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I hadn’t intended to drive more than 600 miles to Anglesey twice in a single month, yet there I was, piloting the X6 M Competition along the M6 and wondering what this car is truly for. On paper it promises performance; in daily life it gives a mixed message — spectacular in bursts, uncomfortable for long stretches.
The most immediate shortfall is interior space and comfort. Despite its vast road presence, the cabin feels constrained. The M-specific seats are unforgiving, and the ride can be punishing: the seat’s massage program feels more like a mechanical knock than relief. Small irritations add up, too — a temperamental speed-limiter that will sometimes drop out of operation without warning is more than a minor annoyance on long motorway runs.
What it does well
Where the X6 M truly shines is performance. With around 553 lb ft of torque on tap it can sustain motorway speeds with remarkable ease, and the large 80-litre tank offers a practical range of roughly 350 miles between fill-ups. In default settings it will cruise at national limits with less than 2,000rpm, making it unexpectedly economical for its class when used gently.
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- Strong torque: effortless mid‑range pull for motorway overtakes.
- Long range: sizeable fuel tank means fewer stops on long trips.
- Adjustable dynamics: the higher M modes sharpen steering, throttle and shifts for genuinely quick responses.
Turn the dial to the most aggressive M settings and the X6 M reveals a different temperament. Increased steering weight, firmer damping and crisper throttle responses transform it; it becomes agile and composed enough on the right road that you start to question whether an SUV can really substitute a traditional high‑performance saloon.
But context matters
That illusion begins to fade when you compare the X6 M with BMW’s flagship M5 saloon and Touring variants. Despite similar or greater mass, the M5s employ a suite of engineering solutions — including rear‑axle steering, more nuanced spring and damper calibration and more sophisticated steering geometry — which deliver a far more coherent driving experience. Tyre pressures and suspension tuning in the M5s let the rubber bite; the X6 often feels like it’s skimming instead of gripping.
The difference isn’t just about lap‑time bravado. It affects how confidence builds on twisty roads, how the car communicates through the steering wheel and how quickly a driver can extract pace without feeling unsettled. In short, the M5s are the more convincing, rounded performance package.
Quick running figures
| Total mileage | 10,452 |
| Mileage this month | 1,534 |
| Costs this month | £0 |
| mpg this month | 19.2 |
For buyers weighing large performance SUVs against high‑powered saloons, these nuances matter today. If you regularly cover long motorway distances and value a composed ride and tactile feedback, the X6 M’s headline numbers impress but its compromises become noticeable. If, by contrast, you prioritise theatre and presence with the ability to crack into serious speed on demand, it will still deliver a thrilling experience.
This report first appeared in evo magazine, issue 327.
