Where the BMW X5 goes, the inextricably linked X6 must follow. The coupe-styled version of the popular SUV has taken on many of the same updates as its more conventionally shaped sibling, giving it much the same technology, styling and powertrain tweaks, albeit with a few notable differences. In truth, the X5 feels more modern and more compelling as a result of its modifications, but with the X6 missing out on a few key details, will the changes have the same effect on this fastback-SUV?
In the metal
BMW has made some noticeable tweaks to the design of the new X6, but if truth be told, tweaks are all they really are. The new headlights are narrower than before, while there's a new grille that can be specified with BMW's 'Iconic Glow' illumination system, if you want such a thing. There are new bumpers, new wheel designs and new paint colours, too, but for some reason the X6 has to make do without the X5's new taillights.
Inside, BMW has once more pulled its favourite trick of the past few years, adding the 'Curved Display' touchscreen-and-instrument-display combination to the X6's dashboard. It's much the same system seen on pretty much every new BMW these days, including the i4 electric fastback, the latest-generation 3 Series and the updated X7 SUV. In the X6 it takes on much the same form again, with a curved panel stretching across roughly half the width of the dashboard to provide a clear, configurable instrument display behind the wheel and a larger touchscreen display in the centre.
The software it uses is sharp and easy to navigate, as well as offering customers plenty of personalisation options, and that's true no matter how you use the screen. Because while you can prod at the display like you would with any other touchscreen, it's much better to use the iDrive rotary controller that lives on the centre console. Once you've learned your way around the screen, this allows you to navigate it with only cursory glances at the display, rather than having to stare at it to make sure your finger hits exactly the right icon. We'll leave it to you to decide which is safer when you're doing 120km/h on the motorway.
However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows in the X6's cabin. While BMW has sensibly retained the iDrive controller, it has removed all the climate control switches from the dashboard in an attempt to clean up the X6's interior. Stylistically, it looks fairly good in there now - it's definitely more modern than before - but moving the heater controls into the touchscreen has solved a design problem by creating an ergonomic one. Instead of simply pressing a button to change the air distribution or switch the temperature, it now involves a lot of fiddling with the touchscreen. Sure, the execution is better than some - you're never more than a tap away from the climate control display - but it was much easier when you just had to press a button, particularly when you were on the move.
Fortunately, BMW has managed to maintain the quality standards seen previously in the X6, and every material on display feels premium while the way in which different components fit together is absolutely exemplary.
The German company has also managed to maintain the same amount of space in the X6's cabin, keeping more than enough space to seat four adults in comfort. Admittedly, the roofline means the rear cabin of the X6 doesn't feel as airy as that of the X5, but there's still space for all but the very tallest passengers to sit comfortably. And when we say very tall, we mean very tall. Those under about 190cm shouldn't have any problems at all.
Boot space is rather good, too, despite the X6's shape. At 580 litres no matter which version you choose, the X6's boot is about 70 litres smaller than that of the X5, but that difference really isn't bad when you think about it. Certainly, it's still more than spacious enough for a family holiday. You just have to be careful when fitting bulky items back there because the boot shape isn't quite as useful as in the X5.
Driving it
As before, the BMW X6 will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which will provide plenty of power and performance. Even the basic '30d' model has 298hp, which goes from the 3.0-litre diesel engine to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Customers who prefer petrol power, on the other hand, can have the '40i' version, which also comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, producing an even chunkier 380hp.
Unfortunately, however, the BMW X6 is not available with the plug-in hybrid system that makes such a compelling case for itself in the X5. As well as being powerful, that system's low emissions means the tax office takes much less of a cut, making it a cheaper proposition than many other models despite its 490hp output.
Instead, customers can get even more power from this M60i xDrive version of the X6, although it's not what you'd call efficient. It uses the same 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine as the M Competition version, except it has been 'detuned' to 'just' 530hp - a 90hp reduction compared with the range-topping model. However, with that kind of power on board, it'll still get from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and it'll match the M Competition's 250km/h top speed, but it burns through around 12 litres of unleaded every 100km. At least it makes a pleasant noise while it does so, snorting and growling its way around.
Naturally, most customers will be lured in not by that V8 engine, as sonorous as it might be, but by the 3.0-litre diesel, which still provides enough grunt for a 6.1-second dash to 100km/h. In fact, it accelerates faster than some hot hatchbacks, despite its bulk, yet it still manages respectable fuel consumption of around seven litres every 100km on the official test.
Whichever version of the X6 you choose, though, you'll be getting a pretty comfortable car. Sure, it doesn't feel quite as supple as the BMW X5, and our test did take place on smooth German roads, but it still soaks up the bumps remarkably well considering how brilliantly it handles. The lower roofline means it doesn't feel quite as top-heavy as the X5 in corners, and it manages to retain that trademark BMW sense of feel, balance and poise, even though it weighs well over two tonnes. There's so much grip and so much body control that corners can be taken at outrageous speeds without so much as a wince of discomfort, and there's no sensation that the car's leaning too much as it does so. Given the comfort on display, that's quite an achievement, although it has to be said the Porsche Cayenne Coupe is even better.
What you get for your money
With no basic xLine trim level and no hybrid option to keep the tax office at bay, the cheapest BMW X6 comes in at €124,305 in Ireland - just over €10,000 more than the cheapest diesel-powered X5. Saying that, it's about €6,000 less than you'll pay for the equivalent X5, in M Sport trim and with that 3.0-litre diesel engine. And though the boot may be a different shape, the specifications are much the same, with plenty of luxurious leather and wood in the cabin and the same screens and features.
However, the more expensive X6 M60i xDrive tested here comes in at almost €170,000, and that's a lot of money in anyone's book. Even so, it's around €60,000 less than you'll pay for the M Competition model, which is only slightly faster in a straight line and slightly less comfortable on the road.
Summary
As with the X5, the BMW X6 has improved as a result of the upgrades, but the difference isn't night and day. It might be slightly better looking, but some people are still going to be put off by the looks, and there's no doubt the X5 offers better value. But this is still a great car to drive, as well as being a really spacious and well-made machine. There's a lot going for it, and despite the omission of a hybrid option, the engine range is one of those things.
If you love the rumble of the V8, this M60i version of the X6 is arguably the way to go. Slightly softer than the M Competition model and considerably cheaper to buy, yet almost as fast in a straight line, it's a wonderful thing in which to cruise along the German motorway network. But for the rest of us, with speed limits and shorter journeys to contend with, the xDrive30d will be more than potent enough and more efficient to boot.
