Autoblog

2013 BMW X6 M

Michael Harley — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, Quick Spins

When it comes to automotive oddities, the BMW X6 is one for the books thanks to its unusual chopped-roof crossover styling - a combination that BMW has long referred to as a "Sports Activity Coupe." But the BMW X6 M, the low volume high-performance variant, turns things up with oversized Matchbox-like wheels, a criminally powerful engine under hood and plenty of go-fast goodies. While it is far from appearing dated, BMW nevertheless made a few tweaks for the 2013 model year.

Driving Notes

Subtle enhancements include a 'power bulge' hood (identical to the one used on the now-defunct BMW X6 ActiveHybrid), minor cosmetic tweaks to the BMW-signature kidney grille and headlight improvements (HID beams are standard with LED headlights new to the options list). Wrapping up the changes, the brake calipers have been painted "M Blue" and front sport seats are now fitted at no additional cost. (The M graphics, and other carbon fiber components as shown above on our test vehicle, are additional options or dealer accessories.)
The X6 M drives just as wickedly as it looks. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 pumps out a very impressive 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, which is enough muscle to propel the 5,324-pound five-passenger CUV to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds (top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph).
Massive tires (275/40R20 up front and 315/35R20 in the rear) and permanent all-wheel drive means the M has the tenacity and grip of a gecko, while sport suspension tuning helps it maintain its poise on even the most challenging roads.
The X6 M is a real hoot to drive. The commanding seating position, bolstered sport seats and thick steering wheel immediately put the driver in the proper mindset. It seriously scoots once the turbochargers are spooled (leaving an aggressive exhaust note in its wake) and the well-tuned underpinnings deliver mass-defying agility.
Despite the crossover's kick-in-the pants performance, we found the X6 M a single-mission vehicle - the hatchback is big, but its utility value is rather low. Not helping matters is a high curb weight, high drag coefficient (0.38) and a thirsty engine. Those combine to mean owners will spend lots of time opening the fuel filler door (the EPA rates the X6 M at 12 miles per gallon city and 17 mpg highway).
Feeding the beast is costly, but so is its base price. The 2013 X6 M, the Ultimate Driving Machine for the wealthy few who appreciate its styling (and absurdity), starts at $93,795 including destination.

2013 BMW X6 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 BMW X6 M reveals its very discreet enhancements

Michael Harley — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

BMW has treated its high-performance X6 M to a refresh for the 2013 model year, rolling the controversial bad boy out during the New York Auto Show for its first official appearance. Unfortunately, the changes are so subtle that we required an official BMW tour guide to point them out. In lieu of such a service for each of our readers, the next paragraph will have to suffice.

Most obvious is the new 'power bulge' hood, borrowed from the now-defunct BMW X6 Active Hybrid. Less visible are the cosmetic changes to the BMW-signature kidney grill and the new optional LED headlights (active HID bulbs remain standard). Peer inside the 20-inch wheels to spot the painted calipers, now in a distinguished "M" blue (vehicles with optional carbon/ceramic brakes have gold calipers). Lastly, inside the cabin, BMW's active sport seats are now standard.

Unchanged - and rightly so - is the gobsmacking twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 boasting 555 hp and 501 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed paddleshift automatic and permanent all-wheel drive, the hunchbacked hero will easily crack 60 mph in under than five seconds. By the way, you'll have to make your own arrangements to get the gaudy Olympic sponsorship graphics seen on the vehicle above.

2013 BMW X6 M reveals its very discreet enhancements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance Package

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

BMW, which still insists on using the term Sports Activity Coupe to describe its least practical 'ute, has updated its X6 for the 2013 model year. And with good reason - BMW says it has sold over 20,000 X6 crossovers in the States since its launch three years ago and over 150,000 worldwide, making it an important model for the German automaker.

First and foremost, the 2013 X6 offers available power from both the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 through its M Performance Package (which is not the same thing as the X6M that carries on for 2013 with its 555-horsepower V8 and six-speed automatic transmission).

By ticking he appropriate box on the order sheet, the X6 xDrive35i is blessed with 315 horsepower (a gain of 15 over stock) and 330 pound-feet of torque (a 30-lb-ft gain). The larger V8-powered model sports up to 440 hp and 480 lb-ft, gains of 40 horses and 30 torques. Models not ordered with the M Performance Package retain the less powerful engines offered in 2012, and all engines are mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes.

Exterior updates include a slew of subtle revisions to the front fascia that bring the X6 more in line with the latest 3 and 5 Series models, with grilles that are a bit bolder than the outgoing machine. Also new are available adaptive LED headlights in place of the standard Xenon bulbs. LEDs are new additions to the rear lighting system as well, housed in larger enclosures.

A rash of interior treatment options are new for 2013, as are a few new exterior colors that includes a tasty root beer metallic brown. Expect to see the 2013 X6 in dealerships in the spring. For all the details, we suggest checking out the official press release after the break, but not before ingesting our high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance Package

BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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