BMW X6 Review & Prices

The BMW X6 is a large coupe-style SUV with strong engines and seating for five. It’s a sleeker version of the BMW X5 and an alternative to the similarly-styled Mercedes GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

The X6 gives you the classic, chunky proportions that you expect from an off-roader, but also a rakishly angled roof that echoes the sleek lines of a sports car. As is the trend in recent BMWs, the trademark ‘kidney’ grille is now enormous. It’s also available with illumination, to make it even more, er, eye-catching.

Inside the look and feel is very BMW X5, which is a good thing. It has an interesting design but functional button layout and everything feels extremely well put together. It also means you get BMW’s Professional infotainment system, which is easy to use, stunning to look at and crammed full of the latest tech.

Less impressive is the X6’s space and practicality. OK, so you’ll seat four adults just fine inside, but the X6 loses some rear headroom in the name of style compared with the X5, plus its middle seat is quite uncomfortable. Its boot is smaller than an X5’s (and the Mercedes’ or Porsche’s) and a more awkward shape thanks to its sloping roofline. You’re paying a premium over the X5 for this, remember.

The engine range starts with two straight-six units: the diesel-powered xDrive 30d and the petrol xDrive 40i. The former is the cheapest, getting 265hp, which is enough to take the car from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds.

The M50d diesel is armed with a faintly ridiculous four turbochargers. It has 400hp and can go from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. At the top of the range is the M50i petrol unit. It’s the X6’s only V8, capable of reaching 62mph from a standstill in a blinding 4.3 seconds. All BMW X6s come with all-wheel-drive and an automatic gearbox.

Even the 30d and 40i engines are extremely strong, but given the 30d is the cheapest and most fuel-efficient of the range it makes the most sense. Whichever engine you choose, the X6 feels bulky but comfortable in town and more agile than it has any right to be on a country road given its size. On the motorway, it’s supremely comfy and quiet with the latest driver assistance tech available.

The BMW X6 is a mixed bag, then. It’s superb to drive, has a lovely cabin and some of the best infotainment on sale. We can’t help feeling you’re better off just spending less money on the more practical X5, however.

Still, if you disagree, love marmite and therefore the X6’s looks, you should head to our deals page where you and see how much money you can save on one. You can also check out our latest used BMW deals, and find out how you can sell your current car through carwow.