2016 BMW X6 M
Show the Road Some Muscle
The 2016 BMW X6 M is a Sports Activity Coupe® wrapped in the powerful body of M, and tuned to deliver exhilarating performance. Its bold looks defy all conventions, while its responsive handling combined with the all-weather capability of xDrive, BMW's intelligent all-wheel drive system, lets you lay it all out on any road—with a whole lot of swagger.
Performance
The 2016 BMW X6 M employs a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that generates 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels via BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology.
As you’ve no doubt gathered by now, performance is the central focus of the X6 M. While its power output is indeed impressive, there is another number you’ll want to concern yourself with: 4.0—the number of seconds it takes for the X6 M to rocket from 0 to 60 mph.
It goes without saying that the 2016 X6 M is a massively capable crossover. Nearly everything about it is frenetic, from the immediate response of the gas pedal to the quick-revving engine to its short gearing. Pin the pedal to the floor and the X6 M launches from a stop with such fierceness that only a handful of sports cars can keep up.
BMW prides itself on providing razer-sharp steering response, and the X6 M is yet another example of the Bavarian brand’s success in that department. The steering is quick, but not overresponsive. It offers good feedback to the driver with simply a natural amount of effort.
The grip level of the X6 M is so high and capable, you can shoot it into a corner and you’ll simply have to marvel at its composure and total lack of body roll. Thanks to the giant brakes, adaptive dampers, and rear-biased all-wheel drive with torque vectoring technology, the X6 M delivers the sort of vehicular physics that aren't normally associated with 2.5-ton SUVs.
Truth be told, the BMW X6 M was designed to be pushed to the extreme, provide a wry smirk to its driver, and then eagerly ask for more. Few drives will ever push it to its limit on public roads. For that, you’ll want to pencil in some time at the track.
Of course, not every day can be a day at the track, which is why the X6 M also delivers a supple, responsive ride, making it a comfortable, if not obscenely stylish and confident, daily driver.
Features
The 2016 BMW X6 M is a midsize SUV with seating for five and a starting MSRP of $102,200.*A princely sum to be sure, but one drivers will find justified once behind the wheel.
There is only one trim level for the X6 M but it boasts a veritable arsenal of features and technologies. Standard equipment highlights include 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires, sport-tuned adaptive suspension dampers, and a rear-axle air suspension.
The X6 M also employs a torque-vectoring sport differential, active roll stabilization, and special M brakes, and make smart use of adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, and power-folding and auto-dimming heated side mirrors.
Owners will also enjoy standard automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate with a foot sensor, which makes loading and unloading the X6 a breeze.
For your convenience and safety, the X6 M also includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, and adaptive cruise control. Other items like ambient interior lighting, quad-zone automatic climate control, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also standard.
BMW has also incorporated a variety of in-demand features to the X6 M’s cabin, these include Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, online services (including weather and news), a navigation system, and a 16-speaker harmon/kardon® sound system—complete with CD player, satellite, and HD Radio.
Perhaps the most impressive piece of technology, however, is the vehicle’s iDrive infotainment system that features a massive 10.2-inch central display screen that is controlled via an elegant and intuitive touchpad-equipped controller.
Design
The 2016 BMW X6 is an unapologetically designed sport coupe with a polarizing look. Some will find its sleek, boisterous proportions captivating while others will find its design too flamboyant for their tastes.
We happen to align with the latter, only because the X6 is so well and truly unique. Few automakers take such calculated risks these days, and BMW deserves praise, not scorn, for daring to be different—a trait – we’ll remind ourselves – that has served the brand very well throughout its illustrious history.
Exclusive to the X6 M, which favors even more aggressive styling touches, are larger air intakes and a lowered ride height that results in a more sporty stance. There's a slim rear spoiler painted body color, and M badging applied front, sides, and back.
The cockpit of the 2016 X6 M wears a look familiar to BMWs across the lineup. It was largely reorganized for the 2015 model year, and the new look reframes big sets of controls in more subtle and more handsome manner than it did before. A 10.2-inch screen display dominates the dashboard, accented by a choice of brushed aluminum, or a variety of wood trim elements. High-gloss black and pearl gloss chrome surfaces complete the sophisticated yet modern theme.
Safety
Yes performance is its primary focus, but that doesn’t mean BMW ignored safety. On the contrary, the 2016 X6 M includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes, automatic brake drying, a rearview camera, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Also standard are the BMW Assist eCall and BMW Remote Services emergency communications systems, which provide automatic crash notification, stolen-vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, a smartphone app with remote vehicle functions, and on-demand emergency response via an SOS button.
The X6 M can also be equipped with an available Driver Assistance Plus package, as well as a number of other advanced driver safety and assistive technologies.
Bottom Line
The 2016 BMW X6 M is a missile of a midsize SUV designed from the ground up to propel your driving experience to new heights. It boasts the type of feverish, racetrack-inspired performance BMW’s M tuning house has become famous for, while incorporating levels of refinement expected from the BMW brand.
To schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
Image Credit: BMW