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BMW M Series X6 M50d 3.0 (A) Review
07 Oct 2015|20,153 views
Much has been said about the BMW X6's divisive looks when we reviewed the X6 xDrive50i earlier this year. You either really liked it or you didn't at all. For us, a deep-seated preference for classic styles sees the BMW X5 delight while the avant garde styling of the X6 has always intrigued.
Big and bold, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) from Bavarian Motor Works is at once hulking, suggesting that it's got enough space to move the house, yet, it's fashionable enough for a night out. Like the wife's little black dress, one only sees the visually alluring attributes.
We love the look of the twin 'butt holes': fiesty and sexy
It's a fascinating combination, and a recipe that has (surprisingly) allowed the X6 to thrive in a market that is enamoured with the SAC/SUV/Crossover class of vehicle. In this instance, we find out just how the latest performance variant, the X6 M50d, equipped with BMW's most powerful tri-turbo diesel engine, fits in the range.
Exterior
The X6 is a gargantuan car and while it may look diminutive from a long way off, it looms bigger and bigger as you approach it. It's commanding, yet daunting. Squeezing out of tight parking spaces can have you break sweat (there is a fair amount of visibility, but you'd always hope for more given the size of the car), but thank goodness for the bird's eye top view camera system in the car.
Big and bold, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) from Bavarian Motor Works is at once hulking, suggesting that it's got enough space to move the house, yet, it's fashionable enough for a night out. Like the wife's little black dress, one only sees the visually alluring attributes.
It's a fascinating combination, and a recipe that has (surprisingly) allowed the X6 to thrive in a market that is enamoured with the SAC/SUV/Crossover class of vehicle. In this instance, we find out just how the latest performance variant, the X6 M50d, equipped with BMW's most powerful tri-turbo diesel engine, fits in the range.
Exterior
The X6 is a gargantuan car and while it may look diminutive from a long way off, it looms bigger and bigger as you approach it. It's commanding, yet daunting. Squeezing out of tight parking spaces can have you break sweat (there is a fair amount of visibility, but you'd always hope for more given the size of the car), but thank goodness for the bird's eye top view camera system in the car.
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In this M performance variant, the 4,909mm long, 1,989mm wide and 1,702mm tall SAC has been kitted out more sportily with a hint of raciness about it. Look closely and you'd notice the 'M' badges around the car, namely just above the enlarged front wheel arches and beneath the A-pillar as well as on each of the four 20-inch rims. With subtlety at play, much of the M performance enhancements are purposeful rather than aesthetic.
On the car's front and rear, one will notice a sportier kit, with large gaping orifices for aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. The front wheel arches even feature slits for enhanced aerodynamics. For greater differentiation, the car also features Ferric grey contrast side mirrors and black chromo trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
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Interior
Polarising looks aside, the BMW X6 has always been known as a car that pampers the driver with a luxurious interior. And despite its sportier characteristics, the X6 M50d fulfils all expectations with a beautiful well-appointed interior that's lined with an abundance of soft leather and aluminium 'Hexagon' inlays on the dashboard.
Interior, while familiar and dated, is driver-oriented and plush
Driver and passenger will be able to enjoy the experience sitting on the leather-alcantara seats that even feature the reds and blues of BMW's M colours. For entertainment and a greater sense of spaciousness, our test car even featured a crisp surround sound system from Bang & Olufsen as well as a sunroof.
The Drive
To say the X6 M50d is powerful is an understatement. Powered by BMW's new 3.0-litre triple turbo diesel engine that produces 381bhp and 740Nm of torque, this 2.2-tonne hulk of a car is capable of zooming off the line and hitting 100km/h in a blazing 5.2 seconds before topping out at a maximum speed of 250km/h.
Polarising looks aside, the BMW X6 has always been known as a car that pampers the driver with a luxurious interior. And despite its sportier characteristics, the X6 M50d fulfils all expectations with a beautiful well-appointed interior that's lined with an abundance of soft leather and aluminium 'Hexagon' inlays on the dashboard.
