2019 BMW X6 M Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

BMW's Active Driving Assistant is standardApple CarPlay is standard but on a subscription basisPart of the second X6 M generation introduced for 2015

　　Is the 2019 BMW X6 M a gigantic sports car or an ultra-sporty luxury SUV? The answer is "both" but also "neither." It's an automotive curio that exists outside typical car and SUV segments and defies traditional car-buying advice. But for those who do "get it," the X6 M won't disappoint.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$291/mo  for X6 M Base

　　X6 M Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $105,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For starters, it comes with a 567-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. That's quicker than BMW's M4 coupe. Meanwhile, handling is exceptional for such a big, heavy vehicle thanks to an ably tuned suspension and a torque vectoring system that mechanically transfers power between the wheels. Perhaps the ride will be too firm for some and the power delivery a bit too frenetic, but as we said, this is a niche creature. It won't be for everyone.

　　That's certainly the case in terms of practicality. Its 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space underneath its fastback-like hatch is definitely more than you'd get in a comparably priced performance sedan, let alone a sport coupe. However, that number also pales in comparison to the capacity of other SUVs, most notably BMW's X5 M. Backseat space is also compromised by that sloping roof — and even if you fit comfortably, you'll definitely feel more confined.

　　Still, the X6 M is appealing should you prioritize performance and fun over practicality and subtlety. Plus, when equipped with the Executive package, the X6's touring capability comes through. Comfortable seats, abundant convenience features and active driver aids provide everyday livability in this otherwise monster of a machine. Of course, if you're really interested in livability, the regular non-M BMW X6 will be a better choice.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 BMW X6 M as one of zzdcar' Fastest SUVs for 2019.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　The X6 M thinks it's a sports car. In fact, its handling prowess is such that you'll need to take it to a racetrack to fully understand just how hard the sticky performance tires, huge brakes, adaptive suspension and rear-biased AWD system will allow you to push this SUV.

　　

Acceleration

　　Acceleration is impressive. The V8 produces immense torque from about 2,500 rpm and just takes off. Expect a 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds. The X6 M just goes and keeps going until you run out of road.

　　

Braking

　　The brake pedal is easy to modulate when you're driving normally. The expected braking power is here, too — jump on it, and the X6 M will slow in a hurry. The brakes are sufficiently powerful for a high-performance SUV.

　　

Handling

　　The X6 M has incredibly quick turn-in, and there's a ton of grip from the tires. It's sports-car performance in an SUV body.

　　

Drivability

　　The X6 M can almost feel overcaffeinated at times in regular driving. The controls, specifically the throttle, are almost too aggressively tuned, which is not a trait shared by the BMW M5 or other M cars.

　　

Comfort

　　The cabin appointments are first-rate, and the X6 M comports itself well on the road. The ride quality is quite stiff, but otherwise there are few faults to be found.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The sensational M sport seats adjust in 14 different ways that include power bolsters and thigh adjustment, making them great for long distances and driving around corners.

　　

Ride comfort

　　This is a firm-riding vehicle, and if you live in an area with poor pavement, it could get tiresome. This, in conjunction with the above drivability comments, may make the X6 M difficult to live with during the daily drive.

　　

Interior

　　The interior layout pays the price for the X6's stylized exterior. The sloping roof limits headroom and significantly restricts rear-seat access. Rearward blind spots are prominent. Cargo space and storage are merely average, and the rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat.

　　

Ease of use

　　The centrally located iDrive controller resides at the driver's fingertips. The climate control layout is functional but has too many buttons.

　　

Getting in/getting out

　　Front-seat access benefits from the X6 M's height and a wide-opening door. Rear-seat entry is an exercise in flexibility. The door does not open far enough, the opening is too sloped at the roof, and the wheel hump is a hip bruiser.

　　

Roominess

　　Most 6-footers and shorter will find plenty of headroom up front. Elbows and knees will be similarly pleased. The back seat offers suitable legroom for adults, but the roof design limits headroom for taller passengers.

　　

Visibility

　　Views out the front benefit from lots of glass and the tall ride height. Over-the-shoulder views are limited significantly by thick rear pillars, and the rear window is small.

　　

Quality

　　In this well-made SUV, the panels fit with consistent gaps, no squeaks or rattles were to be found, and the interior oozes quality. Leather covers virtually every surface.

　　

Utility

　　The rear hatch opening is low. The smallish cargo area is aided by underfloor storage. The rear bench seat folds in a 40/20/40 split but not fully flat. The door pockets are usefully large, but the door bottle holders are angled dramatically.

　　

Technology

　　The X6 M comes with tons of infotainment and safety features standard. The latest iDrive interface is appreciated, and we love both available sound systems. The quasi-inclusion of Apple CarPlay as a trial subscription is unusual. It should just be standard, period.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　The X6 benefits from the latest version of BMW's iDrive interface, which among other advancements, gains touchscreen functionality in addition to the console-mounted knob (though the screen is smaller than the X5's). You can't go wrong with either the stock 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system or the optional Bang & Olufsen upgrade.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　BMW ConnectedDrive includes diverse services, from remote locking and unlocking to emergency collision notification. Many features can be controlled from a smartphone app. Apple CarPlay is kind of standard — it's a one-year trial subscription, which is unusual for the industry.

　　

Driver aids

　　The X6 M now comes standard with the typical allotment of accident avoidance tech and driver aids. Forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are included.

　　

Which X6 M does zzdcar recommend?

　　There's not much to decide upon other than colors and packages. We'd opt for the Executive package. This luxury-oriented option group includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and active safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system and lane departure warning.

　　

2019 BMW X6 M models

　　The 2019 BMW X6 M is a high-performance midsize luxury SUV with seating for five. It's offered in a single trim level. Like any BMW, a bundle of options is offered for further personalization. Several are grouped into the useful Executive package, though most are stand-alone items.

　　The X6 M starts with a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine (567 horsepower, 553 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

　　Standard feature highlights include 21-inch wheels, high-performance tires, adaptive suspension dampers, a rear air suspension, BMW's active roll stabilization, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

　　Interior highlights include heated power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable steering wheel, 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, four-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped dash, and ambient cabin lighting. You also get BMW's iDrive interface (10.2-inch display, center console controller), a navigation system, a yearlong trial subscription to Apple CarPlay, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, satellite and HD radio, a CD player, and BMW's suite of smartphone-integrated connected services called ConnectedDrive.

　　Considering all that standard equipment, the X6 M has a short options list. The Executive package includes features such as adaptive LED headlights, an automated parking system, surround-view parking cameras, power-closing doors, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, rear side window shades, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, aluminum-look exterior trim, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.

　　

2019 X6 M Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$105,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$291/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles