The BMW X6 was recently facelifted. CAR journalist Kelly Lodewyks spent a night with the xDrive40d version to see what it has to offer.
Styling
It’s difficult to spot the styling changes on the recently facelifted BMW X6, but if you look closely you will notice the new foglamp surrounds and a slightly revised “kidney grille.” At the back the main change is the LED light banks that make up the taillamps – creating a signature profile at night. Other key differences include the new alloy wheel designs and 10 exterior colour schemes for the X6 – eight of them metallic.
Cabin
The cabin if the X6 is typically BMW. It’s good quality and fit and finish are of a high standard. The layout of all instruments and controls are easy to get used to and specification is vast. Seats are supportive, but the sloping roofline at the back does steal from the rear occupant headroom.
There’s rake and reach adjustment available on the steering column and the seat is electrically adjustable fore and aft as well as for height. I felt as though the seat didn’t quite rise high enough for me to get the view over the bonnet that I wanted, but I am rather short, so I have an issue like this in many large SUVs. I also had an issue with the boot space. There’s not much back there for a vehicle of its size.
On the road
The X6 came across a lot more agile than I expected. Steering is precise and there’s not a lot of lean in the corners. The ride can be a little harsher than you would like at times, but it’s never completely uncomfortable.
The 3,0-litre turbocharged unit under the bonnet of this model pushes out 225 kW at 4 400 r/min and 600 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 2 500 r/min. I always enjoy a little bit of low down torque. The X6 was no exception. It’s quick off the mark and when the torque kicks in there’s a nice thrust that should really help with overtaking maneuvres.
The main selling point of this vehicle is the fuel efficiency. I wasn’t able to test it, but I did over 100 km with a half a tank and the needle only moved slightly. BMW claims a consumption of 7,5 litres/100 km in the EU cycle.
Summary
I quite enjoyed driving this X6. I like the lowdown torque and its nimbleness. It’s fuel efficient, and while it is perhaps not something you would take off the beaten track, thanks to its agility and road holding abilities, it is well-suited to the concrete jungle and is capable of taking you to the office and back in comfort and style.
Specification
Model: BMW X6 xDrive40d
Price: R847 669
Engine: 3,0-litre, six cylinder diesel
Power: 225 @ 4 400 r/min
Torque: 600 N.m @ 1500-2500 r/min
Fuel consumption: 7,5-litres/100 km*
CO2: 198 g/km*
Top speed: 236 km/h*
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6,5 secs*
*Manufacturer’s claims
You can download the full specification sheet by clicking on the documents tab in the top right hand corner of the image block.
