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BMW's onslaught of SUVs grew further in 2015, with the launch of the large X6.
Designed around the underpinnings of the X5 wagon, the X6 follows the trend of mixing and matching SUV and coupe body styles to create an entire new segment niche for car companies to fill. The second generation X6 was launched in 2015, and added a fifth seat to the interior of the five-door coupe-esque car.
Priced at $143,600 for the X Models X6 Xdrive30D M Sport Mhev up to $250,900 for the X Models X6 M Competition Mhev, the X6 is offered with a variety of engines, including a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol and diesel, a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol. All X6s come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The cabin space of the X6 still looks high-end with its quality finish and soft touchpoints throughout. All of the panels in the door and dashboard fit snugly together and the doors close with a satisfyingly soft thump.
On the interior, the dashboard has been revamped with a more pronounced shape and a curved display panel that houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 14.8-inch multimedia system. The air-vents now blend more into the dash but the little knobs for them might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
A choice of five premium-looking trims further enhances the interior feel and allow you to customise the X6 to your own style.
The reality is that the chances of problems increases as the mileage climbs, so to expect a car to be trouble-free after 300,000 km is asking a lot. If the car you buy is in good condition, with a full service history then you stand a good chance, but it’s important to maintain the servicing and be prepared to fix anything that breaks or wears out, and hope it’s nothing major. Other makes are subject to the same provisos.
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The standard features list of the X6 is robust and include 21-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, a tyre repair kit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system, four cupholders, four drink bottle holders, three-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 360-degree view reversing camera, a hands-free powered tailgate, keyless entry, push-button start, three USB-C ports, a USB-A port, two 12-volt sockets, a wireless charging pad, premium sound as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Each of the four X6 variants have their own engine specs but all share a 48V mild-hybrid system.
The xDrive40i M Sport has a 3.0-litre, in-line six turbo-petrol engine with a maximum outputs of 280kW and 540Nm.
The xDriveM60i has a 4.4-litre, eight-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with maximum outputs of 390kW and 750Nm.
The xDrive30d has a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with maximum outputs of 219kW and 650Nm.
The M Competition model has 4.4-litre, V8 turbo-petrol engine with maximum outputs of 460kW and 540Nm.
The boot is a great size at 580L with all seats in use. There’s a little lip that has practical metal scuff plates but otherwise the loading space is level. The hands-free powered tailgate is welcome and a handy 40/20/40 split on the back row opens up your storage options.
The X6 is available with five seats in a 2/3 configuration. The rear seats feature a 40/20/40 split and a fold-down armrest with two cupholders.
Synthetic leather is available as a standard upholstery with five colour-way choices – ‘Verino Black’, ‘Verino Coffee’, ‘Verino Silverstone’, ‘Verino Tacora Red/Black’, and ‘Verino Cognac’.
Additional upholstery options are available at extra cost, like the 'BMW Individual' leather options in a choice of ‘Ivory White’, black, ‘Tartufo’ and ‘Coffee’.
Electric front seats are standard, as is the heat functionality, adjustable lumbar/side bolsters and extendable under-thigh supports. Heating for the rear outboard seats is optional, as is ventilation for the front seats.
There are four variants for the X6 and their official 0-100km/h sprint times vary between all models.
The xDrive40i model does its sprint in 5.3-seconds, while the M60i achieves it in 4.3-seconds and the ‘slowest’ model is the diesel xDrive30d at 6.1-seconds. However, the top-spec M Competition model is lightning fast at 3.9-seconds.
Top speed is limited to 250km/h.
Depending on the variant, the X6 has a driving range between 664km to 1078km.
BMW recommends a minimum 95 RON petrol for its petrol-based models and premium diesel for the 30d model.