Is the new BMW X6 Facelift better than before and can it beat its main rivals the Mercedes GLE Coupe Facelift and the Audi Q5 Sportback?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the styling on the X6 and to start with you will notice that it does look different over the X5. This is to make the X6 more aggressive. It also will only come in M-Sport model only. Again, to help with the sportiness. So, what do we get. Well, we get the same headlights that you will find on the new X5 facelift but that is it in terms of similarity. Everything else is different. The grill is sharper and wider than the X5 and we get this black trim surrounding the lower part connecting the much bigger central air vent. We also get some more aggressive side vents. Now if you want to have a similar look to this on your new BMW X5 you can but you will have to go for the more expensive BMW X5M model to get this because just like the M3 and M4 they both share the front-end design. Thankfully they don’t have bugs bunny teeth though.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get this swoopy coupe like design. This is the main difference over the X5, and we also get a different side vent over the X5 too and on this car, it does look more discrete which I do like more. The overall style is still off roader type and not sleek like the new Mercedes GLC Coupe for example, but it does look premium enough to win you over.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back of the X6 and sadly we don’t get any changes like the X5. We get the same taillights coupe styling and bumper as before. To be honest though I am fine with this as it does still look modern. Let’s have a look at the engine options that you can have with the new BMW X6 Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, there is no surprise that the BMW X6 will use the exact same engines as the X6. Let start with what will be the most popular. This will be the X6 xDrive30d. this uses a 3 litre straight 6 engines putting out 294 bhp and the power goes through an 8-speed automatic powering all four wheels. What is new though is that all the engines have a 48volt mild hybrid system. Now unlike the X5 version there will be another diesel option. This is the X6 xDrive40d. Petrol versions consist of 2 engines. The first one is the xDrive40i. this again uses a 3 litre straight 6 with 375 bhp and just like the diesel it uses an 8-speed automatic with power going to all four wheels. 0-62 is also delt within 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. the top of the petrol range is the M60i version. This uses a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 again with mild hybrid power. This puts out 523 bhp and has an impressive 750 Nm of torque. This gives the X6 a 0-62 time of 4.3 seconds. Prices for the BMW X6 range starts at £74,365.
Interior – Design
So, moving inside the new BMW X6 and there is no surprise that it is the same as the X5 inside. This means we get a new dashboard layout with a new style of air vent. Gone have the climate control and number buttons and they have been put in the new BMW iDrive 8.5 system. This new system is different from the iDrive 8 and the new layout is actually easier to use as it is a one layer layout system where everything you need is on one layer. This means that your widgets lay over the navigation or the driving mode. The system is quick and easy to use, and it is also rare to see a dial to control it. The instrument cluster is also easy and clear to see, and you can also put your apple maps in it, so you have full wireless apple car play integration. The centre console is slightly different with a new gear toggle replacing the selector and we also get slightly different trimmed seats with vegan leather. There is no vegan leather option for the steering wheel yet unfortunately. Finally, we also get some new ambient lighting with the X6 logo on the dashboard. Let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting into the rear seats and just like the X5 legroom is more than enough. Headroom is less though because of the sloping roof but that is to be expected. Just like the X5 you also get your own climate control system, USB C ports, an arm rest, and heated seats. Let’s have a look at the boot.
Boot Size
So, boot size is less than the X5 which again is to be expected because of the sloping roof. In the X6 you get 580 litres with the seats up. You also don’t get a rear bench which again is to be expected. With the seats down it expands to 1,525 litres which again is less than the X5.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the BMW X6 Facelift. Well like the X5 it is a decent car but if I had to choose between the X5 and X6 I would go for the X5 just because it has slightly better styling and practicality overall. This doesn’t mean though that you should rule the X6 out. If you are after a premium coupe SUV and you like BMW’s, then this may be the car for you. It is also better looking than the X4 Coupe SUV.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 3/5
Total 12/15
Model | BMW X6 xDrive 30d M-Sport |
Engine | 3.0 Litre Diesel Straight 6, 294 bhp, 4 Wheel Drive |
Trnasmission | 8 Speed Automatic |
Price | £74,365 |
On Sale | Now |
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