BMW M Series X6 M 4.4 (A) Review
16 Mar 2011|19,253 views
Things that are worth doing are always worth doing big; the BMW X5 and X6 already live-it-large as far as sheer size is concerned, but touches by M GmbH (BMW's performance division) turn everything up several notches by transforming these twin titans into furious forces of nature.
The very concept of a 'M SUV' has always polarised opinions, especially among the band of track-focused enthusiasts who may have been weaned on the many generations and variants of M3s and M5s.
Of course, the M range also encompassed models like the Z3 and Z4, but these are generally sporting vehicles, which stand in stark contrast to the decidedly 'rugged off-road lifestyle' characters of the X5 and X6. Incidentally enough, the X5 and X6 are the first of BMW's all-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the touch of M GmbH.
Much like the Cayenne and the Panamera for Porsche, the X5 M and X6 M provide the added benefit of opening BMW's sporting range to an entirely different demographic of buyers. Of course, you still have the die-hard M aficionados buying one as an urban runabout, but more importantly, this gambit provides a few new options to the buyer who is on the look-out for a lifestyle vehicle with a bit of punch without going down the Porsche or AMG route.
If you ever smirked quietly to yourself whenever the space oddity that is the X6 trundled past, the M variant should quickly disabuse you of any notion that the vehicle is going to be a pushover just because it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a hatchback or a SUV, or in BMW-speak, a Sport Activity Coupe.
The very concept of a 'M SUV' has always polarised opinions, especially among the band of track-focused enthusiasts who may have been weaned on the many generations and variants of M3s and M5s.
Of course, the M range also encompassed models like the Z3 and Z4, but these are generally sporting vehicles, which stand in stark contrast to the decidedly 'rugged off-road lifestyle' characters of the X5 and X6. Incidentally enough, the X5 and X6 are the first of BMW's all-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the touch of M GmbH.
Much like the Cayenne and the Panamera for Porsche, the X5 M and X6 M provide the added benefit of opening BMW's sporting range to an entirely different demographic of buyers. Of course, you still have the die-hard M aficionados buying one as an urban runabout, but more importantly, this gambit provides a few new options to the buyer who is on the look-out for a lifestyle vehicle with a bit of punch without going down the Porsche or AMG route.
If you ever smirked quietly to yourself whenever the space oddity that is the X6 trundled past, the M variant should quickly disabuse you of any notion that the vehicle is going to be a pushover just because it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a hatchback or a SUV, or in BMW-speak, a Sport Activity Coupe.
 |
For more conventional buyers who seek solace in the familiar, the X5 M (in its more traditional SUV guise) will likely present the more 'comfortable' choice. Considering the fact that the underpinnings of the X5 M and X6 M are virtually identical, it really does boil down to choosing a shape that appeals best to one's sensibilities, since the advantage of carrying three passengers in the back of the X5 M will be negated once the next batch of X6 Ms (due later in 2011) begin to offer this feature as well.
Besides, in most cases, for a vehicle like the X6 M, you buy one because you can and there's never really anything more left to prove to anybody else.
Exterior
Ultimately, for those who aren't terribly fussed by the heckling of detractors (nor should they bother, if you ask us) the X6 M is an interesting, off-beat proposition, especially with its M-endowed muscleman looks and performance. With a storming twin-turbocharged V8 under its bonnet and chunky, butch looks, nobody's going to be making fun of the X6 M's odd-ball looks any time soon.
 |
As with all the M cars, nothing about the car's styling is merely for the sake of aesthetics. Always with an eye towards function, the initial impressions of the X6 M's hulking visuals point towards a strong sense of purpose.
The chief concerns of such performance-oriented vehicles are aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. As with the current crop of M vehicles, the front air-ducts leave out the fog lamps in the pursuit of better air-flow. Apart from the visual musculature that complements its dynamic proportions, little touches to aid these two concerns are cohesively integrated into the vehicle's overall package.
Slower-moving vehicles are likely to hustle out of the way when they see the X6 M bearing down on them with nostrils flared and phat fenders bulging.
The chief concerns of such performance-oriented vehicles are aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. As with the current crop of M vehicles, the front air-ducts leave out the fog lamps in the pursuit of better air-flow. Apart from the visual musculature that complements its dynamic proportions, little touches to aid these two concerns are cohesively integrated into the vehicle's overall package.