Driver and passenger will be able to enjoy the experience sitting on the leather-alcantara seats that even feature the reds and blues of BMW's M colours. For entertainment and a greater sense of spaciousness, our test car even featured a crisp surround sound system from Bang & Olufsen as well as a sunroof.
The Drive
To say the X6 M50d is powerful is an understatement. Powered by BMW's new 3.0-litre triple turbo diesel engine that produces 381bhp and 740Nm of torque, this 2.2-tonne hulk of a car is capable of zooming off the line and hitting 100km/h in a blazing 5.2 seconds before topping out at a maximum speed of 250km/h.
But the loveliest thing about this performance, is how refined it feels for the driver behind the wheel. Unless you're the sort who enjoys gunning the car hard and fast like a rodeo bull, the M50d will let you pull away from other cars at the light with ease and some booming exhaust notes. The manner in which the eight-speed Steptronic autobox cycles through the gears is as silky smooth as the car's acceleration is creamy.
580 litres of boot space qualify this as functional and fast
For a diesel engine, this BMW tri-turbo plant has set the gold standard in performance. Save for a slight clatter when the windows are unwound, one would be hard-pressed to guess that there is an oil-burner under the bonnet. Especially not with the car's excellent cabin insulation and firm yet stable ride. In fact, as one drives over the bumps in the road, it's more likely that you'll hear the large 20-inch wheels roll over them rather than feel it.
For a diesel engine, this BMW tri-turbo plant has set the gold standard in performance. Save for a slight clatter when the windows are unwound, one would be hard-pressed to guess that there is an oil-burner under the bonnet. Especially not with the car's excellent cabin insulation and firm yet stable ride. In fact, as one drives over the bumps in the road, it's more likely that you'll hear the large 20-inch wheels roll over them rather than feel it.
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Having said this, the car is very clearly one for the open road, and long open stretches of tarmac are where it really belongs. The drivetrain's refined characteristics are best suited for powering down long straights, where it possesses enough breath to slip in between traffic like a hot knife through butter. It's exceedingly quick and carries its speed so well that had we not glanced at the head-up display, we wouldn't have realised the speed limit breach.
With the M-specific configurations such as the springs, dampers and steering, the X6 M50d is a lot more stable and planted than the regular X6 that we tested. Body roll is evident, but that's only to be expected in a car that carries so much mass.
3.0-litre tri-turbo diesel engine is where the magic happens
In the greater scheme of things, handling as well as road-holding and performance have come together so harmoniously that the car is at once efficient (the diesel engine returns about 15km/L), comfortable, and enjoyable to pilot (there are the usual driving modes like Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+), accompanied by the soundtrack of growling acceleration with some boom and the occasional pop.
With the M-specific configurations such as the springs, dampers and steering, the X6 M50d is a lot more stable and planted than the regular X6 that we tested. Body roll is evident, but that's only to be expected in a car that carries so much mass.
In the greater scheme of things, handling as well as road-holding and performance have come together so harmoniously that the car is at once efficient (the diesel engine returns about 15km/L), comfortable, and enjoyable to pilot (there are the usual driving modes like Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+), accompanied by the soundtrack of growling acceleration with some boom and the occasional pop.
Conclusion
An apparent downside of the car though, is that while its presence makes driving on the highways easy (smaller cars will indivertibly give way to you as you bear down the fast lane or attempt to switch lanes), that same presence will be a bane in stop-start peak hour traffic and navigating through crowded city roads.
Ride remains to be comfortable despite being fitted with 20-inchers
Still, it's an inherent feature of our urban landscape in Singapore and is definitely something that can be mitigated with more practice and awareness. Get that right and this could well be that stylish family car that will definitely leave an impression.
An apparent downside of the car though, is that while its presence makes driving on the highways easy (smaller cars will indivertibly give way to you as you bear down the fast lane or attempt to switch lanes), that same presence will be a bane in stop-start peak hour traffic and navigating through crowded city roads.
Still, it's an inherent feature of our urban landscape in Singapore and is definitely something that can be mitigated with more practice and awareness. Get that right and this could well be that stylish family car that will definitely leave an impression.
