#3
BMW X6
By Karen Nduku
The BMW X6 is the coupe version of the X5. While resembling the BMW X4, the X6 is significantly bigger than the X4, offering seating capacity for five making it the best option for the discerning family that needs more room to maneuver in.
In 2023, the X6 benefits with a number of updates and facelifts in order to retain its sub-segment market leadership and ably keep the coupe SUV rivals at a safe distance. The changes included noticeable exterior redesign and introduction of new and more better performing power plants.
BMW X6 rivals include the recently facelifted Mercedes GLE Coupe, the Audi Q8, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. In order to fend off the competition in the rapidly expanding mid-size luxury coupe segment, BMW has redesigned the X6’s exterior and introduced mild-hybrid technology under the bonnet.
For instance, X6 features distinctive front-end aerodynamics. The bumper has been reshaped at the front, mounted complete with slimmer headlights, incorporating a new LED signature. The front grille has air intakes that are separated to the sides. The air vent behind the front wheels are retained, with body-coloured wheel arch extensions on top trim levels. The aerodynamic air vents behind the rear wheels coupled with exhaust tips finished in black are retained as high end options.
Interior
The X6 features extensive updates in the interior, with a new dual-screen setup taken from BMW’s all-electric ‘i’ models. A 12.3-inch touchscreen connects to a 14.9-inch driver’s display, with a number of the climate buttons relocated to the central screen.
In general, the design of the front dashboard has been tweaked. Restyled air vents along with fresh trim, with an ‘X6’ logo on the passenger side help give the facelifted X6 a refreshing new look. The gear lever has also been reduced to comfort size.
Engines
The X6 has gained refreshed powertrain choices. The big news is that every petrol and diesel model now comes with mild-hybrid power. A 48V battery adds 12 bhp and 200 Nm of torque and can be used for electric-only driving at low speeds on xDrive40i models. The mild-hybrid system enables smoother operations of the start/stop feature. Charge for the battery is recouped from braking.
The range kicks off with a hybridized 3.0-litre, straight-six diesel in xDrive30d form, putting out 294bhp and 670 Nm of torque. The xDrive40i entry-level petrol model is next with another 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged straight-six – this time with 375 bhp and 540 Nm of torque.
The X6 doesn’t get a plug-in hybrid xDrive50e model. The range-topper is the M60i, featuring a 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid power, putting out 523 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. 0-62mph is the same as the X5 M60i at 4.3 seconds.
The X6 comes in two trim levels – M Sport and M60i. BMW’s ‘M Sport package’ includes red brakes, coloured seat belts and exterior trim finished in black and darkened headlight surrounds. The M60i uses the same wing mirrors as the full-fat X6 M.
Verdict
What makes this BMW X6 is the design of the lower air intakes. The J-shaped vertical vents at the outer edges of the front bumper are new, as are the triangular intakes located further toward the license plate.
The BMW X6 facelift reveals its new daytime running lights. The new light design shows a triangular shape with an arrow pointing towards the outer edges of the light housing. And that comes as no surprise as BMW’s iconic lights have changed over the years: from the double headlamps to the angel eyes to L-shaped lights and now to this new design.
The 2023 BMW X6 features a slightly wider kidney grille while the air curtains at the front have also been redesigned for a more aggressive look.
Furthermore, the new X6 has lost its stylish electronic gear shifter in favor of the minimalistic selector seen on the I20 BMW iX, that will also spawn across other future models of the family.
