BMW X6 (2008 – 2014) Review

September 2007

BMW X6 revealed as a concept

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid combines two compact, high-performance electric motors connected to one another by three planetary gear sets, a fixed-transmission ratio gearbox and a high-performance battery to deliver benefits over low and high speed ranges. The result is a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared with a comparable BMW running on a combustion engine alone.

BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid has two-mode active transmission is based on an ECVT (Electrical Continuously Variable Transmission). The two operating modes, optimised for low and high speeds, are supplemented by fixed transmission ratios. The two power-split ECVT sections allow the drivetrain to run at continuously variable speeds and ensure full, highly-efficient hybrid functions throughout the entire operating range of the car.

When driver needs all available performance to accelerate, one of the two electric motors acts as a generator, converting some of the engine’s power into electrical current that is subsequently fed to the battery or the second electric motor. The second electric motor then converts the power coming from the first electric motor or from the battery back into mechanical power for the output drive shaft on the transmission.

BMW Concept X6 is also the first car to be fitted with Dynamic Performance Control. Twinned with BMW’s benchmark xDrive four-wheel drive system, Dynamic Performance Control spreads drive forces as required in all situations, feeding a varying degree of power when required to the two wheels at the rear. Dynamic Performance Control is the only system of its kind in the world able to provide its stabilising effect both under power and with the engine on overrun.

April 2008

BMW X6 launched

The BMW X6 is a unique proposition offering owners the safety and convenience of a command driving position with the on-road performance of a sports car wrapped in the lines of a coupé.

BMW X6 xDrive30d £41,955 235PS 520Nm 0-60 7.7 top speed 137, 34.4mpg 217g/km CO2

BMW X6 xDrive35d £44,135 286PS 580Nm 0-60 6.9 top speed 147, 34.0mpg 220g/km CO2

BMW X6 xDrive35i £42,625 306PS 400Nm 0-60 6.5 top speed 149, 25.9mpg 262g/km CO2

BMW X6 xDrive50i Price TBA 408PS 600Nm 0-60 5.2 top speed 155, 22.6mpg 299k/km CO2

August 2008

X6 xDrive50i launched. Powered by a unique twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the vehicle’s 408hp powerplant is capable of propelling the vehicle from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The 4,395cc engine features the novel design of two turbochargers and catalysts within the vee of the engine.

Such a configuration aids packaging requirements while also boosting responsiveness courtesy of the shortened exhaust pipes. To highlight the competitive advantage this arrangement yields the BMW X6 xDrive50i is 1.8 seconds quicker from zero to 62mph than the flagship Range Rover Sport. The BMW’s CO2 emissions figure of 299g/km is 75g/km cleaner than the Range Rover and, in recording a combined 22.6mpg figure, it is also 4.8mpg more fuel efficient. It is a similar story when comparing the same BMW X6 to the Porsche Cayenne GTS. The Porsche is 1.4 seconds slower from zero to 62mph, 2.3mpg less efficient and, at 332g/km, it is 33g/km more polluting..

The BMW X6 xDrive50i went on sale in November 2008 priced at £53,930 OTR.

X6M announced April 2009. 555PS at 6,000rpm, 680 Nm torque 1,500-5,650rpm, 0-60 4.5, 155mph limited. 4,395cc twin turbocharged V8 engine producing a maximum power output of 555hp at 6,000rpm. Twin-scroll twin-turbo technology, also capable of better than diesel engine flexibility with a peak torque of 680Nm from just 1,500rpm through to 5,650rpm.

January 2012

X6 revised and X6 M50d launched

The updated BMW X6 includes a number of exterior changes. A revamped front end with a wider chrome frame and revised bars on the large kidney grille and foglights, set towards the edge of the car, highlight its wide track. As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon lights, Adaptive LED headlights became available as an option. At the rear is a revised red light cluster, enhancing the lines of the car with two horizontal LED Glowing Bars, further emphasising the width of the vehicle.

Three new metallic paint colours - Orion Silver, Midnight Blue and Marrakesh Brown - and two new upholstery trims, Ivory White Exclusive Nappa Leather and Vermilion Red Nevada Leather. Meanwhile the BMW X6 M also had styling changes with the addition of Aluminium brake callipers in blue and become the first BMW models to include Adaptive LED Headlights as standard. In addition, the BMW X6 M also gains a 'Powerdome' bonnet.

The new BMW X6 is available from £46,725 OTR for an X6 xDrive30d, the BMW X6 M is priced from £85,680 OTR and the BMW X5 M costs from £83,260 OTR and they all go on sale from 16 June 2012.

BMW also introduced a new performance range to its UK line-up to bridge the gap between M Sport variants and the outright M high-performance models. Devised with the expertise of BMW's M GmbH performance division, this new range offers greater all round performance with powertrain and chassis enhancements and individual styling.

The first models in the new range are the BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d. Powered by a new version of a straight-six 3.0-litre 'TwinPower Turbo' diesel engine, employing THREE turbos, both offer 381hp and 740Nm of torque. Their high performance - 0-62mph in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds respectively - is matched by efficiency as a result of the EfficientDynamics measures fitted as standard. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions for the X5 M50d are 37.7mpg and 199g/km, while for the X6 M50d they are 36.7mpg and 204g/km.