Much has been said about the BMW X6's divisive looks when we reviewed the X6 xDrive50i earlier this year. You either really liked it or you didn't at all. For us, a deep-seated preference for classic styles sees the BMW X5 delight while the avant garde styling of the X6 has always intrigued.
Big and bold, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) from Bavarian Motor Works is at once hulking, suggesting that it's got enough space to move the house, yet, it's fashionable enough for a night out. Like the wife's little black dress, one only sees the visually alluring attributes.
It's a fascinating combination, and a recipe that has (surprisingly) allowed the X6 to thrive in a market that is enamoured with the SAC/SUV/Crossover class of vehicle. In this instance, we find out just how the latest performance variant, the X6 M50d, equipped with BMW's most powerful tri-turbo diesel engine, fits in the range.
Exterior
The X6 is a gargantuan car and while it may look diminutive from a long way off, it looms bigger and bigger as you approach it. It's commanding, yet daunting. Squeezing out of tight parking spaces can have you break sweat (there is a fair amount of visibility, but you'd always hope for more given the size of the car), but thank goodness for the bird's eye top view camera system in the car.
Big and bold, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) from Bavarian Motor Works is at once hulking, suggesting that it's got enough space to move the house, yet, it's fashionable enough for a night out. Like the wife's little black dress, one only sees the visually alluring attributes.
It's a fascinating combination, and a recipe that has (surprisingly) allowed the X6 to thrive in a market that is enamoured with the SAC/SUV/Crossover class of vehicle. In this instance, we find out just how the latest performance variant, the X6 M50d, equipped with BMW's most powerful tri-turbo diesel engine, fits in the range.
Exterior
The X6 is a gargantuan car and while it may look diminutive from a long way off, it looms bigger and bigger as you approach it. It's commanding, yet daunting. Squeezing out of tight parking spaces can have you break sweat (there is a fair amount of visibility, but you'd always hope for more given the size of the car), but thank goodness for the bird's eye top view camera system in the car.
In this M performance variant, the 4,909mm long, 1,989mm wide and 1,702mm tall SAC has been kitted out more sportily with a hint of raciness about it. Look closely and you'd notice the 'M' badges around the car, namely just above the enlarged front wheel arches and beneath the A-pillar as well as on each of the four 20-inch rims. With subtlety at play, much of the M performance enhancements are purposeful rather than aesthetic.
On the car's front and rear, one will notice a sportier kit, with large gaping orifices for aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. The front wheel arches even feature slits for enhanced aerodynamics. For greater differentiation, the car also features Ferric grey contrast side mirrors and black chromo trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
On the car's front and rear, one will notice a sportier kit, with large gaping orifices for aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. The front wheel arches even feature slits for enhanced aerodynamics. For greater differentiation, the car also features Ferric grey contrast side mirrors and black chromo trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
Interior
Polarising looks aside, the BMW X6 has always been known as a car that pampers the driver with a luxurious interior. And despite its sportier characteristics, the X6 M50d fulfils all expectations with a beautiful well-appointed interior that's lined with an abundance of soft leather and aluminium 'Hexagon' inlays on the dashboard.
Driver and passenger will be able to enjoy the experience sitting on the leather-alcantara seats that even feature the reds and blues of BMW's M colours. For entertainment and a greater sense of spaciousness, our test car even featured a crisp surround sound system from Bang & Olufsen as well as a sunroof.
The Drive
To say the X6 M50d is powerful is an understatement. Powered by BMW's new 3.0-litre triple turbo diesel engine that produces 381bhp and 740Nm of torque, this 2.2-tonne hulk of a car is capable of zooming off the line and hitting 100km/h in a blazing 5.2 seconds before topping out at a maximum speed of 250km/h.
Polarising looks aside, the BMW X6 has always been known as a car that pampers the driver with a luxurious interior. And despite its sportier characteristics, the X6 M50d fulfils all expectations with a beautiful well-appointed interior that's lined with an abundance of soft leather and aluminium 'Hexagon' inlays on the dashboard.