Slower-moving vehicles are likely to hustle out of the way when they see the X6 M bearing down on them with nostrils flared and phat fenders bulging.
From the rear, the 'M' emblem is as discreet as the entire X6 M package is in-your-face, since even the most obtuse of motorists cannot help but take note of the motorsports-derived rear diffuser and rear wing, which has been integrated into the tail-gate. High-gloss 20-inch alloy rims, from under which peek out the huge brake system, complete this behemoth's sporting package.
Like the other M models, the X6 M features the distinctive gill elements that incorporate 'M' emblems and side indicators. The oversized front air-dams provide valuable air-flow to the 4395cc V8 engine, while the vertical slats in the kidney grille are finished in matte black for an aggressive effect, which works well even with test car's understated Silverstone body colour.
Like the other M models, the X6 M features the distinctive gill elements that incorporate 'M' emblems and side indicators. The oversized front air-dams provide valuable air-flow to the 4395cc V8 engine, while the vertical slats in the kidney grille are finished in matte black for an aggressive effect, which works well even with test car's understated Silverstone body colour.
 |
Interior
The same 'M' niceties continue in the cabin with the gorgeous 'M'-stitched steering wheel, seats, gear-shifter and bespoke instruments (with displays to monitor performance-oriented components specific to M cars).
At present time, the rear only accommodates two in comfort, with a storage bin located in the middle. There's also a broad swath of faux carbon-fibre cladding across the dashboard, which adds more credibility to its motorsports identity.
Clad in supple Merino leather, the seats are snug and supportive, yet never overly clingy for some measure of comfort during daily commutes. With only two in the rear in the current car's configuration, there's ample room and storage bins for everybody's belongings.
The same 'M' niceties continue in the cabin with the gorgeous 'M'-stitched steering wheel, seats, gear-shifter and bespoke instruments (with displays to monitor performance-oriented components specific to M cars).
At present time, the rear only accommodates two in comfort, with a storage bin located in the middle. There's also a broad swath of faux carbon-fibre cladding across the dashboard, which adds more credibility to its motorsports identity.
Clad in supple Merino leather, the seats are snug and supportive, yet never overly clingy for some measure of comfort during daily commutes. With only two in the rear in the current car's configuration, there's ample room and storage bins for everybody's belongings.
The trunk space can be expanded from the standard 570L to 1450L with the rear seats folded down. For even greater convenience, the tail-gate is electronically-actuated.
Enthusiasts will quickly take note of the 'M' button on the steering wheel: this is easily programmed via the iDrive to configure the car's dynamic settings in 'balls-out driving' mode (after pre-setting, this mode is easily accessed via the 'M Drive' button): DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), transmission, suspension, HUD (Heads-Up Display information) and engine variables can be customised to suit one's driving style once the red-mist descends.
Enthusiasts will quickly take note of the 'M' button on the steering wheel: this is easily programmed via the iDrive to configure the car's dynamic settings in 'balls-out driving' mode (after pre-setting, this mode is easily accessed via the 'M Drive' button): DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), transmission, suspension, HUD (Heads-Up Display information) and engine variables can be customised to suit one's driving style once the red-mist descends.
 |
The Drive
Even without engaging the 'M' button, the power delivery is already fiercely furious in normal mode. The automatic gear-shifts are slushly-slurred and steering-wheel mounted paddles make immediate up/down-shifts a doodle to manage. Depress the starter button and enjoy a bassy rumble to life as the burly V8 awakens. The forced-induced V8 settles quickly into an almost-grumpy idle and there's none of the clatter and associated sub-sounds that other highly-strung naturally-aspirated engines emit.
Even in the lower rev-range, there's ample grunt from the two twin-scroll turbochargers to hustle the two-plus tonne vehicle around with unseemly haste. A 4.7 second sprint time to the 100km/h mark is nothing to sniff at by any stretch of the imagination, even less so when you bear in mind the X6 M's kerbweight.
In addition to leaving it in 'A', there are various modes to fiddle with to alter the transmission logic - S and M. Unlike the more deviant variety, the S and M on the X6 M is accessible to a larger audience, with 'S' giving you sportier characteristics over 'A' and 'M' does not shift-up automatically and really lets you wring the engine up to the redline for maximum impact. Incidentally, the Launch Control function is engaged via 'M' mode...
The body-shell feels pleasantly stiff and the biggest surprise are the well-sorted dynamics (thanks to the bespoke M suspension); even on 20-inch footwear, the ride and damping are always civilised, albeit firm, and never come across as crashy.
