BMW X6 M Competition: the Pinnacle of Performance SUVs?
Stunning styling, lofty luxury, and incredible performance all in one vehicle. Is the X6 M the best everyday BMW on the market?
The sporty luxury SUV segment has never been more competitive as it is in today’s auto market. The BMW X6 M is intended to be the brand’s top offering from a performance and luxury standpoint in the SUV department. Does it have the edge over its rivals like the Mercedes GLA 63 AMG, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Audi RS Q8? Carwow host Mat Watson brings us a video to answer that very question.
The X6 M Competition featured in this video offers the same 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 as seen in the M5. Here, it boasts a ridiculous 625 HP through its industry-standard “hot V” configuration. As a result, this SUV claims some impressive performance figures. Watson wanted to see if these numbers were fantasy, so they did their own testing. However, this was not conducted on a private track or closed testing facility, but a public road that had been closed off for this very video. Let’s see what the X6 is really all about.
X6 M Performance
BMW claimed a lightning-quick time of 3.8 seconds for the 0-to-60 time for the X6 M, but Watson was able to put down a 3.4 second time even on the uneven tarmac. This makes for a standing 1/4 mile at 11.6 seconds. If that doesn’t convince you that this is beyond a capable sport SUV, we don’t know what will.
He even decides to repeat the test, due to the fact the first was done on a slight downhill. This time, he goes up hill and the results remain within a tenth of a second.
The brakes are obviously upgraded as well to keep up with the additional power. This means a giant 6-piston front with floating rotors for both front and rear. There has been substantial chassis bracing added to the key structural areas of the vehicle to increase rigidity. Other performance features include variable dynamic steering and the adaptive sports suspension.
X6 M Aesthetics
To start, the optional Ametrin Metallic paint is a stunning combination of burgundy and dark purple that we would like to see on as many BMWs as possible. The new X6 M looks particularly adventurous for BMW despite their recent shift in styling. The front end displays a certain level of muscularity typical of an M BMW. This is emphasized by the gloss black of the kidney grills and trim for the Competition model. Not to mention, the model-specific staggered Competition wheels make for a nice touch that ties the whole design together. Yes, they are 11.5 inches wide in the rear. That’s a whole lot of tire for an SUV.
The rear end of this vehicle is where things start to get really interesting from a design standpoint. It definitely has more of a futuristic design language than the front end, emphasized by the long angled LED light bars that sit within the smoked tail light housings. This combined with the aggressive angular shape of the rear end definitely will turn heads.
X6 M Interior
Definitely the most reserved aspect of this vehicle considering its performance and styling. However, BMW will not easily let you forget you are in an M car. The steering wheel, seat belts, and shift knob all feature the signature M-colorway stitching and design. Not to mention, there is a healthy amount of aluminum touch pieces, including the pedals and the kick plates. The customizable massage seats might find allure in more than a couple of buyers. Being in the interior of the X6 M, you should expect to see the best BMW has to offer at this price point.
X6 M Driving Experience
Watson believes this vehicle easily differentiates itself from the standard models by the way it drives. “Straight away that car feels more alert than the standard X6.” According to Mat, the stand out feature of the driving experience is the steering. The X6 M might be far from a light car, but it displays its agility in the directness of the steering. This is in part due to the variable dynamic steering system featured in this new model.
X6 M Final Thoughts
There is no escaping the fact that the X6 M Competition is a $150,000 SUV as equipped. Does this car fit the bill of the high-price point it asks for? Well, that is a hard question to answer. If you are looking for “the ultimate incarnation of a BMW SUV”, then you have struck gold. If all the bells and whistles don’t really strike you as necessary, a standard X6 might be plenty fine.
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