2022 BMW X6 M

The BMW X6 M is a high-performance midsize luxury crossover that manages to excel at being a practical daily driver, as well as a raging lunatic on backroads. Powering this bold Bimmer is a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and an astounding 553 lb-ft of torque - or 617 hp with the Competition Package. Power is sent to all fours via an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the X6 M will sprint to sixty in only 3.8 seconds. The X6 M is a fantastic car for driving fast on public roads, but not much else. It handles with relative poise and makes for a comfortable long-distance cruiser, but don't try to take it off-road. On a track, it is held back by its sheer weight and uncommunicative steering. However, it offers a brilliant interior rich with all the latest tech and a usable amount of trunk space. This mega SUV has a base price of $109,400, and with rivals such as the Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, the BMW X6 M has its work cut out for it.

This coupe-SUV will split opinions. To some, it might look like an aggressive SUV muscle car, and to others as a misformed blob of an SUV. We think there's a bit of both in this exterior design, but the aggressive front and rear end and larger wheels help make this BMW look purposeful. Notable exterior features include 21-inch M double-spoke bi-color wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, quad exhaust exits, Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, and an M rear spoiler. The Competition package adds extended Shadowline trim that black out the few remaining chrome trim pieces, such as the grille surround.

The 2022 X6 M SUV is classified as a midsize luxury crossover with similar dimensions to the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and Audi RS Q8. This midsize muscle car measures in with a total length of 195 inches, a width of 79.5 inches without mirrors, and a height of 66.6 inches. The front track is 66.9 inches, and the rear track is 66.5 inches. The weight distribution is a well balanced 51.4/48.6 percent front to rear. With a large engine under the hood and a boatload of luxury features in the cabin, the X6 M packs on the pounds and tips the scales at a hefty 5,375 pounds.

The exterior design of the BMW X6 M is like a solid punch in the face, regardless of whether it's finished in plain white or a more exuberant shade. BMW offers the X6 M in a range of 11 colors, most of which highlight the car's muscular stature. The only non-metallic color on offer is Alpine White, which looks great on this crossover SUV. For the stealthy look, consider metallic shades like Carbon Black or Black Sapphire. The rest of the palette is all metallic and includes exotics such as Marina Bay Blue, Manhattan Green, and Toronto Red. For an extra $1,950, you can get your hands on Tanzanite Blue II Metallic or Ametrim Metallic, or the new-for-2022 Dravit Grey Metallic. Marina Bay Blue is the color to go for here.

We live in an era where manufacturers are building cars that serve no real purpose other than to entertain. Take the X6 M, for example; this vehicle will never see a dirt trail in its life, despite being classified as some sort of SUV, and on the other hand, it will most likely never be thrown around a track. This car was built to drive fast on ordinary roads, which is exactly what it excels at. Under this German muscle car's hood lies a 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower turbocharged V8 engine producing 600 hp and 553 lb-ft. What that translates into is an SUV that can do the 0 to 60 sprint in a blistering 3.8 seconds, or 3.7 seconds with the Competition package - this upgrade raises the output to 617 hp. The X6 M will go on to a limited top speed of 155 mph (or 177 mph with the M Driver's package). Mercedes-AMG's mighty GLE 63 S Coupe will do the zero to sixty sprint in only 3.7 seconds and top out at 174 mph, while the Audi RS Q8 will match that sprint time and can reach a possible 190 mph with the right configuration.

Most of the 2021 BMW X6 M's appeal lies in the fact that it is really, really fast, and how else do you get a heavyweight SUV to move like this? You fit a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, of course. Yes, the 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower turbo V8 engine powering this vehicle is the centerpiece and delivers a gut-wrenching 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (617 hp with the Competition package). Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes and an M Sport rear differential. With two turbochargers strapped to the large capacity engine, one would assume that some turbo lag would be present. However, the X6 M feels very responsive, even in low-speed city traffic, where it happily chugs along until you squeeze the accelerator pedal. Out on the highway, the X6 M is an absolute animal and will decimate most that stand in its way. The eight-speed automatic is a seamless shifter and is always at hand to give you the gear you want. The only way to truly get a sense of the speed this thing is capable of is to go for a test drive.

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.

With 5,375 lbs of weight to lug around and a thirsty turbocharged V8 under the hood, fuel economy was never going to be high up on the X6 M's priority list, and those who end up buying these cars will fully understand what they're getting themselves into. The BMW X6 M will, according to the EPA, manage gas mileage figures of 13/18/15 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. These numbers might seem atrocious, but they are closely matched by competitors such as the Audi RS Q8, which will manage 13/19/15 mpg. With a heavy right foot, the X6 M's numbers will quickly drop even lower. To help the X6 M retain some practicality, BMW has fitted it with a 21.9-gallon fuel tank, which gives it a maximum range of around 328 miles.

