The BMW X6 is the automotive industry’s first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Essentially, it is a sedan shaped like a coupe and rides high like an SUV. It comes with a luxurious interior and the capability to go off-road. The X6 combines luxury and performance to make it comfortable on the track and for long-distance trips. Off-road, it is not an outstanding performer, but it does the job better than a lot of other SUVs in the market.
The development of the X6 started a couple of years after the X5. BMW introduced the concept vehicle at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto show and released the production version as the 2008 model year. It was based on the BMW 5-series and 6-series that were on sale during its development.
First Generation X6 (E71), 2008-2014
BMW assembled the X6 (E71) in the BMW plant at Greer, South Carolina and later on expanded production at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, Russia. The X6 sits on an elongated platform of the X5 E70, fitted with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system controlled by the new Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) traction system. In conjunction with the variable transfer of torque between the front and rear axles, the DPC monitors data and switches power between left and right rear wheels within milliseconds to help increase traction and lateral acceleration.
The X6 is slightly longer than the X5 and was introduced with seating for two at the front and two at the rear. With the sloping coupe-styled back, rear visibility was a lot less than the X5. The interior was luxurious and kept with BMW's tradition of providing excellent quality materials and craftsmanship.
The X6 (E71) was sold with a choice of petrol engines ranging from the 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6 cylinder to the V8, together with a hybrid version. One impressive thing about the X6’s performance is that independent testing showed higher results than the ratings provided by the factory. For example, independent tests showed that the 225-kW version of the N54B30 achieved 232 kW / 422 N⋅m, much higher than factory-claimed ratings.
- xDrive35i – N54B30 (225 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive35i – N55B30 (225 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive50i – N63B44 (300 kW / 600 N⋅m)
- X6 M – S63B44 (408 kW / 680 N⋅m)
- ActiveHybrid X6 – N63B44 + electric motor (357 kW / 780 N⋅m)
Diesel variants were offered and were all based on their 3.0L 6-cylinder engines.
- xDrive30d – M57D30TU2 (173 kW / 520 N⋅m)
- xDrive30d – N57D30OL (180 kW / 540 N⋅m)
- xDrive35d – M57D30TU2 (210 kW / 580 N⋅m)
- xDrive40d – M57D30TOP (225 kW / 600 N⋅m)
- M50d – N57S (280 kW / 740 N⋅m)
The top-of-the-line X6M was introduced in 2009 together with the X5M and released as 2010 models. It was powered by the high-performance 4.4L V8 S63B44 that accelerated the X6 from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The suspension package was not radically different than the standard X6 but was stiffer. The S-series engine is assisted by twin two-scroll turbochargers, a turbocharging system that gathers exhaust gases from pairs of cylinders in alternating sequence resulting in very minimal, and often non-existent, turbo lag.
The ActiveHybrid X6, together with the ActiveHybrid 7 was also BMW's first venture into the hybrid segment. Although carrying the same badge, the ActiveHybrid X6 uses a more complex system than the 7-series. The X6 hybrid system, co-developed with General Motors, is similar to that of GM's full-size SUVs.
Second Generation X6 (F16), 2015-2019
On the exterior, the second-generation X6 (F16) did not change much. With its dynamic design when it was first introduced, the side panels and doors now had new character lines with a new functional air breather on the fender after the front wheels that improve ventilation and efficiency.
The kidney grilles are now flatter and wider than the previous with air curtains below the front bumpers. At the rear, the new LED taillights are wider. The interior dash is all-new, still with a very luxurious feel, with various storage solutions incorporated that uses available spaces for functionality.
BMW, being an innovation leader in automobile connectivity, has incorporated in the new X6 a host of new technologies that improve safety and convenience and add to the overall driving experience. Keeping also with BMWs marketing style, the X6 is available with a multitude of additional features that cater to the sports-minded or safety-oriented owners.
Petrol engine variants:
- sDrive35i – N55B30M0 (225 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive35i – N55B30M0 (225 kW / 400 N⋅m)
- xDrive50i – N63B44O1 (331 kW / 650 N⋅m)
- X6M – S63B44T2 (423 kW / 750 N⋅m)
Diesel variants:
- xDrive30d – N57D30O1 (190 kW / 560 N⋅m)
- xDrive40d – N57D30T1 (230 kW / 630 N⋅m)
- X6M50d– N57D30S1 (280 kW / 740 N⋅m)
The X6 lives true to its reputation as a SAC by giving a 40-20-40 folding rear seat that transforms the cargo space from 580L to 1,525L. The X6 also has many features that come as standard equipment, from a forward-collision warning to rain-sensing wipers, which are optional features from other manufacturers or not available at all.
Third Generation X6 (G06), 2020
Coming in 2020, the third generation X6 promises to be an even better SAC than the previous ones. Debuting in July of 2019, the all-new X6 has a more aggressive look. With the X6M and X6M Competition packages as their top-of-the-line offer, this generation promises to be a fierce competitor to the expanding SAC niche which includes the Mercedes GLE, Porsche Cayenne and the Audi SQ8.
Napa leather is still used all around the interior, and the cabin is a bit simpler now with almost all of the systems being controlled electronically through its interface systems, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Again, in keeping with BMW tradition, add-on features abound and can drive up the price to the level of supercars.
The base models are now the sDrive40i and the xDrive 40i, with the high-end models being the upcoming “M” series. Added to this new model are improved suspension components and more active-safety features. A new off-road package for the xDrive40i adds an M sport differential and air suspension, which is also available as optional in other trims.
More to Come
The X6 seems to be going strong in BMW’s line-up, and we may see future variants get more exciting. With all the advanced features, electronics and mechanical, these X6s would need care and attention to keep them going and get your money's worth.
You'll need a partner to help you maintain this SAC, and we at Carpart are more than happy to help you out with your car parts needs. Browse through the listings of auto parts and accessories on our site and connect to thousands of sellers all over Australia! On the other hand, if you happen to be selling an X6 or any vehicle for that matter, contact us at hello@carpart.com.au, and we’d be right there to assist you!
-Fred Cajulis