Another bonus is how the X6 M's proportions never feel big and seem to wrap around the driver (in the Cayenne, one can't help but feel the vehicle's prodigious size). Of course, pressing on hard, you still do feel the X6 M's size. But even then, this is a veritable point-and-squirt machine that is easy to drive both fast and slow... think Golf GTI DSG, but with a whole lot more oomph and you wouldn't be too far off the mark.
Even without engaging the 'M' button, the power delivery is already fiercely furious in normal mode. The automatic gear-shifts are slushly-slurred and steering-wheel mounted paddles make immediate up/down-shifts a doodle to manage. Depress the starter button and enjoy a bassy rumble to life as the burly V8 awakens. The forced-induced V8 settles quickly into an almost-grumpy idle and there's none of the clatter and associated sub-sounds that other highly-strung naturally-aspirated engines emit.
Even in the lower rev-range, there's ample grunt from the two twin-scroll turbochargers to hustle the two-plus tonne vehicle around with unseemly haste. A 4.7 second sprint time to the 100km/h mark is nothing to sniff at by any stretch of the imagination, even less so when you bear in mind the X6 M's kerbweight.
In addition to leaving it in 'A', there are various modes to fiddle with to alter the transmission logic - S and M. Unlike the more deviant variety, the S and M on the X6 M is accessible to a larger audience, with 'S' giving you sportier characteristics over 'A' and 'M' does not shift-up automatically and really lets you wring the engine up to the redline for maximum impact. Incidentally, the Launch Control function is engaged via 'M' mode...
The body-shell feels pleasantly stiff and the biggest surprise are the well-sorted dynamics (thanks to the bespoke M suspension); even on 20-inch footwear, the ride and damping are always civilised, albeit firm, and never come across as crashy.
Another bonus is how the X6 M's proportions never feel big and seem to wrap around the driver (in the Cayenne, one can't help but feel the vehicle's prodigious size). Of course, pressing on hard, you still do feel the X6 M's size. But even then, this is a veritable point-and-squirt machine that is easy to drive both fast and slow... think Golf GTI DSG, but with a whole lot more oomph and you wouldn't be too far off the mark.
Like the X5 M, the X6 M features a specially-configured xDrive all-wheel drive setup that gives the cars more of a rear-drive feel for greater dynamics and driver involvement. Let's face it, the X6 M's limits are so high that notwithstanding any ham-fistedness or errors of judgement, one is unlikely to breach them on normal roads.
Again, there are several modes to toggle including MDM (M Dynamic Mode), which really lets you get even closer to the limits of adhesion (the 'nanny aids' cut in very late at close to the physical limit). The brakes (395mm front; 385mm rear) acquit themselves admirably in hauling this Leviathan to a standstill and resist fade successfully in urban traffic.
Conclusion
Unlike the X5 M, which sees competition from the likes of the Cayenne and ML 63 AMG, the X6 M is, for good or ill, pretty much unique (in both looks and segment).
Not for wall-flowers nor the faint-of-heart, the distinctively-styled X6 M packs a whole lotta point-and-squirt punch in its bulging, muscle-bound shape... and this isn't just relegated to the straight-line either, since it will more than hold its own against more overt performance cars down a winding road.
At the price-point, the bottom-line is whether or not the brand snobs can look beyond the BMW badge (to appreciate what the M badge offers) versus its arch-rivals.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Again, there are several modes to toggle including MDM (M Dynamic Mode), which really lets you get even closer to the limits of adhesion (the 'nanny aids' cut in very late at close to the physical limit). The brakes (395mm front; 385mm rear) acquit themselves admirably in hauling this Leviathan to a standstill and resist fade successfully in urban traffic.
Conclusion
Unlike the X5 M, which sees competition from the likes of the Cayenne and ML 63 AMG, the X6 M is, for good or ill, pretty much unique (in both looks and segment).
Not for wall-flowers nor the faint-of-heart, the distinctively-styled X6 M packs a whole lotta point-and-squirt punch in its bulging, muscle-bound shape... and this isn't just relegated to the straight-line either, since it will more than hold its own against more overt performance cars down a winding road.
At the price-point, the bottom-line is whether or not the brand snobs can look beyond the BMW badge (to appreciate what the M badge offers) versus its arch-rivals.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Things that are worth doing are always worth doing big; the BMW X5 and X6 already live-it-large as far as sheer size is concerned, but touches by M GmbH (BMW's performance division) turn everything up several notches by transforming these twin titans into furious forces of nature.
