BMW X6 M Competition (2021) review: Ostentatiously brutal

When one thinks of safety innovations, one immediately starts to think of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Volvo gave us the 3-point seatbelt and made it free of patents so that the concept could go on to save lives in other products. Mercedes-Benz's S-Class paved the way with the introduction of crumple zones and padded interiors (amongst many others). BMW, well, BMW has given us the X6. While the X6 isn't necessarily a safety pioneer, it did forge the way for the SAC, or Sports Activity Coupe, because clearly, SUV is too mainstream. In short, it's an SUV with sportier proportions and design language.

Related: BMW X5 M And X6 M Competition media launch impressions

I've always struggled to see the point of the X6 but when BMW introduced it to the world in 2008, there was some concern around how it would affect the market. Would it cannibalize the existing X5? Would the entire concept fall flat on its face? The answer was a resounding 'No' on both accounts. So popular was the X6 that it spawned a performance model, the X6 M, and the rest they say, is history.

Now in its third incarnation, the BMW X6 M is more powerful than ever, offering blistering performance and opulent luxury for those with the pockets deep enough to engage in such festivities.

 

Styling

BMW's ever-increasing grille size has troubled some, but you can rest easy knowing that the execution on the latest G06 version of the BMW X6 M Competition is not as terrible as what you will find on the X7. Their ample size is offset by the large air dams in the lower section of the front bumper with the large central opening flanked by two aggressive-looking apertures. Much of the front end detail is lost when one chooses the Black Sapphire Metallic paint option. Ordinarily, the gloss black kidney grilles, slats and edging would contrast nicely but in the dark finish, it's tucked away stealthily.

Locally, you're only offered the Competition version of the BMW X6 M, This means that moderation is not on the cards - ever. Down the sides you get a set of mixed size alloy wheels, measuring in at 21- and 22-inches respectively. These are shod in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. These rubber-band tyres do their best to reign in the power but do little for the comfort levels of the might X6 M.

 

The back half of the new G06 X6 M is a sleeker, angular affair than before, highlighted by LED taillight elements that add an air of sinister intent. Subtle winglets on the upper roofline and decklid allude to the performance prowess of the X6 M and once again, certain styling cues are hidden by the dark paint, such as the lower diffuser element that is flanked by four, large-bore tailpieces for the exhaust system. This still doesn't stop the X6 M from, in my opinion, being a ridiculous exercise in frivolous design. if you want a coupe, go buy one. If you want an SUV, do that. But for the love of all things holy, don't try to mix the two.

 

Interior & Space

Step inside and a conflicting blend of lightweight carbon fibre and luxurious red leather and Alcantara greets you. While initially polarising, one soon embraces the cockpit and all that it has to offer. The options carbon fibre trim in our test model contrasted with the Merino Sakhir Orange leather (don't be fooled, it's very red) and was only broken up by highlight stitching and brushed aluminium strips. 

The cabin is a familiar place and all the usually BMW M controls find their home in the places one would expect to find them. Borrowing from the BMW M5, the X6 M steering wheel has similar M1 and M2 toggles for customisable drive modes, allowing you to switch between two presets at, well, the push of a button. Ergonomics are once again, as is to be expected and the M Sport seats do a splendid job of keeping you in place while pressing on. 

 

Space in the rear is adequate, but the X6's design inherently encroaches on rear headroom and boot space. 580-litres are on offer in the X6 M and compared to the 650-litres available in the X5 M, the differences are noticeable. With the rear seats folded, the X6 M gives you 1530-litres whereas you get 1850 from the X5 M. If space is your concern, then the X5 is the one to go for.

 

Comfort & Convenience

There's no shortage of tech in the BMW X6 M and occupants will benefit from the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with its 12.3-inch screen while the driver will revel in the display offered by the Live Cockpit Professional. Bowers & Wilkins reproduces the cabin entertainment via their Diamond Surround Sound system (an optional extra to the tune of R71 700). The system now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration with the former being linked wirelessly. 

Multizone climate control allows all the passengers to travel in comfort, no matter how fussy they are.

 

Performance

This is the bit that you're really here for, the performance. The latest G06 X6 M Competition is more powerful than ever before and thanks to the 460 kW and 750 Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, the X6 M competition will not disappoint. The X6 M was the first M-Division vehicle to be fitted with xDrive and that trend continues, even down to the new M-Division sedans, and you will find the latest rear-wheel biased M xDrive system helping propel the X6 M to 100 km/h from a standstill in only 3.8-seconds.

I recall my first experience with the model, several years ago with the 2nd-generation - and aptly-coded F16 - in regular, vanilla M trim. I recall how, when you planted your right foot, the X6 M charged ahead in an attempt to headbutt the horizon. To this day I am still perplexed by the concept. The millions spent on trying to make a 2.3-tonne SUV go, stop and turn in this fashion is counterintuitive. Anyone who builds racecars will tell you that weight is the enemy and in order to make the most of your power and handling reserves, you should make the rest as light as possible. Thus, the engineering behind the X6 M is nothing short of phenomenal.

 

The X6 M handles exceptionally well if somewhat taught in its compliance. It is fitted with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and is complemented by active roll stabilisation, M Servotronic steering and Dynamic Stability Control. Paired with the sticky Michelin tyres, you'd swear that you are behind the wheel of a more svelte sedan.

Road, Sport, and Track modes allow you to adjust various parameters of the performance output, from the engine throttle response, steering weight, suspension compliance and more for the desired feedback and response you require for the task at hand. 

 

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption should be the least of your concerns when thinking of purchasing an X6 M Competition. M-Division and frugality do not work hand in hand and one much simply accept that the fuel bill is the price you pay for the performance; everything comes at a price.

That said, BMW claims that the X6 M will only consume 12.5 litres of the flammable stuff for every 100 km that you drive, but this is laughably optimistic. The fact of the matter is that the power delivery is so intoxicating that you will revel in any chance you get to prod the loud pedal, and sending the fuel consumption figures skyrocketing. 

 

Safety

The BMW X6 M is as safe as it is quick and there is no shortage of driver assistance systems and supplementary safety systems. You'll get 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane departure warning with Lane Keep Assist, Blindspot monitoring and a host of other safety features. 

The heads-up display allows for various elements to be displayed in the driver's line of sight, including traffic signs posted for speed limits. Automatic headlights and wipers are standard, as are adaptive LED headlights. 

Park distance control with surround cameras keep you safe and help avoid foolish bumps but if you wish to hand it over to the vehicle, the X6 M Competition features Park Assist as well.

 

Price

All of this comes at a price (remember what I said about everything coming at a price), and after all, someone has to pay for the extensive R&D that has gone into making this behemoth stop and go in such a manner. As such, you'll pay no less than R2 882 320 for the BMW X6 M Competition, and that's before you've ticked a few of the creature comforts boxes. Admittedly, BMW is doing better these days and many of the desirable features are being included in the base price. Still, you'll need to fork out for items like the audio system and panoramic glass roof.

 

Competitors

If you absolutely have to combine the performance with something that looks like Bowser from the Marios Bros, you'll have to fish in the pond that contains the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupé, Aud RS Q8, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé. If your sensibilities return, just look at the BMW X5 M competition or anything in the Land Rover Range Rover stable.

 

Verdict

Try as hard as I might, I just cannot come to terms with the combination of weight and performance, especially when cloaked in the oxymoronic 4-door coupé SUV format. Yes, it does what it says on the tin (and then some) and you're bound to get enough praise to inflate your ego to stratospheric proportions and I can't blame you if you can afford to do that.

The X6 M Competition is a great car, it's just not for me, that's all.