It was the bold move no-one thought was going to become a trend-setter more then a decade ago when BMW launched the first generation of the X6.
The SUV-Coupe (called by the Bavarians Sport-Activity-Coupe) was followed a decade later by more than one competitor. But the real star of the SUV-coupe segment, was and remained the X6. In 2019, BMW decided to come with a new generation. Now it is even bolder and meaner. As a plus, the Bavarians added some bling-bling equipping the car with 22” rims and lights in the front-grille.

Inside, there is room for 5. The first generation had 4 individual seats as standard, those from the back being divided by a large center console.

Under the hood, BMW offers gasoline and diesel engines, all turbocharged. The “slowest” version has 265 hp and can do a 0-100 kph (62 mph) in under 7 seconds, while the top of the range X6 M Competition can reach the first 100 kph (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds due to its 625 hp and massive 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque.

Since the new generation was launched under new rules of connectivity, the evolution of the infotainment system is massive. From the previous iDrive with a rotary knob to BMW Live Cockpit Professional is a big leap. Also, there is a personal AI assistant that can receive a custom name so the driver won’t have to say “Hey, BMW!” each time he wants a command. Two over 12” screens are available for the instrument cluster and the main screen. Of course, it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Coming with a more robust design and outstanding performance, the 2015 BMW X6 strengthens its position as a leading exponent of exclusive driving pleasure in the segment.
The bold muscular exterior of the new BMW X6 blends with the sporting elegance typical of the brand’s Coupes. The interior combines generous space with model-specific sports features and a luxurious ambience, while attractive design and equipment packages further highlight the exclusive style of the new BMW X6. Individual requirements in terms of ride comfort and sports performance can be fulfilled with the chassis packages available for the new BMW X6. The Comfort adaptive suspension package includes Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling for the rear axle. The electronic control system adapts the car’s damping to the road conditions and driving situation at hand. Adaptive M suspension, which comes as standard for the new BMW X6 M50d (Chapter 6) and is part of the M Sport package for all other model variants, offers the same functionality. Activating SPORT or SPORT+ mode delivers particularly firm spring and damper characteristics.

Although not a proper facelift, BMW fielded a new diesel engine lineup for 2010 and introduced the ActiveHybrid version of the X6 in late 2009, dubbed the most powerful production hybrid in the world at the time.
The normal X6 model received two uprated diesel engines, namely the 30d and the 40d with 245 hp and 306 hp, respectively. While the car remained the same in appearance, the ActiveHybrid variant boasts some distinctive design features, like the prominent Powerdome engine lid, “ActiveHybrid” logos, specific 19-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive exterior paint called Bluewater metallic, for the first time featured on an X6.

The hybrid X6 can run in three modes: internal combustion, all-electric or a mix of both. The all-electric operation can be maintained at speeds up to 65 kph (40 mph) resulting in zero emissions whatsoever. With a 4.4L V8 gasoline unit and 485 hp, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid packs a lot of punch, managing a 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint in just 5.6 seconds. But those who will want the ActiveHybrid version will have to lose the adaptive suspension system.

One of the most anticipated changes was for the rear passengers, where the pre-facelift version had only two individual seats separated by a hard center console. Now there is an option to have a rear bench seat, but don’t count for too much room, though.

The 2008 BMW X6 was a game-changer like the first generation of the X5.
The big, coupe-like SUV, started a trend that was followed almost a decade (or more) later by its main competitors.

The 2008 BMW X6 was based on the BMW X5 platform but had a modified all-wheel-drive system and that transformed it into a faster SUV on the corners. The BMW actually referred to the vehicle as a SAC – Sport Activity Coupe.

The X6 had an aggressive look and the descending roofline amplified the sporty look. For some people, it was hard to understand that X6 handling was actually in the performance-car territory.

Inside, there was room for four people. On the back-seat, there was not even a place for a potential third passenger. The trunk was smaller than those on some compact-class vehicles and it couldn’t be extended by folding the rear seats. It featured a standard infotainment iDrive system with a large LCD display in the dashboard.

Under the hood, there was a good variety of engines, both diesel and gasoline. But one of the best version was the X6 3.5 d that offered up to 286 hp and 660 Nm (486 lb-ft). But the X6 had some other options to offer. The 6-speed automatic transmission was standard.