When: July 2012
Where: Sussex, England
What: 2012 BMW X6 M50d
Occasion: International first drive
Overall rating: 4/5
Its name might look like an algebra formula but BMW M Performance's addition of the M50d engine to the X6 range equals a mighty diesel flagship. It may answer a question nobody really asked, but trying to work it out is undeniably entertaining.
Pricing: €108,590
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz ML, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport
CO2 emissions: 204g/km (Band F, €1,129 per annum)
Combined economy: 36.7mpg (7.7 litres/100km)
Top speed: 250km/h (electronically limited)
0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds
Power: 381hp at 4,000- 4,400rpm
Torque: 740Nm at 2,000- 3,000rpm
In the metal 4/5
Like it or loathe it you can't deny this thing has presence. An abundance of it, the X6 a curious mix of a lithe, coupé-like roofline incongruously topping the SUV lower portion. It's the automotive equivalent of those mythical beasts mixing horse and human. It has proved remarkably successful though, the X6 exceeding all BMW's global sales goals since it was introduced. The influence of the M Performance division adds greater aggression, the X6 M50d featuring a 'powerdome' bonnet, unique sill finishers and 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside there's more M specific kit, with the colourful letter popping up in the instruments, steering wheel and gear-shifter. Otherwise it's all standard X6 fare, which means a solid, neatly styled driving environment and a comfortable driving position.
Driving it 4/5
Any BMW X6 requires a recalibration of your expectations of what's possible in something so big and heavy and the M50d demands even more. Electrically controlled dampers and BMW's Adaptive Drive active anti-roll function are both fitted as standard. Those, combined with the xDrive four-wheel drive system, give the X6 M50d incredible agility, its ability in the bends being remarkable. Turn in, at ever increasing speeds, and the X6 M50d goes exactly where it's pointed; there's no roll, no drama, just faithful response to your input. It's disappointing then that the steering doesn't deliver a bit more feel at the wheel's thick rim, though you'll never find its limits of grip on the road in the dry. There's no roll to speak of either, the X6's roll-control system, allied with its wide stance, keeping the body in check.
If there's a limiting factor to the X6 M50d it's the width, it feeling big when navigating tighter country roads. The ride and handling is otherworldly for something this size, and so too is the performance. It takes three turbochargers to turn BMW's 3.0-litre six into the M50d unit and they work to create one of the most impressive diesel engines we've ever experienced.
The tri-turbo, 3.0-litre six-cylinder's output is mighty, it never lacking any thrust, thanks to its wide torque spread and output - 740Nm at peak from 2,000- to 3,000rpm. Driving through an eight-speed automatic that works imperceptibly you can take over with paddle-shifters, but it's clever enough for you not to bother most of the time. Hugely flexible, there's no evidence of any lag from the engine, the clever use of three turbos working at different times for instantaneous response. It's amazing in the X6, and even more so in the M550d xDrive that we're denied in the UK.
What you get for your money 3/5
Being right at the top of the X6 range means a mixed bag for equipment. The basics are there, but you'll need to drop about €4,200 on a media package for greater connectivity and nav, and it's advisable in something that's as potentially rapid as this to go for the head-up display - you'll barely have time to glance at the instruments. If you want to seat three in the back you'll have to pay an additional €445 for a third seat option as well.
Worth Noting
It might be able to reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and an electronically limited 250km/h top speed, but the X6 xDrive M50d returns a credible 36.7mpg (7.7 litres/100km) on the official combined cycle. That equates to 204g/km of CO2 and Band F taxation. Impressive given its potential.
Summary
It's difficult to love, but impossible not to be amazed by the BMW X6 M50d. The combination of a thumping powerplant and scarcely believable dynamics creates a confusing, but brilliant all-rounder. It'll be misunderstood by most, but those prepared to sample it certainly won't be disappointed. Epic.