Like the more conventionally shaped X5 with which it shares so much, the BMW X6 has been upgraded with a new look and some extra tech. As a result, the high-performance X6 M Competition has also received an upgrade, but do the changes turn it into a front-runner in the performance SUV sector, or will it still feel a little cold compared with the plethora of fantastic high-powered, high-riding cars out there?
In the metal
BMW's changes to the X5 - and, by extension, the X6 - have been more about details than the big picture. Like the X5, the X6 gets some new headlights and a new grille, which is now offered with BMW's 'Iconic Glow' illumination. Quite why you'd want that, we don't really know, but it's there if you do. The X6 has new bumpers, too, although for reasons unknown, it misses out on the X5's new taillights.
As this is the M Competition version, there are other changes of note on top of the standard car's. Both get a central lower air intake, while the X6 M Competition gets a model-specific spoiler lip for aerodynamic balance. And whereas the X5 M Competition gets a roof spoiler, the equivalent X6 gets a prominent spoiler on the boot lid, while both come with aerodynamic door mirror caps. Both cars also get a prominent rear diffuser and four 'Black Chrome' exhaust outlets, as well as alloy wheels measuring 21 inches in diameter at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
Inside, the X6 follows the X5 with a new dashboard that's crowned by the 'Curved Display' combining the instrument cluster and touchscreen in one massive housing. It's commonplace in the BMW range now, used in everything from the X1 to the iX electric SUV, and it's exceptionally good. The Operating System 8 software is quick and responsive, the displays are sharp and modern, and the menus are generally logical and easy to use. In the case of the updated X5 and X6, the iDrive rotary controller on the centre console has been retained, allowing drivers and passengers to use the screens without touching them. It sounds more complicated, especially for a generation accustomed to touchscreens, but when you're driving it means you spend more time looking at the road and less time glaring at the screen.
However, not everything about the new system is an ergonomic triumph. The removal of traditional climate control switchgear has seen the controls move to the touchscreen. Admittedly, BMW's implementation of such a system is better than most - the temperature adjustment controls are permanently on display and the entire climate menu is only ever one tap away - but it's far from perfect. While changing the temperature might be relatively easy, accessing more complex functions is harder and more distracting, particularly when you're on the move.
What it does mean is the dashboard design is cleaner looking, although BMW has still added some M-specific upgrades for a bit of extra fuss. There's a different steering wheel with red shortcut buttons that allow you to choose the set-up you want, and there's a proper gear lever, as opposed to the standard car's toggle arrangement. You get special shift paddles, too, complete with a textured finish, and you get swankier sports seats than the standard car.
BMW hasn't let the ball drop when it comes to quality. The new X5 and X6 models feel every bit as substantial and well-engineered as their predecessors - they just feel a bit more modern. And practicality is still a plus point, with massive boots across the range. The M Competition models are just as spacious as their less powerful siblings, so the X5 M gets a 650-litre luggage bay, while the X6 M offers 580 litres of cargo capacity. And while the X6 naturally offers a little less rear passenger space than the X5, there's still enough head- and legroom for all but the very tallest passengers. Four adults should have no problem in either car.
Driving it
As this is the M Competition version of the X6, there's just one powertrain, and it's a stunner. It's basically the same 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 as before, but it's now assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that gives it a bit of help under load and acts as a more efficient stop-start system. The X6 M Competition will still burn plenty of unleaded - almost 13 litres every 100km on the official economy test - and you might struggle to achieve that if you make the most of the power on tap.
Because there's certainly plenty of that. In total, the X6 M Competition's engine produces up to 625hp, and that's sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The latter allows the power to be distributed to the wheels that can make best use of it, offering greater traction and stability - at least in theory. And the results back up that, with the 2.4-tonne X6 M Competition blazing its way from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The all-but-irrelevant top speed is limited to 250km/h, but you can remove the limiter by choosing the M Driver's Package, which ups the top speed to 290km/h. Not that you're ever likely to go that fast, even if you do bring the car on track.
Thankfully, there's more to the V8 engine than that, because it also makes a very aristocratic racket. It woofles and rumbles, rather than spitting and snarling, but the noise is noticeable and enjoyable, without being too intrusive. Whether those watching the X6 pass would say the same thing is questionable, but there's no denying the sound is more refined than in some other performance cars. Some might say it loses a bit of character as a result - other engines have a greater vocal range and bring you a little closer to the action - but for a car designed to operate as a sports car, a long-distance cruiser and a part-time off-roader, the X6 M Competition strikes a decent balance.
It isn't just the sound that's well judged, either, because the X6 drives really well no matter which version you choose. Naturally, the M Competition model is the best example of this, thanks in part to its model-specific adaptive suspension with reworked damping and active roll stabilisation, allowing it to remain remarkably stable through the corners despite its height above the ground. Unsurprisingly, it's always going to feel a little less top-heavy than the equivalent X5, but the way in which BMW has managed to keep something so big feeling reasonably well controlled and flat is to be commended.
In fact, you could even go as far as calling the X6 M Competition fun, even if only in sporadic bursts. Realistically, the performance is too great to explore on the public road, but certain mountain roads will give you a taste of the car's capability. The balance between front and rear is impressive, and though the xDrive all-wheel-drive system will intrude if it senses the car beginning to slide, the X6 will happily corner at pretty wild speeds. Combine that with BMW's trademark steering feel and effective brakes, and you've got a car that's far more enjoyable than it has any real right to be, even if the Porsche Cayenne is ultimately that little bit more poised.
BMW has also managed to mix this handling and stability with a decent ride, albeit one that can be hit-and-miss at times. Admittedly, our test took place on the smooth roads of southern Germany, so perhaps we shouldn't read too much into the fact the X6 M Competition generally performed admirably. Nonetheless, the X6 displayed none of the stiffness and bounciness you would get from, say, a hot hatchback or indeed most other cars with comparable handling prowess. Even in the sportiest suspension settings, it generally felt composed and mature, even if it never verged on being a magic carpet. However, on some surfaces the ride felt a little unsettled and at times it felt as though the suspension was working hard to keep that bulky, heavy body in check.
What you get for your money
Whereas your common-or-garden BMW X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid costs less than €100,000, the high-performance X6 M Competition comes in at just under €235,000 - around €5,000 more than the X5 M Competition. As you'd hope, both get a lot of extra equipment, including the M-specific interior, the M Competition exterior styling and the mighty 4.4-litre V8 engine. All the mod-cons are present and correct, such as leather upholstery, the Curved Display screen housing and climate control, as well as a dark Alcantara headlining and a reversing camera system.
Summary
The BMW X6 M Competition is a little problematic, not least because of its enormous price tag. It's monstrously expensive, yet it's barely any faster than the more comfortable X6 M60i. However, as a feat of engineering, this high-performance X6 is very admirable indeed. The ride is hit-and-miss, it's true, but that something this big can drive this well is testament to BMW's skill in building performance cars. Whether it floats your boat enough to justify the huge asking price will come down to personal preference.
