BMW X6 review

The X6 is quite a bit cheaper than the equivalent Audi Q8 and offers a broader range of engine options. It also overlaps the lower end of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé range, although the latter goes on to offer much more expensive performance-focused models at its top end.

For those with one eye on running costs, it'll come as no great surprise that the xDrive30d diesel has the best official fuel economy, and the M50i petrol has the worst. Claims of 37.7mpg for the X6 xDrive30d compare against 33.2mpg for the equivalent Audi Q8, while CO2 emissions of 159g/km and 180g/km respectively will make little difference to any lucky company-car user, as both cars still fall well within the top Benefit-in-Kind tax band. 

While the xDrive40i and xDrive30d engines can be chosen with Sport or M Sport trim levels, the M50i and M50d effectively form a higher ‘M’ trim level of their own. Even entry-level Sport models are stacked with kit, though, including 19in alloy wheels, heated front seats and much more.

As such, Sport ought to satisfy most buyers’ requirements, but the more expensive M Sport models are still expected to account for the majority of sales, even though they only really add 21in alloys and sporty cosmetic details inside and out. There's a long list of optional comfort, convenience and technology packs, too, but – as is the case with the X6's rivals – these can add a big chunk to the bottom line.

BMW finished a fairly disappointing 21st out of 31 manufacturers in the 2019 What Car? Reliability Survey, although this placed the brand above Porsche and only one place behind Audi. Every X6 comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

The X6 is so closely related to the X5 that it won’t be crash tested separately by safety experts at Euro NCAP. That’s no bad thing, though, as the X5 itself received a very impressive five-star safety rating, with very solid scores in every category. Front collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are fitted as standard.

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