Used 2019 BMW X6 M

The 2019 BMW X6 M is the most potent and outrageous BMW X6 you can buy. Powered by a turbocharged V8 that generates a prodigious 567 horsepower, this fastback Bavarian SUV hits 60 mph in a physics-defying 4.1 seconds. At the same time, BMW M has worked its magic with the chassis, transmission, all-wheel-drive system and other components. As with a standard X6 (reviewed separately), this X6 M blends a coupe-like body with the ride height and enhanced cargo capacity of an SUV. Its two main rivals, not surprisingly, are other Germans: the more-powerful Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, and the faster Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

The BMW X6 M takes the standard X6’s physics-defying mentality and pushes it to the next level. Acceleration is enthralling. With the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 567 horsepower, this performance-luxury-crossover SUV out-sprints most sports cars, and BMW’s M performance engineers have tuned this 5,200-pound beast to feel athletic in corners despite its considerable heft. Just don’t race a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or a Tesla Model X up the onramp. We’ve hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds in Jeep’s 707-horsepower bruiser, while Tesla’s all-electric SUV reaches that speed in an unreal 2.9 seconds.

As with the standard X6, the high-performance BMW X6 M boasts a 2-row/5-passenger layout. The M model, though, comes with Merino leather upholstery, a leather dashboard and an Alcantara headliner. Front passengers inside this big BMW SUV are treated to plush seats and a good view out. Tall rear passengers, though, may experience a lack of headroom due to the sloping roof, which also creates large blind spots for the driver. A 10.2-inch high-resolution display effectively handles the navigation and audio needs; it can be controlled via touch or by BMW’s iDrive rotary controller and surrounding keys.

While BMW prefers to call the X6 M a “Sports Activity Coupe” instead of an SUV, there might be something to this marketing-speak. With its raised ride height, sloping roof and liftgate, the X6 M does indeed offer the combined attributes of a coupe-like grand touring machine and an SUV. Upping the performance attitude and look are 21-inch wheels, quad-exhaust outlets, an M rear spoiler and shadowline exterior trim.

HIGH-END AMENITIES
For all its high-performance headlines, the X6 is still a BMW, and a $106,000 one at that. That translates to fine leather, lots of neat technology and a plethora of safety features.

HANDS-FREE TAILGATE
You can open the BMW X6 M’s liftgate via a button on the remote, or by a wave of your foot. This is convenient for those times when your hands are otherwise preoccupied with groceries or gear.

As you’d expect of the 2019 X6 M, it’s well equipped. In addition to all the performance upgrades, it has 18-way-power (and heated) front seats, a high-end leather interior, 4-zone climate control, a hands-free tailgate and the latest iDrive 6.0 system, which controls the updated navigation and 16-speaker harman/kardon audio system. Also standard is Active Driving Assistant, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Warning with City Mitigation and braking. Rounding out the significant new standard hardware are Blind Spot Detection, Speed Limit Info, Apple CarPlay and Ultimate Care, BMW’s complimentary maintenance program that is good for three years or 36,000 miles.

The X6 M’s main option package, called Executive, no longer includes Active Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Info or Blind Spot Detection, because those items are all now standard. For $5,200, the Executive option package now includes a heated steering wheel, soft-close automatic doors, Parking Assistant, manual sunshades, vented seats, heated rear seats, LED headlights, side- and top-view cameras, a head-up display, wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Also intriguing: a night-vision camera (with pedestrian protection) for $2,300, plus an M Driver’s Package for $2,500 and a Bang & Olufsen sound system for $3,700.

The heart of the BMW X6 M remains a twin-turbocharged 32-valve 4.4-liter V8 that sends 567 horsepower to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which in turn has been tuned — along with the 8-speed automatic transmission — for added performance. We’re not big fans of the start/stop feature that shuts down the engine at idle to save fuel. Although automatic engine restarts at red lights happen relatively quickly, they can seem agonizingly slow in rush-hour traffic full of people eager to get home. Thankfully there is a defeat button.

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
567 horsepower @ 6,000-6,500 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19 mpg