Driver and passenger will be able to enjoy the experience sitting on the leather-alcantara seats that even feature the reds and blues of BMW's M colours. For entertainment and a greater sense of spaciousness, our test car even featured a crisp surround sound system from Bang & Olufsen as well as a sunroof.
The Drive
To say the X6 M50d is powerful is an understatement. Powered by BMW's new 3.0-litre triple turbo diesel engine that produces 381bhp and 740Nm of torque, this 2.2-tonne hulk of a car is capable of zooming off the line and hitting 100km/h in a blazing 5.2 seconds before topping out at a maximum speed of 250km/h.
But the loveliest thing about this performance, is how refined it feels for the driver behind the wheel. Unless you're the sort who enjoys gunning the car hard and fast like a rodeo bull, the M50d will let you pull away from other cars at the light with ease and some booming exhaust notes. The manner in which the eight-speed Steptronic autobox cycles through the gears is as silky smooth as the car's acceleration is creamy.
For a diesel engine, this BMW tri-turbo plant has set the gold standard in performance. Save for a slight clatter when the windows are unwound, one would be hard-pressed to guess that there is an oil-burner under the bonnet. Especially not with the car's excellent cabin insulation and firm yet stable ride. In fact, as one drives over the bumps in the road, it's more likely that you'll hear the large 20-inch wheels roll over them rather than feel it.
For a diesel engine, this BMW tri-turbo plant has set the gold standard in performance. Save for a slight clatter when the windows are unwound, one would be hard-pressed to guess that there is an oil-burner under the bonnet. Especially not with the car's excellent cabin insulation and firm yet stable ride. In fact, as one drives over the bumps in the road, it's more likely that you'll hear the large 20-inch wheels roll over them rather than feel it.
Having said this, the car is very clearly one for the open road, and long open stretches of tarmac are where it really belongs. The drivetrain's refined characteristics are best suited for powering down long straights, where it possesses enough breath to slip in between traffic like a hot knife through butter. It's exceedingly quick and carries its speed so well that had we not glanced at the head-up display, we wouldn't have realised the speed limit breach.
With the M-specific configurations such as the springs, dampers and steering, the X6 M50d is a lot more stable and planted than the regular X6 that we tested. Body roll is evident, but that's only to be expected in a car that carries so much mass.
In the greater scheme of things, handling as well as road-holding and performance have come together so harmoniously that the car is at once efficient (the diesel engine returns about 15km/L), comfortable, and enjoyable to pilot (there are the usual driving modes like Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+), accompanied by the soundtrack of growling acceleration with some boom and the occasional pop.
With the M-specific configurations such as the springs, dampers and steering, the X6 M50d is a lot more stable and planted than the regular X6 that we tested. Body roll is evident, but that's only to be expected in a car that carries so much mass.
In the greater scheme of things, handling as well as road-holding and performance have come together so harmoniously that the car is at once efficient (the diesel engine returns about 15km/L), comfortable, and enjoyable to pilot (there are the usual driving modes like Eco-Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+), accompanied by the soundtrack of growling acceleration with some boom and the occasional pop.
Conclusion
An apparent downside of the car though, is that while its presence makes driving on the highways easy (smaller cars will indivertibly give way to you as you bear down the fast lane or attempt to switch lanes), that same presence will be a bane in stop-start peak hour traffic and navigating through crowded city roads.
Still, it's an inherent feature of our urban landscape in Singapore and is definitely something that can be mitigated with more practice and awareness. Get that right and this could well be that stylish family car that will definitely leave an impression.
An apparent downside of the car though, is that while its presence makes driving on the highways easy (smaller cars will indivertibly give way to you as you bear down the fast lane or attempt to switch lanes), that same presence will be a bane in stop-start peak hour traffic and navigating through crowded city roads.
Still, it's an inherent feature of our urban landscape in Singapore and is definitely something that can be mitigated with more practice and awareness. Get that right and this could well be that stylish family car that will definitely leave an impression.
Photos by Jonathan Tan
Car Information
BMW X6 M50d 3.0 (A)
CAT B|Diesel|15.2km/L
Horsepower
284kW (381 bhp)
Torque
740 Nm
Acceleration
5.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW X6 M50d
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