Specifications of BMW X6 M (F96) 4.4 V8 (600 HP) xDrive Steptronic

General characteristics of BMW X6 M (F96) 4.4 V8 (600 HP) xDrive Steptronic

Adaptive adjustability is the name of the game here. BMW doesn't care that the X6 M will never be a track hooligan; it still offers owners the ability to adjust every inch of the chassis for the ultimate driving experience. The X6 M features M Drive with M Dynamic mode, an M chassis and suspension system, M-tuned electric power steering, adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, rear-axle air suspension, and active roll stabilization. What this translates to is an SUV that comes significantly closer to handling like a sports sedan than its size dictates. Fiddle with the damper controls and two-mode steering settings, and you can turn the X6 M from a gentle cruiser into a taught racer in seconds. Around town, the X6 M feels relaxed enough and is a capable cruiser with enough refinement to compete with the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S. Throw it around a corner, and its weight becomes apparent: it displays some body shift when turning in with enthusiasm, and likes to dive under hard braking, but there are immense levels of grip on offer, so driving fast is an easy task. Our review showed that the steering doesn't give as much feedback as one would like, but offers a nicely weighted feel in sports mode. The massive six-piston front brakes do a sterling job of bringing the X6 M to a halt, but watch out for the sports brake setting on the street as it can get touchy.

The BMW X6 M forms part of a new breed of car that attempts to package all the good on offer from the world of sports cars and SUVs into one car, with a strong focus on going really, really fast. This SUV is truly a hoon machine that loves to be driven hard in a straight line. It's basically a modern muscle car with added room for groceries and luggage. BMW has hit the nail on the head here, offering a vehicle that has sleek coupe-like styling, a comfortable and luxurious interior, a powerhouse of an engine, and respectable driving dynamics. The 4.4-liter turbocharged engine under the X6 M hood is an absolute riot and makes this SUV faster than it should ever have been. For that, we love it. The rest of the package is surprisingly practical. There's enough space for five, a decent amount of cargo space, a tremendous amount of technology, and a relaxed ride that will keep most comfortable for miles on end. Some drawbacks include limited rear vision and a gas bill that will send Prius drivers to an early grave. These are small issues that can be easily overlooked.