The BMW X6 xDrive40d M sport package at a glance
The wrong car at the wrong time?
Fuel prices are rising and rising, even diesel costs more than 2.10 euros per liter in many places. Those who can now fall back on an economical car can consider themselves lucky. But what does all this have to do with a BMW X6? An SUV coupé weighing over 2.3 tons with the partial face of an armored personnel carrier.
Actually nothing at all if the Munich company didn’t have this one famous self-igniter in their range. The “xDrive40d” (combined fuel consumption: 7.9-6.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 206-179 g/km)² has a displacement of three liters, six cylinders in a row and 340 hp, which costs at least 86,600 euros the flag for the sport diesel far up in the wind. The biturbo inherits the quad-turbo of the M50d, which has not been available since 2020 and which would have been too expensive for BMW to maintain only for continental Europe.
Test consumption by 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers
It does not matter anyway. Because the 700 Newton meters of the test subject are also more than enough, catapulting the Bavarian from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds if necessary, and when the freeway is free, almost 250 km/h are possible. Certainly irrelevant values in these times and so the gaze wanders to the consumption calculator. BMW itself specifies a consumption of eight liters per 100 kilometers according to WLTP for the X6 xDrive40d, but less is also possible.
In the almost two-week test period, we achieved a brisk average value of 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers according to the on-board computer. Last but not least, the 48-volt technology around the 11 kW integrated starter generator helps to save fuel; The eight-speed converter goes into freewheel early on and is supplemented by an almost imperceptibly working stop-start automatic.
Collect free kilometers and have fun
If you drive sparingly for a long time, the EcoPro mode will then show you how much range you have gained by sneaking. Then those “free kilometers” can be converted into driving fun on the uninhibited after-work lap over empty, heavily winding country roads. Here the X6 shows its other side. Marketed by BMW as a “Sports Activity Vehicle”, the thick ship cuts an amazing figure in curves, which is mainly due to the built-in adaptive M suspension Professional (5,450 euros). In addition to active roll stabilization and the mechanical sport differential, it also includes integral active steering, which ensures noticeably more agility and increased directional stability.
Agility at the expense of driving comfort
The faster and harder you drive the BMW X6, the smoother the individual chassis components work together. In such moments, the engine, transmission and steering also form a unit, which brings the Bavarian stronghold very close to the Porsche Cayenne in terms of driving dynamics. However: Increased demands on driving comfort must not be placed on the X6.
A test of the sister model BMW X5, which was then equipped with a 2-axle air suspension, showed that sometimes nervous driving behavior has to be tolerated, willy-nilly. The fact that the Bavarian is also not a lightweight is particularly noticeable over transverse joints and poor road patchwork. Here is awkward, sometimes stuck unrolled, which definitely shouldn’t be. On the other hand, if you want something softer in the same house, it could be worth taking a look at the American-soft BMW X7, which is much more expensive from 93,100 euros.
High-quality interior, high tensile load
On the other hand, few compromises have to be made in the interior. The infotainment can be operated as easily as usual, while the X6 skillfully takes over its massive exterior appearance inside. Leather upholstery is standard, as is Sensatec on the dashboard. For a surcharge of 1,600 euros, the artificial material can be made into Walknappa, as requested. The materials used are pleasing, the look and feel go very well together. It doesn’t actually take much to turn the BMW X6 xDrive40d into a feudal travel companion; the very comfortable and multi-adjustable comfort seats for 1,150 euros should definitely be on the wish list.
The front and rear are comfortable and airy, even the early sloping roof does not limit the headroom in the rear. A fine point of criticism: Even if the body shape of the X6 is supposed to be reminiscent of a coupé, grab handles in the headliner would be a desirable addition to the standard equipment. In addition to its polarizing appearance, the Bavarian also offers tangible load values. The trunk holds between 580 and 1,530 liters, but the BMW can carry up to 3.5 tons.
Conclusion
Behind every hard shell hides a soft core. If you swap soft for economical, this definitely applies to the BMW X6 xDrive40d. The 340-hp Bavarian amazes with its low average fuel consumption of 7.6 liters and a brisk driving style at the same time. That thriftiness in the upper class segment has its price is another matter. For at least 86,600 euros you also get a lot of standard equipment; the list of extras is much longer. Also included in the price: too tight a suspension set-up and too nervous a turn-in behavior. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)
