Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X6 (2014-2019) review - Engines, performance and drive

The X6’s engines are powerful and smooth, while the handling is typically sharp

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your BMW X6
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The defining characteristic of the BMW X6 (and to a lesser extent the X5) has always been the car-like way it drives. Despite tipping the scales at more than two tonnes, the X6 manages to weave its way through corners with masses of grip and precious little body roll – especially in the incredible (and bonkers) X6 M performance version. It certainly rivals the Porsche Cayenne for driving entertainment.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The steering could do with a little more feedback but it’s still very responsive. Four driving modes are available – Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ – that alter the mechanics of how the car feels to drive, although Eco Pro is mainly focused on setting the car up to be as frugal as possible.

The X6's ride is noticeably firmer in Sport and Sport+ modes with the Adaptive M suspension, which is standard on M Sport models, the M50d and the X6 M. It can become quite unsettled over bumps, but changing the suspension's damper control to its softest setting cures that, while still retaining superb body control.

Every X6 comes with BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard – and it’s extremely smooth. 

Engines

Every one of the X6’s engines – petrol and diesel – is refined and powerful in equal measure. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines including a 568bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the flagship X6 M and a 376bhp 3.0-litre tri-turbo in the X6 M50d, both of which have massive performance.

The X6 M is incredibly fast for such a large car with 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and handling to match, making it supercar fast on the road and surprisingly capable on a track given its size and weight.

The M50d is only a second slower to 62mph at 5.2 seconds and has almost as much torque as the X6 M at 740Nm, so there’s a huge amount of mid-range pulling power and the M50d is over £25,000 cheaper. 

By far the biggest seller is the 254bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine in the X6 xDrive30d. The X6 is still not a slow car, even with this engine, as it’s capable of 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and has heaps of pulling power.

Move up the diesel range to the xDrive40d and you get 309bhp and 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, while the petrol xDrive50i is good for 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and has a hearty 444bhp. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £13,000
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025