The Sports activities Exercise Coupe – SAC for brief – moniker is BMW’s means 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 shall 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 expect that’s just a little unfair, as a result of there are, the truth is, some fairly good causes to choose 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 technique to stand out from extra pedestrian-looking SUVs. Taking a look at you, there, X5. We additionally discover the sloping fastback design rather a lot much less polarizing than the X7’s split-headlight entrance fascia. The X6 boasts a pleasant stability of old-school BMW – like a basic kidney grille – and edgy, maybe overdone, new-school design.
Although the identical might be stated for the X5, we really feel that handsome SUVs are getting tougher and tougher to seek out as of late, 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 Normal Options Than the X5
As we simply talked about, the X6 already comes with M Sport goodies that you just’d need to pay additional 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 (if you happen to 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 type 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 continues to be one thing particular whenever you’re behind the wheel, and the X6 doesn’t shake any of that appeal. We do want that the X6 had a hybrid providing to rival the X5 xDrive50e. However, hey, no person’s good.
On the efficiency notice, it’s additionally vital to do not forget 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 virtually $30,000 extra.
Shopping for the X6 – very similar to shopping for virtually any car above a base Corolla – is finally an emotional determination relatively than a logical one. Although its larger price ticket and diminished cargo house may not make a whole lot of sense to you, we predict it most likely will get a foul 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 outdated 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
