Robert Barry revisits the BMW X6 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and finds the new 40d model is a much more environmentally friendly option.

The choice of colour can really influence the look and shape of a vehicle and no more so than in the case of the still quite radical looking BMW X6.

In my opinion the colour of this car, which is called Black Sapphire metallic, really suits it best, particularly from the rear three quarter view. The black contrasts quite nicely against the anodised silver roof rails and the 20-inch “Y” spoke alloy wheels fitted to the test vehicle.

As befitting an executive vehicle that has a list price of $153,900 the X6 does not lack for standard specification which includes: keyless entry and start, park distance control, head-up display, rear view camera with top view, seat heating for the driver and passenger, satellite navigation, adaptive headlights with a washer system, and a storage compartment package which prevents items from rolling around in the boot.

Additionally there were nearly $25k worth of options fitted to this particular X6 which included the option glass tilt’n’slide sunroof, a heated steering wheel, silver finished roof rails, rear DVD screen, driver and passenger comfort seats with lumbar support, self-levelling suspension, Bluetooth music connectivity, sun protection glazing, towing pack and an alarm system.

Inside the X6 still only offers room for four occupants and their luggage but despite the coupe style roofline and the dark lining of the roof, the vehicle never seems claustrophobic and we found there is plenty of legroom for both front and rear occupants.

The comfort front seats have to be sat in for some time to truly be appreciated. On a long journey the ability to wrap the side bolsters of the seat around the drivers back to offer greater lateral support when cornering is excellent. This is a car that begs to be driven on long road trips, as it’s smooth, quiet, and comfortable, all the pre-requisites of a modern day grand tourer but with greater fuel efficiency.  

The X6 has recently received further enhancements as part of its life cycle impulse, which is BMW-speak for mid-life facelift. The three-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine has been upgraded yet again as an extension of BMW EfficientDynamics technology and returns fuel efficiency of 7.5-litres per 100km and CO² emissions of 198 g/km.

The twin-turbocharged diesel engine produces 225kW of power and 600Nm of torque and works in tandem with an 8-speed automatic transmission with  BMW steptronic and steering wheel shift paddles to help propel the X6 40d from zero to the legal limit in 6.5 seconds.

Despite our best efforts we managed an overall average fuel consumption of 9 to 10l/100km over a mixture of urban driving and an inter city trip from Auckland to Whangarei.

On the road the presence of the X1 is quite unmistakeable, there is nothing quite like it and even now the vehicle manages to attract some interesting facial expressions from other motorists. From the driver’s seat the view forward is excellent but the rear three quarter view is certainly compromised by the coupe-like roofline, but this is mitigated by the camera system when reversing and parallel parking.

Despite the girth of the X6 it is a surprisingly easy vehicle to park thanks to the camera and PDC assistance. Treat it with caution as you would with any other large SUV in the luxury class (X5, Cayenne, M-Class, Q7) and you will not have any difficulties in the city or in suburban malls. 

The ride quality is best described as comfortably firm, no doubt exacerbated by the low profile run flat tyres fitted to the X6 and the sporting suspension package. You do feel the lumps and bumps of a badly sealed road and there is some noise intrusion into the cabin,

Uniquely the front wheels both wear a 275/40R/20 sized Bridgestone Dueler HP tyre while the rear wheels are both fitted with a 315/35/20 size tyre of the same brand.

Even though both sizes can be driven in a flattened state for some distance (refer to your owners manual), the BMW X6 comes with an 18-inch steel space saver tyre in the boot floor. It is also here that you will find the storage space for the removable tow hitch and trailer wiring socket which can also be unplugged and stored away when not in use.

 As an alternative to a full size SUV or a 5-series sedan, the X6 offers the atypical BMW driving experience in a stylish yet unique package that no other manufacturer has yet to come to market with.

Specifications:

Body type  Five-door liftback  
Drive All-wheel-drive 
Engine Type Inline six-cylinder diesel  
Engine Capacity 2993cc
Max power 225kW @
Max torque 600Nm @
Fuel Consumption 7.5l/100km
C02 emission 198g/km
0 to 100kph 6.5sec
Front suspension Double wishbone  
Rear suspension Four-link independent
Roof Rack Yes
ABS Brakes Yes
Air Bags 8
ESP Yes
Air Conditioning Dual climate
Lap/diagonal belts 4
Satellite Navigation Yes
Electric seats Driver and passenger
Burglar Alarm Yes 
Panic Button No
Boot release Yes
Cargo Cover Yes
Boot Capacity 570/1450l
Wheel type 20-inch Alloy
Spare Tyre Yes
Price     $178,650 as tested