BMW has done well to combine premium luxury with a decidedly sporty feel inside the cabin of the X6 M. As is to be expected of a BMW at this level, the interior build quality feels impeccable and features a strong contemporary design that may lack the flair of the GLE 63, but offers a memorable experience in its own way. The leather-covered dashboard design is clean and flowing, and the generous use of digital displays helps clean things up even more. Interior space is good despite the sloping roofline, and five passengers will happily fit inside. Talking about seats, the front perches offer generous support and look the part too. The interior of the X6 M comes packed with luxury features such as four-zone automatic climate control, a surround-view camera system, and 18-way power-adjustable front seats.

The X6 M will carry five fully grown adults with ease. In the front, the seating position is naturally higher than you'd find in a sports sedan, but thankfully the front seats are impressively supportive, which adds to driver confidence when pushing through a set of tight bends. Seat comfort in the rear is also excellent and should keep occupants happy on long road trips. There is enough headroom for six-foot-tall passengers and ample legroom in the front. Those in the rear will have to settle for a tighter 35.7 inches of legroom. Visibility out the front is good, but the coupe-like design of the X6 M means that massive blind spots loom behind the driver's shoulders.

No matter what interior colors and materials new owners go for here, it is guaranteed to be of premium quality. The X6 M is offered with a wide array of upholstery and trim options, with some coming at an extra cost. The upholstery choices on offer include Black or the new-for-2022 Silverstone extended Merino leather at no additional cost. Full Merino leather upholstery in Silverstone, Black, Adelaide Grey, Sakhir Orange/Black, or Taruma Brown will add $3,500 to your bill. To get Alcantara cloth in Black with Midrand Beige contrast stitching and those special M-striped seatbelts, you'll have to select the Competition package for an additional $9,300. In terms of trim materials, BMW offers new owners carbon fiber and aluminum crossline options at no extra cost. Individual Piano Black, Fine Wood Ash Grain, and BMW Individual Fineline Black are available at $1,080 each.

Sure the X6 M is a devilishly fast sports vehicle, but it still has the word 'SUV' stuck to its title, which obviously translates into practicality; after all, why buy such a lumbering machine when it offers no practical trunk and cargo space? The good news is that this midsize crossover coupe will fit enough luggage for five people, or enough groceries to see you through a month of lockdown binge eating. Behind the rear seats, the 2022 BMW X6 M provides a useful 27.4 cubic feet of space, which isn't far off the 30.5 cubic feet on offer in the Audi RS Q8. If more space is required, the X6 M's 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats flip down to open up a further 32.2 cubic feet. One drawback of the car's attractive roofline is that taller items will have a hard time fitting in the trunk.

Small-item storage is decent: there are front and rear door pockets, a lockable glovebox up front, as well as a front center console storage bin, front and rear cupholders, and a fold-up rear-seat armrest with a built-in console.

Each and every BMW X6 M sold in the USA comes loaded with an impressive amount of standard features, and the interior is where most of the magic happens. The heated front seats feature 18-way power adjustability, including four-way lumbar support and a memory system, and four-zone automatic climate control keeps things temperate. The steering column is power-adjustable, and there's keyless entry with push-button start and a power tailgate. The sports steering wheel and front armrest are heated, and there's a panoramic moonroof with a fully automatic two-piece glass panel to let the sun in on summer days. In terms of driver assistance features, the X6 M features a parking assistant system with a surround-view camera and active park distance control, a head-up display, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, dynamic cruise control, and city collision mitigation.

The dashboard of the X6 M is dominated by a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which sits next to another 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel, both of which display crisp images. The iDrive 7.0 system in use here is one of the best in its class but will take some time getting used to by the less tech-savvy. The system can be interacted with via voice control, touchscreen, and a physical touchpad controller, which means the driver can keep his or her eyes on the road at all times. The X6 M's infotainment system features cloud-based navigation, Bluetooth streaming, dual USB ports, an AM/FM stereo, and HD Radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, as is SiriusXM radio with a one-year all-access subscription. Sound is channeled through a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and this year, there is no longer any option to upgrade the audio system..

Regarding its reliability rating, the X6 M was recalled six times in 2021. Issues included the blue light emanating from non-conforming headlight lenses blinding oncoming drivers, defective tires, a possible loss of ABS / brake assistance, a loose steering shaft, a malfunctioning backup camera, and a misassembled 48-V battery. There have not yet been any recalls for the 2022 model. BMW will cover the X6 M with a four-year/50,000-mile basic and drivetrain warranty. A 12-year corrosion warranty, three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary servicing, and four years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance are included as well.

The X6 M has not yet been tested in the US for crashworthiness; neither the NHTSA nor IIHS have subjected the BMW X6 M to review for 2022, but with a plethora of safety features and driver assistance systems, this SUV should prove to be a safe bet even in the case of a serious accident.

