[Taboleo] BMW 'X6 M'... Explosive Performance and Racing Instincts

Overall length 4940mm with tank-like dominant appearance
0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds from standstill
Maximum output 625 horsepower explosive acceleration
High-performance mode 'M' full of driving charm

Interior view of the BMW X6 M.
Photo by BMW

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Every time I see a BMW, the image that comes to mind is "masculinity." The overall bold lines and the prominently large kidney grille create a majestic presence that makes the heart race. And if it carries the high-performance M badge? For car enthusiasts, there is hardly a better feature than that.

Among them, BMW's Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) embody these elements even more strongly. First of all, the vehicles are large. So, the first time I saw the BMW X6 M Competition, it gave me the impression of a "tank." Perhaps it was also because the test vehicle's exterior color resembled what is commonly called "military green." However, when I actually drove it, the impression was "explosive. How does it move like this despite its size?"

That perception was very strong.

-What kind of vehicle is the BMW New X6 M Competition?

▲The BMW New X6 M Competition boasts a maximum output of 625 horsepower and a maximum torque of 76.5 kg.m. It is equipped with a V8 4.4-liter M TwinPower gasoline turbo engine. This is combined with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and the BMW M xDrive system. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Considering that an SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, you can roughly imagine what kind of vehicle this is.

Moreover, it has an overall length of 4940 mm, a width of 2020 mm, and a height of 1695 mm. The wheelbase is also quite long at 2970 mm. For comparison, Hyundai's Palisade has a length of 4980 mm and a width and height of 1975 mm and 1750 mm respectively, so you can see that this is a considerably large vehicle.

The exterior image is also imposing and overwhelming. The front features a black M-exclusive double-strut kidney grille, and the front bumper is designed to maximize aerodynamic and cooling performance. Additionally, the width is 15 mm wider than the standard model, giving the body proportions a more stable feel. It is equipped with 21-inch wheels at the front and 22-inch wheels at the rear, emphasizing a sporty charm. While the front is dominant, the rear has a sleek silhouette that gives a strong sense of sexiness, characteristic of the coupe-style design. Along with a black diffuser, dual twin-tip exhaust outlets are applied, adding to its stylishness.

Exterior appearance of the BMW X6 M

-How about the interior?

▲It is luxurious. The leather seats and the steering wheel equipped with dedicated drive mode buttons feel very pleasant to the touch. The carbon fiber panels and stitching placed throughout also seem to say, "I am a high-performance vehicle," which was satisfying. In front of the driver's seat, there is a 12.3-inch M-exclusive instrument cluster and an M head-up display. The head-up display is surprisingly clear, so I found myself looking at it more than the instrument cluster while driving. Additionally, the climate control system is very neat and intuitively arranged, allowing for easy operation. The infotainment system was also satisfactory.

-How is the driving performance?

▲I could understand why people love high-performance models. The engine sound when starting the car is truly unforgettable. The intensely resonant sound felt thrilling. However, inside the cabin, the noise is so well controlled that you don't really feel this. While the sound outside resembles a roar, inside it sounds like a low growl.

Of course, the engine sound heard while actually driving is also impressive. When I engaged the high-performance "M" mode and started driving, I truly felt its charm. The moment I pressed the accelerator pedal, the response was immediate, and I almost lost my mind at the loudly roaring engine sound and the rapidly rising speed on the instrument cluster. The same was true when taking corners at high speed. I wondered, "Is this even possible?" but the car did not slide much, and the seat held me firmly, allowing me to turn stably. Especially attractive was the setup button that lets the driver combine engine, chassis, steering, and brakes into "Comfort," "Sport," and "Sport Plus" modes as desired.

The normal mode allowed for a more comfortable and relaxed drive compared to the "M" mode. The display showed nearby vehicles and objects, making it easy to get information, and the driving assistance system worked well, making it useful both in the city and on highways. However, even in normal mode, I felt the image of a "beast trying to escape from its cage." It gave the impression that it really wanted to run.

The exterior appearance of the BMW X6 M.

-Are there any drawbacks?

▲If I were to set criteria based on an average office worker, it would be fuel efficiency and price. The BMW New X6 M Competition has a combined fuel efficiency of 6.8 km/L. On highways, it is 8.2 km/L, but in the city, it is 6 km/L. The price starts at 177.1 million KRW. It is a very expensive vehicle and not very fuel-efficient. However, I am not sure if those who buy such vehicles really care about these factors. Still, for car enthusiasts, this would definitely be one of the models they truly want to own.