*electronically limited

The 2,993cc six-cylinder in-line engine is the most powerful diesel ever to come from BMW, and the first to feature THREE turbochargers as an extension of the company's TwinPower Turbo technology. The integration of two small variable-geometry high-pressure turbos and one larger lower-pressure turbo ensures instantaneous response throughout the rev range by ensuring the charge pressure is maintained at exactly the right level for the load being put upon the engine at any moment.

One of the two small turbochargers is activated at engine speeds just above idle, allowing its low moment of inertia to instantly respond to any movement of the accelerator. As the revs increase to 1,500rpm the flow of exhaust gas reaches the large turbocharger, ensuring that peak torque of 740Nm is attained and maintained from 2,000rpm until 3,000rpm. At 2,700rpm a vacuum-modulated exhaust flap opens allowing exhaust gas to flow past the second small, low moment of inertia turbocharger creating additional charge pressure, allowing maximum power of 381hp to be available from 4,000-4,400rpm. If the large turbocharger is spinning at particularly high speeds a vacuum regulator opens a wastegate valve to relieve pressure and so avoid unwanted exhaust backpressure.

In conjunction with BMW's EfficientDynamics technology, including Brake Energy Regeneration and need-based use of ancillary components, the updated high-pressure common-rail injection system of the new engine ensures outstanding fuel efficiency and low emissions. Fuel is injected into the engine at an increased pressure of 2,200 bar, with three pre-injections, one main injection and four post injections taking place in one stroke to improve efficiency.

The standard eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox has been configured to enable rapid gearchanges with an uninterrupted flow of power. There are two automated shift programmes, D and S, but the driver can also opt to change gear manually via the gearlever or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

With a bespoke chassis configuration, the X6 M50d drives through all four wheels via BMW's intelligent electronic xDrive system. By integrating with the DSC stability control, xDrive allows a typically BMW rear-drive bias, but can intervene in milliseconds to enhance stability through the Performance Control system on the X5 M50d or the Dynamic Performance Control on the X6 M50d. Both systems achieve this by braking the appropriate rear wheel while simultaneously increasing engine power and redistributing torque to other wheels.

The bodyshell and powertrain mountings, springs and dampers, Servotronic power steering settings and the standard and optional chassis control systems have been specifically tuned for each car. Self-levelling air suspension is fitted to the rear of both models and the X6 M50d has electronically controlled dampers with BMW Adaptive Drive active anti-roll function as standard too. It is optional on the X5 M50d.

The three-section front apron channelss more air into the engine bay through the outlets normally used to house the foglamps. Air-channelling flaps beneath the apron also increase stability. New rear aprons feature openings for the trapezoidal tailpipe finishers. There are Ferric Grey front air intake bars and mirror housings, the latter underscored by the High-gloss Shadowline trim matching that on the side window surrounds. The X5 M50d has bespoke door sill-finishers and 19-inch V-spoke light-alloy wheels, while the X6 M50d adds a Powerdome bonnet and 20-inch Double-spoke alloys.

Model-specific BMW M identifiers appear on the door sills, boot lid, instrument cluster, engine cover and gearshift lever, while the unique interiors feature Alcantara and Nappa leather Sport seats, Anthracite headlining and Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim.

The BMW X6 M50d went on sale 16 June 2012 with an on-the-road price from £62,260 OTR.

October 2014

X6 M announced

BMW has outlined its plans to launch M versions of the X6 in 2015. The high performance SUV will be powered by a 575PS 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 and be capable of covering 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. The BMW X6 M will reach UK dealerships on 11 April, 2015, and be priced at £90,170 and £93,070 respectively.

Capable of reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the BMW X6 M promise to be brutally quick, with 750Nm of torque available from just 2200rpm. To cope with the colossal grunt, BMW has given the X6 an eight-speed M Steptronic ‘box, with a wider gap between the gear ratios to improve performance.

BMW has developed the M cars at the Nurburgring and claims that it can generate up to 1.2g in the corners, without problems. The X6 M gets launch control as standard along with an uprated four-wheel drive system, which includes a new DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. The track optimised powertrain has three driving modes, with varying degrees of electronic aids. The X6 M will sit 10mmm lower than the standard model and feature electronically controlled flaps within the exhaust system help to provide a riche sporty soundtrack.

Fuel economy is a claimed 24.4mpg for both vehicles, while CO2 emissions is a hefty 258g/km, which puts this four-wheel drive monster into the highest VED bracket, which is fittingly Band M.

As you'd expect from a 575PS SUV, the suspension is firmer and the damping can be customised with three driving modes - Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - which will stiffen the ride and improve the responsiveness of the electronically assisted rack and pinion M Servotronic steering system.

Styling upgrades are included as part of the M treatment, with larger air intakes at the front and a new diffuser at the rear. It also feature twin-stalk exterior door mirrors, with integral indicators, and a four-tailpipe exhaust. The X6 M also gets a rear spoiler to reduce rear-axle lift.

May 2016

BMW X5 now benefits from latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity services.

Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.