The plain Jane X6 was only released for sale to the world some time in mid 2008 and it wasn't until last year in 2012 when the Bavarian marque unveiled the new high performance M50d to go head on with Audi S cars.
While it may come as a surprise to many that the M Brand - known for being the pinnacle of performance in BMW's bloodline and one defined by racetrack ready cars - will come up with diesel-powered performance cars, we can't deny that dipping its toe in the unknown water was the next best thing to do.
To the uninitiated, the difference between M and M Performance can be tricky, considering the cars bear similar red and blue badges and each features the powerful and popular moniker on its sheet metal.
To put it out there, a proper M car like the M3 or the M5 are essentially sizzling hot, thoroughbred twisted Bavarian bruisers that go against the likes of Audi RS and Mercedes-Benz AMG. M Performance cars, on the other hand, are basically sub-sectored cars that are right smacked in between regular BMW cars and M cars.
But they're certainly no halfway-house if you ask us.
Exterior
The massive monster remains to be one of the most dominating SUVs on the road. Ultimately, the X6 M50d is also one of the most interesting propositions in BMW's stable, especially when it's all beefed up with hardcore gym sessions and added steroids. The 'muscle car' look endows it with a lot of envious eyeballs, given that it targets entirely different demographic of buyers - much like the Porsche Cayenne.
While it may come as a surprise to many that the M Brand - known for being the pinnacle of performance in BMW's bloodline and one defined by racetrack ready cars - will come up with diesel-powered performance cars, we can't deny that dipping its toe in the unknown water was the next best thing to do.
To the uninitiated, the difference between M and M Performance can be tricky, considering the cars bear similar red and blue badges and each features the powerful and popular moniker on its sheet metal.
To put it out there, a proper M car like the M3 or the M5 are essentially sizzling hot, thoroughbred twisted Bavarian bruisers that go against the likes of Audi RS and Mercedes-Benz AMG. M Performance cars, on the other hand, are basically sub-sectored cars that are right smacked in between regular BMW cars and M cars.
But they're certainly no halfway-house if you ask us.
Exterior
The massive monster remains to be one of the most dominating SUVs on the road. Ultimately, the X6 M50d is also one of the most interesting propositions in BMW's stable, especially when it's all beefed up with hardcore gym sessions and added steroids. The 'muscle car' look endows it with a lot of envious eyeballs, given that it targets entirely different demographic of buyers - much like the Porsche Cayenne.
As with most performance cars, it's not all cosmetic here. Having aerodynamics and cooling efficient as top priority, the front end of the car features massive air intakes instead of fog lamps to improve engine cooling. Other unique external features (as to the regular guise) include the bulge on the bonnet, air-cutting front apron and black tailpipes, all of which further complement the vehicle's dynamic proportions.
It's almost like the car was made with a strong sense of purpose. And the fact that the car comes with the gigantic 20-inch wheels further accentuates this very fact - making it the perfect weapon of choice to bolt out of the lot and onto the road while other pesky vehicles hustle out of the way.
The X6 M50d will probably land in the hands of a buyer who doesn't want to be portrayed as an attention seeking individual or overtly snobbish behind the wheel of a Porsche or a Mercedes-Benz AMG.
Not to say this bulging behemoth doesn't look menacing enough. Standing proudly at 4,876mm x 1,983mm x 1,684mm (L x W x H), the vehicle will easily purge the notion that it's going to be a pushover, especially when it's capable of forcing slower moving vehicles to scurry out of the way on expressways.
It's almost like the car was made with a strong sense of purpose. And the fact that the car comes with the gigantic 20-inch wheels further accentuates this very fact - making it the perfect weapon of choice to bolt out of the lot and onto the road while other pesky vehicles hustle out of the way.
The X6 M50d will probably land in the hands of a buyer who doesn't want to be portrayed as an attention seeking individual or overtly snobbish behind the wheel of a Porsche or a Mercedes-Benz AMG.
Not to say this bulging behemoth doesn't look menacing enough. Standing proudly at 4,876mm x 1,983mm x 1,684mm (L x W x H), the vehicle will easily purge the notion that it's going to be a pushover, especially when it's capable of forcing slower moving vehicles to scurry out of the way on expressways.
Interior
Like its sheet metal, the cabin sports ample 'M' badges (on the gear lever, steering wheel, seats, etc) to remind you just how proud you should be to be piloting one.
Clad in Alcantara-leather combined with Nappa, the benches are superbly snug and supportive and will be able to haul all five occupants across the border and back without feeling lethargic and sore.
More impressively, despite it's sloping roofline, the X6 M50d will provide occupants with ample space. The boot space will also increase from 570 litres (with rear seats in place) to 1,450 litres (with rear seats folded down).
Like its sheet metal, the cabin sports ample 'M' badges (on the gear lever, steering wheel, seats, etc) to remind you just how proud you should be to be piloting one.
Clad in Alcantara-leather combined with Nappa, the benches are superbly snug and supportive and will be able to haul all five occupants across the border and back without feeling lethargic and sore.