The very concept of a 'M SUV' has always polarised opinions, especially among the band of track-focused enthusiasts who may have been weaned on the many generations and variants of M3s and M5s.
Of course, the M range also encompassed models like the Z3 and Z4, but these are generally sporting vehicles, which stand in stark contrast to the decidedly 'rugged off-road lifestyle' characters of the X5 and X6. Incidentally enough, the X5 and X6 are the first of BMW's all-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the touch of M GmbH.
Much like the Cayenne and the Panamera for Porsche, the X5 M and X6 M provide the added benefit of opening BMW's sporting range to an entirely different demographic of buyers. Of course, you still have the die-hard M aficionados buying one as an urban runabout, but more importantly, this gambit provides a few new options to the buyer who is on the look-out for a lifestyle vehicle with a bit of punch without going down the Porsche or AMG route.
If you ever smirked quietly to yourself whenever the space oddity that is the X6 trundled past, the M variant should quickly disabuse you of any notion that the vehicle is going to be a pushover just because it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a hatchback or a SUV, or in BMW-speak, a Sport Activity Coupe.
The very concept of a 'M SUV' has always polarised opinions, especially among the band of track-focused enthusiasts who may have been weaned on the many generations and variants of M3s and M5s.
Of course, the M range also encompassed models like the Z3 and Z4, but these are generally sporting vehicles, which stand in stark contrast to the decidedly 'rugged off-road lifestyle' characters of the X5 and X6. Incidentally enough, the X5 and X6 are the first of BMW's all-wheel drive vehicles to enjoy the touch of M GmbH.
Much like the Cayenne and the Panamera for Porsche, the X5 M and X6 M provide the added benefit of opening BMW's sporting range to an entirely different demographic of buyers. Of course, you still have the die-hard M aficionados buying one as an urban runabout, but more importantly, this gambit provides a few new options to the buyer who is on the look-out for a lifestyle vehicle with a bit of punch without going down the Porsche or AMG route.
If you ever smirked quietly to yourself whenever the space oddity that is the X6 trundled past, the M variant should quickly disabuse you of any notion that the vehicle is going to be a pushover just because it can't seem to decide if it wants to be a hatchback or a SUV, or in BMW-speak, a Sport Activity Coupe.
|
For more conventional buyers who seek solace in the familiar, the X5 M (in its more traditional SUV guise) will likely present the more 'comfortable' choice. Considering the fact that the underpinnings of the X5 M and X6 M are virtually identical, it really does boil down to choosing a shape that appeals best to one's sensibilities, since the advantage of carrying three passengers in the back of the X5 M will be negated once the next batch of X6 Ms (due later in 2011) begin to offer this feature as well.
Besides, in most cases, for a vehicle like the X6 M, you buy one because you can and there's never really anything more left to prove to anybody else.
Exterior
Ultimately, for those who aren't terribly fussed by the heckling of detractors (nor should they bother, if you ask us) the X6 M is an interesting, off-beat proposition, especially with its M-endowed muscleman looks and performance. With a storming twin-turbocharged V8 under its bonnet and chunky, butch looks, nobody's going to be making fun of the X6 M's odd-ball looks any time soon.
|
As with all the M cars, nothing about the car's styling is merely for the sake of aesthetics. Always with an eye towards function, the initial impressions of the X6 M's hulking visuals point towards a strong sense of purpose.
The chief concerns of such performance-oriented vehicles are aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. As with the current crop of M vehicles, the front air-ducts leave out the fog lamps in the pursuit of better air-flow. Apart from the visual musculature that complements its dynamic proportions, little touches to aid these two concerns are cohesively integrated into the vehicle's overall package.
Slower-moving vehicles are likely to hustle out of the way when they see the X6 M bearing down on them with nostrils flared and phat fenders bulging.
The chief concerns of such performance-oriented vehicles are aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. As with the current crop of M vehicles, the front air-ducts leave out the fog lamps in the pursuit of better air-flow. Apart from the visual musculature that complements its dynamic proportions, little touches to aid these two concerns are cohesively integrated into the vehicle's overall package.
Slower-moving vehicles are likely to hustle out of the way when they see the X6 M bearing down on them with nostrils flared and phat fenders bulging.
