New BMW X6 M50d review, test drive

The original X6 created an absolute sensation when it was launched back in 2008. There was really nothing like it. The sporty coupé-like roofline, those ‘packed-with-muscle’ haunches and the high tail — it was both sensational and unique. Opinion on the car, however, was split right down the middle. You either loved it or hated it; there was no in-between.

On the one hand, you had people who just loved the stance of the car and what it stood for. Half coupé, half SUV, it was the sportiest-looking and sportiest-driving 4X4 in the world: BMW does like to make its cars sportier than the rest.

On the flipside, the X6 also became the focus of much unwarranted attention from the SUV-hating greens. It was too big and bulky, they said; and unnecessarily so. And many car lovers questioned the need for such a big, heavy sporting car too. BMW, meanwhile, kept ploughing away with the X6. And it was rewarded for its perseverance. Over the years, a not inconsiderable 255,000 X6 admirers decided they liked the car so much, they put down money and bought it.

Now BMW is ready to launch the new X6, codenamed F16, no pun intended. The car still looks a bit nuts, but the overall stance is not as shocking as it used to be. Yes, while the high ‘ducktail’-like integrated spoiler still stands out and the near-horizontal ‘fastback’ rear windscreen is still unique, as are those muscled haunches, this new X6 somehow looks less radical. The headlights and larger kidney grille are similar to the X5 and are mounted higher up, the big ‘X’ in the bumper is now more clearly visible and the more horizontal bonnet has some really sharp and interesting cuts and creases. BMW has also reduced aerodynamic drag. The CD is now down to 0.32, a substantial improvement on the old car’s 0.35. 

The X6 is new on the inside too. Those of you familiar with BMW’s interior style sheet will find the cabin familiar. The more upright instrument binnacle, the double-deck outer vents and the more bulbous steering boss are all familiar BMW SUV details, but there’s enough new stuff to keep the cabin looking fresh. A wide band of chrome separates the top half of the dash from the lighter lower parts, detailing on the interiors is sumptuous with soft edges, and chrome highlights add to the sporty feel of the cabin.