mr. «X» has extraordinary proportional characteristics and is packed with excellent modern ideas. Whatever one may say, BMW has always been able to amaze.
What to Know About BMW X6
Simply to knit and buy such a car is not possible. It is quite expensive, and one test drive is not enough; it impresses during the test drive, and the buyer remains its hostage. This might lead to an impulsive purchase. Therefore, one should know at least something about it and be prepared for surprises with which the German concern has endowed this model.
The BMW X6 is a Sports Activity Coupe, which literally means «Sporty Active Coupe.» The German manufacturer has discarded all possible practicality and adorned the car with a streamlined profile at the rear. The result is a very original SUV. It can be affirmed that it is the first of its kind. But is it an SUV?
Despite the manufacturer's strange decision, the model sells well. Sales statistics in Russia are significant. Buyers go for it and do not push it into the background. The mix of «bloodlines» has driven active sales.
It's both an SUV and a crossover, and a racing sedan in some details. But in reality, it is neither of these and not the third. This combination of elements has made the car attractive to buyers who are charmed by the style of the car's execution.
For all its originality, the car has a number of engineering flaws. There are suspicions that only designers thought about the car, and the concern released it just because it wanted to release something for variety, out of boredom. The ground clearance of the car is absolutely not suitable for an SUV, the off-road capability of the car is assessed as that of a crossover, sometimes it seems slightly less.
The low center of gravity does not allow one to say that the car is easy to handle; it is slightly clumsy. The weight of the X6 corresponds to the weight of an SUV, although it was possible to make this version lighter. No one thought about the rear passengers, as there is absolutely not enough space. Then why is it even needed?
There is a category of buyers who do not orient themselves by characteristics or functionality. If a person is attracted by style, presentation, or the car completely satisfies their aesthetic demands, then good sales are guaranteed. It is precisely for this emotional category that the X6 was designed. If one does not think too much, nothing will seem strange.
Despite the fact that the X6 is not the best project of the German concern, it still has acquired its own individuality. Sporty and assertive, which cannot be taken away from BMW as a whole.
BMW X6 2016
Significant updates for the X6 came in 2014, it changed in height and width, but did not lose its individuality and recognizability. The interior and exterior also underwent changes. Thus, the model came out practically brand new and fresh, ahead of market trends with modernity.
The model X4 is called a small copy or younger brother. If the X6 was not so popular with consumers, the manufacturer would hardly have created a smaller model.
BMW could not neglect the engines of the model, whose power starts at 306 hp and ends at 450 hp. A powerful car with high taxes in Russia and an 8-speed automatic transmission for the sports version. In 2016, a USB interface and Bluetooth access point were added to the version. No other changes were made. In 2014, the style was set for several years ahead.
The car is expensive not only because of the BMW brand, but also because of its interior, salon equipment, and interesting design solutions. The X6 in body color completely negates metallic. There is not a single color in the range that contains the usual «sparkles.» The wheels are installed quite brutal, not less than 19 inches, naturally, alloy. For the M version, the corresponding icon is mandatory on the wheels.
Equipment and Configuration of X6
The X6M is equipped with a sport package, adaptive suspension (quite good), start-stop system, which saves fuel. The configurations are spelled out as «Auto Start Stop.»
The steering wheel has adjustable reinforcement, depending on the speed of the car, and works well. Full servo.
BMW has always been distinguished by a good cruise control. The X6/X6M models are equipped with a good dynamic cruise control.
The seat upholstery is available in two options: Dakota leather or Alcantara plus leather. Upon request, the «M» can be embossed on the material. The salon upholstery is diverse for the buyer, and there is something for every taste.
The sport seats are «gifted» by the manufacturer only to the driver and front passenger. The seat's electric adjustment is sensitive, and the seat can be set for both comfort and back pain. The adjustment has memory. The thoughtful seat heating adds to the comfort.
A adjustable armrest is installed between the seats, which fits well into the space and works organically towards convenience.
The car is equipped with automatic dual-zone climate control, the functions of which are expanded.
The steering wheel is exclusively leather, with gearshift paddles underneath. In the X6M version, it is featured with the «M» badge.
The steering wheel is equipped with multifunctional features that do not interfere while driving and are intuitively arranged.
An excellent bonus is the heated mirrors with electric drive, which fold with a button from inside the cabin. They have a glare protection function for the driver, making driving on dark roads as comfortable as possible. Such functions as fog lights, xenon headlights with automatic headlight activation and high-pressure headlight washers, sensitive but not hysterical rain sensors, complement comfortable visibility on the road.
The X6/X6M instrument panel has advanced features. A color monitor with soft backlighting is placed on the central console, which does not blind the driver and passengers.
In terms of safety, the «six» comes with ISOfix mounts for a child seat on the rear bench. An anti-theft system is installed by the manufacturer, with remote control alarm. The parking danger will be warned by the emergency proximity warning alarm. An obligatory first aid kit and an emergency stop sign are placed in the trunk.
Among the common household conveniences, the X6 offers automatic opening and closing of the trunk, sun protection windows with permissible light transmittance according to Russian laws.
The trunk volume is 580 liters, the rear sofa folds down, increasing the trunk volume to 1,525 liters.
For smokers, there is an additional package that includes not only a cigarette lighter but also a special ashtray cover that ensures instant extinguishing of a cigarette butt. The ashtray closes in such a way that the smell of a smoked cigarette does not enter the cabin. The execution of this small detail is so well thought out that it does not catch the eye in the cabin but organically fits into the interior.
The manufacturer offers Repair Inclusive service for post-warranty car maintenance.
Read more: Review of BMW M2 Coupe
Technical Specifications of BMW X6/X6M
The main models have huge rotor brakes, 15.15 inches in the front and 13.6 inches in the rear. The three-liter models have more compact ventilated discs. The entire braking system features six-piston calipers in the front.
The X6 has a multi-link rear suspension, equipped with a double wishbone in the front. Upon request, pneumatic springs or steel can be installed. The car has both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive. There is no front-wheel drive, this is BMW. In all models, the steering is electro-assisted.
Talking about fuel economy with the X6 is not even worth it. The car can consume up to 16 liters per hundred kilometers practically, but according to the specified characteristics, no more than 11 liters.
The significant difference between the BMW X6 and X6M is that the acceleration to 100 km/h in the X6 is 6.8 seconds, while in the M version, it is 4.2 seconds. The M version will cost 6,800,000 rubles. Other X6 models will cost 4 million.
The BMW X6 with or without the M prefix is a car for a brand enthusiast. It is not practical but beautiful. Executed well, but to some extent, it is useless. For an owner with a substantial amount of money and a penchant for BMW cars, this is a very good option.
