In 2019, BMW launched the latest iteration of the X6 model range and was closely followed by the BMW X6 M Competition model in 2020. The stylish BMW X6 shares a platform as well as drivetrains and powertrains the more utilitarian X5 range, however, offers customers a coupe-like silhouette while retaining the off-roading abilities.
Even in its most basic specification, the BMW X6 offer ample standard features on both the exterior and the plush interior of the vehicle. While the sloping roofline as well as the revised front and rear design do make it an attractive choice, the more squarish BMW X5 does offer more luggage space. But we aren't here to compare the X6 with the X5, we are here to find out which is a better engine option in the X6, petrol or diesel.
Powertrains
Let us compare the range of BMW X6 models side-by-side to find out which offer the best performance for value.
| BMW X6 xDrive30d | BMW X6 xDrive40i | BMW X6 M50d | BMW X6 M50i | BMW X6 M competition | |
| Engine | 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-6 cylinder diesel | 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-6 cylinder petrol | 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-6 cylinder diesel | 4.4-litre, turbocharged, V8 petrol | 4.4-litre, turbocharged, V8 petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Power | 195 kW | 250 kW | 294 kW | 390 kW | 460 kW |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 450 Nm | 760 Nm | 750 Nm | 750 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.5s | 5.5s | 5.2s | 4.3s | 3.8s |
| Top speed | 230 km/h | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | 290 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 9.0 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km | 11.5 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| CO2 emission | 189 g/km | 206 g/km | 191 g/km | 263 g/km | 285 g/km |
*This table was completed with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za and was correct at the time of writing this article.
Verdict
As expected, the diesel offerings return a more frugal combined average fuel consumption with the difference between the entry-level petrol and diesel variants being a whole 1.8 L /100 km. The difference between the M50d and M50i is even larger with the diesel derivative returning a staggering 4.3 L / 100 km less than its petrol counterpart. The petrol offer does, however, reach 100 km/h almost a whole second quicker in both examples.
If you are in the market for sporty performance there is no denying that the X6 M Competition will impress with its physics-defying acceleration and high top speed. However, at the time of writing this article, you can get the M50i derivative for nearly a million Rand less, and it isn't far off the figure produced by the flagship model.
For us, however, the perfect balance between performance and frugality, when taking into consideration the entire range, is the BMW X6 M50d. It might not have the neck-breaking acceleration but is far from being slow. Considering that it promises to return similar fuel consumption figures as the entry-level model but with its improved performance is also why we chose it to be the winner in this comparison.
