BMW X6 M Competition review

The BMW X6 M Competition is the ultimate expression of a BMW SUV. For starters, its twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produces 625hp, plus it costs more than £110,000. It competes with quick coupe SUVs such as the Audi RS Q8, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

But, if you think performance cars should be as close to the ground as possible and have two seats, then the BMW X6 M Competition will be about as welcome as a Hawaiian shirt at a black-tie ball.

You’ll also be unenthusiastic about the way it looks. Let’s just say you can’t be the shy and retiring type to own one, with its gaping black grille, huge air intakes, huge wheels, large exhausts and vivid unique paint colours helping it stand out over the standard X6.

And, if by some miracle you’d missed the exterior, the X6 M Competition’s interior is every bit as in-your-face. Think seriously figure-hugging seats with quilted stitching, aluminium trim, sports pedals and ambient lighting. Of course, there’s the chance to up the ante with BMW’s options list, but a superb fit and finish are standard.

One thing that stays the same versus stand X6s is the infotainment system, although it’s one of the best in the business. It’s BMW’s top-end Professional system, which gets a 12-inch screen that can be controlled by touch, a rotary dial between the front seats or even a very good voice control system.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: that huge new grille. Still, if you like it, it’s a shame you can’t illuminate it like on the standard X6. Y’know, in case anybody should miss it.

It also gets Apple CarPlay as standard (with Android Auto to follow in time), although you’ll have to pay for it beyond year one and Mercedes’ digital dials are more visually impressive and configurable than the ones you get as standard in the BMW.

Two adults in the front of the BMW X6 M Competition will have no issues with space, but if you regularly carry tall adults in the back you’ll be better off with the more upright X5 M. If, like the majority of people, you don’t, then it’ll be just fine. The boot will be too, although an RS Q8, GLE 63 Coupe and Cayenne Coupe all have a slightly larger one.

Elsewhere the BMW X6 M Competition also comes as simply an X6 M with 600hp, but here in the UK it’s the full-fat 625hp Competition model or nothing. That V8 petrol sends this 2.4-tonne behemoth to 62mph from standstill in just 3.8 seconds. That’s supercar fast.

And while it won’t lap a track as quickly as BMW’s fastest M cars, the X6 M Competition’s huge tyres, stiff, adaptive suspension, extra bracing and quicker steering all help it feel just about as agile as an SUV can, even without the rear-wheel steering of some alternatives.

Of course, in town, this big SUV doesn’t feel quite so nimble, but on the motorway it’ll breeze down slip roads and overtake faster-moving traffic with a simple twitch of the right foot, all the while remaining more comfortable and quiet than it has any right to be given its sporty intentions.

So, the first decision is whether or not a car like (and that looks like) the BMW X6 M Competition appeals to you, but if the answer is yes, then you’ll find few finer ways to go fast in an SUV.

Make sure you head to our BMW deals page for the very best prices.