Insanely powerful twin-turbo V8; sports-car handling in a crossover wrapper; impeccably trimmed cabin; class-leading technology features
Dubious value relative to the regular V8-powered X6; impractical interior for a 2.5-ton crossover; Apple CarPlay is optional; Android Auto is not available at all
The once-optional leather-covered dashboard is now standard. And the previously optional bundle of driver-assistance features has been discontinued, with its contents migrating into the Executive package.
It seems wrong to buy the X6 M and not spend the extra $6,000 or so for all the additional equipment in the Executive package.
The 2018 BMW X6 M ($106,095) comes as one well-appointed model.
Standard features include 21-inch staggered-width wheels with high-performance tires, adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers, rear air suspension, quad tailpipes, M body kit, adaptive self-leveling xenon headlights with cornering lights, LED fog lights/taillights, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, a powered lift gate with hands-free operation (via a foot sensor in the bumper), front and rear parking sensors, a performance-themed instrument cluster with a high-resolution color driver information center, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/ignition, rain-sensing wipers, hill-descent control, power-adjustable steering wheel with paddle shifters, adjustable drive settings (Driving Dynamics Control), a rearview camera, heated/18-way power-adjustable front sport seats (each with memory settings), extended leather upholstery including a leather-covered dashboard, quad-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a self-dimming rearview mirror/driver's-side exterior mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio, a USB port, a 16-speaker/600-watt Harman Kardon audio system and BMW's iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-in touchscreen, satellite radio/HD Radio, navigation, real-time traffic updates and hard drive MP3 storage.
The optional Executive package adds adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, wireless smartphone charging, Wi-Fi, power-closing doors, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and rear sunshades. This package now includes many driver-assistance features, such as side-view/top-view cameras, a head-up display, forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, a semi-automated parking system and speed-limit warning.
Additional options include 20-in wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system with twin 9.2-in screens, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, an infrared night vision camera, a day's tuition in high-performance driving and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Cargo capacity is 26.6 cu ft. behind the rear seats and 59.7 cu ft. with those seats folded down. Most other vehicles in this 5,200-lb class offer more.
| Sport Utility | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X6 M Sports Activity Coupe | $105,100 / $98,245 | 8 Cylinder Turbo | 567 | 14 / 19 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
Standard safety equipment includes stability control, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (with automatic collision readiness) and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain).
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have put the X6 (M or otherwise) through their crash-test programs yet.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 12 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Maintenance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
2018 BMW X5 M -- Like the X6 M, only more practical.
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR -- A supercharged V8 now generates 575 hp and the RRS SVR has a chassis to match. An amazing machine.
2018 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe -- Arguably nicer styling than the X6 M. Comes with 10 more horsepower than the X6 M.
2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo -- Although it's an older design, the Cayenne Turbo remains a true athlete in this segment.
Used Porsche Panamera Turbo -- The Panamera Turbo is a car, as opposed to a crossover, but what a car. And it's an all-wheel-drive hatchback. A certified pre-owned (CPO) model might be available in the new X6 M's price bracket.
An impractical yet expensive crossover can still be utterly desirable. Just look at the super powerf...