From the rear, the 'M' emblem is as discreet as the entire X6 M package is in-your-face, since even the most obtuse of motorists cannot help but take note of the motorsports-derived rear diffuser and rear wing, which has been integrated into the tail-gate. High-gloss 20-inch alloy rims, from under which peek out the huge brake system, complete this behemoth's sporting package.
Like the other M models, the X6 M features the distinctive gill elements that incorporate 'M' emblems and side indicators. The oversized front air-dams provide valuable air-flow to the 4395cc V8 engine, while the vertical slats in the kidney grille are finished in matte black for an aggressive effect, which works well even with test car's understated Silverstone body colour.
Like the other M models, the X6 M features the distinctive gill elements that incorporate 'M' emblems and side indicators. The oversized front air-dams provide valuable air-flow to the 4395cc V8 engine, while the vertical slats in the kidney grille are finished in matte black for an aggressive effect, which works well even with test car's understated Silverstone body colour.
|
Interior
The same 'M' niceties continue in the cabin with the gorgeous 'M'-stitched steering wheel, seats, gear-shifter and bespoke instruments (with displays to monitor performance-oriented components specific to M cars).
At present time, the rear only accommodates two in comfort, with a storage bin located in the middle. There's also a broad swath of faux carbon-fibre cladding across the dashboard, which adds more credibility to its motorsports identity.
Clad in supple Merino leather, the seats are snug and supportive, yet never overly clingy for some measure of comfort during daily commutes. With only two in the rear in the current car's configuration, there's ample room and storage bins for everybody's belongings.
The same 'M' niceties continue in the cabin with the gorgeous 'M'-stitched steering wheel, seats, gear-shifter and bespoke instruments (with displays to monitor performance-oriented components specific to M cars).
At present time, the rear only accommodates two in comfort, with a storage bin located in the middle. There's also a broad swath of faux carbon-fibre cladding across the dashboard, which adds more credibility to its motorsports identity.
Clad in supple Merino leather, the seats are snug and supportive, yet never overly clingy for some measure of comfort during daily commutes. With only two in the rear in the current car's configuration, there's ample room and storage bins for everybody's belongings.
The trunk space can be expanded from the standard 570L to 1450L with the rear seats folded down. For even greater convenience, the tail-gate is electronically-actuated.
Enthusiasts will quickly take note of the 'M' button on the steering wheel: this is easily programmed via the iDrive to configure the car's dynamic settings in 'balls-out driving' mode (after pre-setting, this mode is easily accessed via the 'M Drive' button): DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), transmission, suspension, HUD (Heads-Up Display information) and engine variables can be customised to suit one's driving style once the red-mist descends.
Enthusiasts will quickly take note of the 'M' button on the steering wheel: this is easily programmed via the iDrive to configure the car's dynamic settings in 'balls-out driving' mode (after pre-setting, this mode is easily accessed via the 'M Drive' button): DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), transmission, suspension, HUD (Heads-Up Display information) and engine variables can be customised to suit one's driving style once the red-mist descends.
|
The Drive
Even without engaging the 'M' button, the power delivery is already fiercely furious in normal mode. The automatic gear-shifts are slushly-slurred and steering-wheel mounted paddles make immediate up/down-shifts a doodle to manage. Depress the starter button and enjoy a bassy rumble to life as the burly V8 awakens. The forced-induced V8 settles quickly into an almost-grumpy idle and there's none of the clatter and associated sub-sounds that other highly-strung naturally-aspirated engines emit.
Even in the lower rev-range, there's ample grunt from the two twin-scroll turbochargers to hustle the two-plus tonne vehicle around with unseemly haste. A 4.7 second sprint time to the 100km/h mark is nothing to sniff at by any stretch of the imagination, even less so when you bear in mind the X6 M's kerbweight.
In addition to leaving it in 'A', there are various modes to fiddle with to alter the transmission logic - S and M. Unlike the more deviant variety, the S and M on the X6 M is accessible to a larger audience, with 'S' giving you sportier characteristics over 'A' and 'M' does not shift-up automatically and really lets you wring the engine up to the redline for maximum impact. Incidentally, the Launch Control function is engaged via 'M' mode...
The body-shell feels pleasantly stiff and the biggest surprise are the well-sorted dynamics (thanks to the bespoke M suspension); even on 20-inch footwear, the ride and damping are always civilised, albeit firm, and never come across as crashy.