The spec sheet on the BMW X6 M in terms of safety is an impressive one. There's a full suite of airbags, including dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags, and the Active Protection system automatically prepares for an imminent impact by pretensioning the safety belts, closing all windows, and initiating post-crash braking. A head-up display and surround-view camera keep the driver aware of their surroundings, and you also get parking sensors with park assist. The Active Driving Assistant suite includes frontal collision warning, blind-spot assistance, and lane departure warning, while the Active Guard system adds automatic city collision mitigation and braking. On the options list are technologies like an extended traffic jam assistant, an evasion aid, and a lane control assistant.

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.

There is no budget-friendly base model here, and with only one trim, the cost of the BMW X6 M is a simple affair. The BMW X6 M's price starts at an MSRP of $109,400. That cost excludes tax, registration, and a destination/handling fee of $995. New owners will surely head towards the options list for some extra special configurations, and depending on how much you want to spend, the price can climb to over $130k quickly. The Audi RS Q8, in comparison, starts a tad higher at $115,400.

There is just one 2022 BMW X6 M trim. It packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, sending that power through an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual and sport modes to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive AWD system. On the outside, 21-inch alloy wheels, Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, M Sport exterior styling, an M rear spoiler, a panoramic moonroof, a power tailgate, and M quad exhaust pipes are standard. On the inside, Merino leather upholstery is standard, with heating for the 18-way electrically adjustable front seats. Other standard features include keyless access, and push-button start, multi-color ambient lighting, and four-zone climate control. There is a 12.3-inch driver-information display and an infotainment touchscreen of the same size, which incorporates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, navigation, voice control, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Driver-assistance features include forward-collision warning, automatic city collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, parking assistance, and a surround-view camera system.

Despite its already impressive list of standard features, BMW has gone ahead and developed a few tasty packages that transform the X6 M into a proper performance and luxury powerhouse. First up is the $9,300 Competition package, which adds 21-inch/22-inch M Star-spoke bi-color wheels, Alcantara/Merino leather upholstery or full Merino leather on its own, an M sport performance exhaust system, extended Shadowline trim, and M seatbelts. The Competition package also adds 17 more horses to the power output. The Driving Assistance Professional package includes the active driving assistant pro and extended traffic jam assist, all for $1,700. The Executive package introduces remote engine start, front ventilated and massaging seats, and other luxuries such as soft-close auto doors, rear heated seats, and rear window shades to the table for $2,600. The Executive Package no longer contains the Icon adaptive LED lights with Laserlight, because these lights are standard equipment for the 2022 model year. For $2,500, you can get the M Driver's package, which allows you to experience your vehicle's true performance potential on a race track and raises the top speed to 177 mph.

There's only one trim level to choose from here, but that doesn't spell disaster: the X6 M comes packed with premium luxury features from the factory, and the options list makes this car a true full-house performance machine. If we were the ones buying one of these beauties, it would definitely include the Competition package, which adds features such as M Star-spoke bi-color wheels, an M sports exhaust system, extended Shadowline trim with high-gloss black elements for the exterior trim, and M seatbelts. Power is also increased by 17 hp, and the zero to sixty time drops down to 3.7 seconds.

The RS Q8 represents Audi's first foray into the world of high-performance SUVs, and it is off to a good start, as it shares its power plant with the mighty Lamborghini Urus. Under the hood of the RS Q8 lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission. The RS Q8 will sprint to sixty in only 3.7 seconds, making it quicker than the standard X6 M by a whisker. The Audi will top out at 190 mph if you go with the carbon-ceramic brake package. On the road, the Audi with its standard adaptive air suspension soaks up road imperfections, but tightens up nicely in sport mode, and feels arguably more interactive to drive. The interior of the RS Q8 is typically Audi: it's not the most dramatic, but it's exceptionally well built and comfortable, and as with the BMW, it offers adequate interior space in the front, but not so much in the rear. If you're after trunk space, the Audi is the way to go and offers 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The Audi is more understated and offers blistering performance. We'll have the RS Q8.

Mercedes-AMG was never going to allow BMW to get away with the X6 M without a fight, and the response is the GLE 63 S Coupe, a magnificently fast beast of a coupe-SUV that will take your breath away with its straight-line performance and opulent interior. The GLE 63 S Coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 connected to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and produces 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The Merc will sprint to sixty in 3.7 seconds, beating the standard X6 M by just a tenth of a second. Top speed is 174 mph. On the road, the GLE 63 S' AMG Active Ride Control + suspension improves ride stability and comfort, and in Sport Plus mode, it sticks to the road gamely, but the BMW feels tighter. On the inside, this Merc blows the Bimmer out of the water with its more adventurous interior design, while quality in both is exceptional. The sloping roofline limits headroom in the back and back seat passenger space is just as limited. The BMW offers more cargo space, and both offer a plethora of modern tech, but the BMW offers a better infotainment experience. If you're after a more opulent driving experience, get the GLE 63 S.