The Sports activities Exercise Coupe – SAC for brief – moniker is BMW’s method of describing their lineup of fastback-touting SUVs. The BMW X6 is the corporate’s longest-running mannequin, and its general success ultimately spawned an X4 and X2 mannequin – the previous of which might be leaving manufacturing in mid-2025. Regardless of being the model’s SAC genesis, the BMW X6 tends to draw a whole lot of ire. We predict that’s just a little unfair, as a result of there are, in actual fact, some fairly good causes to select up a BMW X6 as an alternative of one thing extra mainstream.
The X6 is Fascinating to Look At
Whereas sure, the BMW X6 is principally outlined by a polarizing rear three-quarters design that you just’ll both love or hate, it’s additionally a approach to stand out from extra pedestrian-looking SUVs. Taking a look at you, there, X5. We additionally discover the sloping fastback design loads much less polarizing than the X7’s split-headlight entrance fascia. The X6 boasts a pleasant steadiness of old-school BMW – like a traditional kidney grille – and edgy, maybe overdone, new-school design.
Although the identical may be mentioned for the X5, we really feel that handsome SUVs are getting tougher and tougher to search out lately, whether or not you’re sticking solely to BMW or different automakers. The few good-looking ones deserve recognition. Even higher, the X6 comes commonplace with M Sport design particulars, which completely enhances the extra aggressive hatch design.
The X6 Has Extra Customary Options Than the X5
As we simply talked about, the X6 already comes with M Sport goodies that you just’d should pay further for on the X5. That features distinctive 20-inch wheels, extra aggressive physique work, Shadowline exterior trim, and a nicer steering wheel. The Adaptive M Suspension is unlocked, too. The X6 additionally comes solely with xDrive all-wheel drive, as any half-competent SUV ought to. One other upcharge for X5 consumers. That makes for added usability in off-road conditions (for those who dare) and a few added peace of thoughts in inclement climate, too.
These commonplace options definitely assist alleviate one of many extra legitimate sticking factors critics of the X6 have, which is the value. The X6 is dearer than the X5, however an M Sport- and xDrive-equipped X5 units you again $71,350 – lower than $4,000 away from the usual X6 xDrive40i.
The X6 M Competitors Nonetheless Rips
We’re particularly speaking in regards to the twin-turbo V8-powered X6 M Competitors, however the level form of stands true for the entire X6 lineup. The X6 – just like the X5 – nonetheless provides distinctive efficiency for an SUV. The physics-defying nature of the tremendous SUV remains to be one thing particular if you’re behind the wheel, and the X6 doesn’t shake any of that attraction. We do want that the X6 had a hybrid providing to rival the X5 xDrive50e. However, hey, no one’s good.
On the efficiency observe, it’s additionally necessary to keep in mind that there’s an objectively extra egregious misappropriation in BMW’s personal “Sports activities Exercise Coupe” lineup. The BMW XM is an SUV with followers few and much between. It provides inferior efficiency in comparison with the X6 M Competitors and prices nearly $30,000 extra.
Shopping for the X6 – very similar to shopping for nearly any automobile above a base Corolla – is finally an emotional determination slightly than a logical one. Although its increased price ticket and diminished cargo area won’t make a whole lot of sense to you, we predict it in all probability will get a nasty rap that’s hardly due. Particularly with elephants – actually and figuratively – within the room just like the XM. The X6 debuted in 2008, making it a mannequin that’s turning 20 years previous in only a few years – it’s time to make it really feel like a part of the household.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com