More impressively, despite it's sloping roofline, the X6 M50d will provide occupants with ample space. The boot space will also increase from 570 litres (with rear seats in place) to 1,450 litres (with rear seats folded down).
As with all Bimmers, controls fall readily and easily to hand (thanks to the iDrive system, of course), giving the driver the added confidence and convenience to organise the audio and handphone settings while on the go.
Nestled behind the helm, front visibility is surprisingly clear, although we can't say the same for rearward visibility, which makes parking a tad challenging.
To help get around this, cameras located on strategic places (such as below the side mirrors) on the car help give the driver a bird's eye view of what's around the car while manoeuvring in tighter angles.
Nestled behind the helm, front visibility is surprisingly clear, although we can't say the same for rearward visibility, which makes parking a tad challenging.
To help get around this, cameras located on strategic places (such as below the side mirrors) on the car help give the driver a bird's eye view of what's around the car while manoeuvring in tighter angles.
The Drive
First things first. On paper, the Bavarian bruiser will despatch the century sprint in 5.3 seconds flat. While that is remarkable, it's not the icing on the cake.
The more significant impression is the tri-turbo engine setup, which is also the first of its kind in BMW's stable. The 3.0-litre car uses two small and one big turbo to maximise the power across power band (similar to the X5 M50d).
The first turbo, which is the smaller one, ensures fast acceleration at low revs. The second turbo, which is the larger unit, supports the first one and takes over at mid revs to realise a consistently high torque. The third and final turbo, which is another small one, engages the moment you hit the higher-end of the rev counter, providing you with an absolutely lag-free throttle response and ample oomph.
As a result, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) feels like an unstoppable force of nature. Around bends, the X6 M50d gives you the sense of comfort that there's nothing soft and lifeless about it. Body roll is well controlled, with a precise and well weighted steering that will marvel even the most demanding driver.
First things first. On paper, the Bavarian bruiser will despatch the century sprint in 5.3 seconds flat. While that is remarkable, it's not the icing on the cake.
The more significant impression is the tri-turbo engine setup, which is also the first of its kind in BMW's stable. The 3.0-litre car uses two small and one big turbo to maximise the power across power band (similar to the X5 M50d).
The first turbo, which is the smaller one, ensures fast acceleration at low revs. The second turbo, which is the larger unit, supports the first one and takes over at mid revs to realise a consistently high torque. The third and final turbo, which is another small one, engages the moment you hit the higher-end of the rev counter, providing you with an absolutely lag-free throttle response and ample oomph.
As a result, the Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) feels like an unstoppable force of nature. Around bends, the X6 M50d gives you the sense of comfort that there's nothing soft and lifeless about it. Body roll is well controlled, with a precise and well weighted steering that will marvel even the most demanding driver.
Once on the clear straights, the instant power and gratifying pace of 381bhp and 740Nm of torque will push you backwards to the seat as you nail the right pedal and see the rev counter rise up all the way to the redline, accompanied by an obnoxious grunt that will magnify the aural pleasure. Unlike other diesel cars, the X6 M50d has got lungs that are big enough to see you to the top of the rev range.
With such furious forces at play, the brakes do the job admirably by hauling this Bavarian behemoth to a standstill, with a formidable stopping force that will add on an extra dose of confidence to the driver.
When driven like a gentleman's car, the X6 M50d goes over imperfect tarmac without sending unnecessary shudders to the cabin. It manages well to maintain the composure of a typical flagship sedan and tarmac adherence of a coupe.
Conclusion
It's an amazing work of art, this car. It gets the extra oomph from the tri-turbo layout, eliminates lag diesel cars are commonly associated with and manages to give a boost to its fuel economy. Thanks to its lighter engine compared to the V8 that was used years back, the X6 M50d will return some 13km/L.
But more often than not, the average buyer of a car of this stature wouldn't give two hoots about the fuel consumption. It's probably more of a statement to have it parked beside the rest of the other cars in his garage or patio.
Besides, for a vehicle like the X6 M50d, you buy one because you can and there's really nothing to prove to anyone else.
With such furious forces at play, the brakes do the job admirably by hauling this Bavarian behemoth to a standstill, with a formidable stopping force that will add on an extra dose of confidence to the driver.
When driven like a gentleman's car, the X6 M50d goes over imperfect tarmac without sending unnecessary shudders to the cabin. It manages well to maintain the composure of a typical flagship sedan and tarmac adherence of a coupe.
Conclusion
It's an amazing work of art, this car. It gets the extra oomph from the tri-turbo layout, eliminates lag diesel cars are commonly associated with and manages to give a boost to its fuel economy. Thanks to its lighter engine compared to the V8 that was used years back, the X6 M50d will return some 13km/L.
But more often than not, the average buyer of a car of this stature wouldn't give two hoots about the fuel consumption. It's probably more of a statement to have it parked beside the rest of the other cars in his garage or patio.
Besides, for a vehicle like the X6 M50d, you buy one because you can and there's really nothing to prove to anyone else.