Another bonus is how the X6 M's proportions never feel big and seem to wrap around the driver (in the Cayenne, one can't help but feel the vehicle's prodigious size). Of course, pressing on hard, you still do feel the X6 M's size. But even then, this is a veritable point-and-squirt machine that is easy to drive both fast and slow... think Golf GTI DSG, but with a whole lot more oomph and you wouldn't be too far off the mark.
Even without engaging the 'M' button, the power delivery is already fiercely furious in normal mode. The automatic gear-shifts are slushly-slurred and steering-wheel mounted paddles make immediate up/down-shifts a doodle to manage. Depress the starter button and enjoy a bassy rumble to life as the burly V8 awakens. The forced-induced V8 settles quickly into an almost-grumpy idle and there's none of the clatter and associated sub-sounds that other highly-strung naturally-aspirated engines emit.
Even in the lower rev-range, there's ample grunt from the two twin-scroll turbochargers to hustle the two-plus tonne vehicle around with unseemly haste. A 4.7 second sprint time to the 100km/h mark is nothing to sniff at by any stretch of the imagination, even less so when you bear in mind the X6 M's kerbweight.
In addition to leaving it in 'A', there are various modes to fiddle with to alter the transmission logic - S and M. Unlike the more deviant variety, the S and M on the X6 M is accessible to a larger audience, with 'S' giving you sportier characteristics over 'A' and 'M' does not shift-up automatically and really lets you wring the engine up to the redline for maximum impact. Incidentally, the Launch Control function is engaged via 'M' mode...
The body-shell feels pleasantly stiff and the biggest surprise are the well-sorted dynamics (thanks to the bespoke M suspension); even on 20-inch footwear, the ride and damping are always civilised, albeit firm, and never come across as crashy.
Another bonus is how the X6 M's proportions never feel big and seem to wrap around the driver (in the Cayenne, one can't help but feel the vehicle's prodigious size). Of course, pressing on hard, you still do feel the X6 M's size. But even then, this is a veritable point-and-squirt machine that is easy to drive both fast and slow... think Golf GTI DSG, but with a whole lot more oomph and you wouldn't be too far off the mark.
Like the X5 M, the X6 M features a specially-configured xDrive all-wheel drive setup that gives the cars more of a rear-drive feel for greater dynamics and driver involvement. Let's face it, the X6 M's limits are so high that notwithstanding any ham-fistedness or errors of judgement, one is unlikely to breach them on normal roads.
Again, there are several modes to toggle including MDM (M Dynamic Mode), which really lets you get even closer to the limits of adhesion (the 'nanny aids' cut in very late at close to the physical limit). The brakes (395mm front; 385mm rear) acquit themselves admirably in hauling this Leviathan to a standstill and resist fade successfully in urban traffic.
Conclusion
Unlike the X5 M, which sees competition from the likes of the Cayenne and ML 63 AMG, the X6 M is, for good or ill, pretty much unique (in both looks and segment).
Not for wall-flowers nor the faint-of-heart, the distinctively-styled X6 M packs a whole lotta point-and-squirt punch in its bulging, muscle-bound shape... and this isn't just relegated to the straight-line either, since it will more than hold its own against more overt performance cars down a winding road.
At the price-point, the bottom-line is whether or not the brand snobs can look beyond the BMW badge (to appreciate what the M badge offers) versus its arch-rivals.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Again, there are several modes to toggle including MDM (M Dynamic Mode), which really lets you get even closer to the limits of adhesion (the 'nanny aids' cut in very late at close to the physical limit). The brakes (395mm front; 385mm rear) acquit themselves admirably in hauling this Leviathan to a standstill and resist fade successfully in urban traffic.
Conclusion
Unlike the X5 M, which sees competition from the likes of the Cayenne and ML 63 AMG, the X6 M is, for good or ill, pretty much unique (in both looks and segment).
Not for wall-flowers nor the faint-of-heart, the distinctively-styled X6 M packs a whole lotta point-and-squirt punch in its bulging, muscle-bound shape... and this isn't just relegated to the straight-line either, since it will more than hold its own against more overt performance cars down a winding road.
At the price-point, the bottom-line is whether or not the brand snobs can look beyond the BMW badge (to appreciate what the M badge offers) versus its arch-rivals.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by David Khoo
Car Information
BMW X6 M 4.4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|7.2km/L
Horsepower
414kW (555 bhp)
Torque
680 Nm
Acceleration
4.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW X6 M
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