Used BMW X6 2020-pres review

The BMW X6, in its original form, was the pioneering coupé SUV. It seemed very alien at the time – a large, luxury 4x4 with a sleek, sloping roofline – but the bodystyle has since caught on, spawning a second and now third generation, plus a plethora of rivals. This latest car (on sale since 2020) has really found the model’s stride and, luckily for us, examples are already making their way onto the used market.

The X6 shares its engine range – and most of its parts – with the more conventional X5. All models get four-wheel drive, with the entry-level variant being the xDrive30d, which features a 282bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine. After that, you have the xDrive40i, with its 333bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine, and the xDrive40d with its 340bhp 3.0-litre diesel.

For the utmost performance, go for the M50i, because it comes with a 530bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8. Although it's no longer on sale from new, you can also get an M50d second-hand with a 381bhp 3.0-litre diesel.

In terms of trim levels, the entry-level one is Sport, but essentially all used models feature the M Sport trim at the moment. With M Sport, you get 21in alloy wheels, an uprated braking system and a plethora of M-specific cosmetic details, including black exterior trim highlights, a more aggressive body kit and a sports steering wheel.

On the road, the X6 impresses, no matter which engine you go for; they’re all pretty punchy. The synthetic engine note owners will experience in the diesels won’t be to everyone’s taste, but they get up to speed nice and quickly, thanks in part to a capable eight-speed automatic gearbox that's standard in all X6s. The petrols, especially the M50i, are properly rapid.

The X6 is one of the more entertaining cars in the coupé SUV class to drive. You don't get a great deal of feedback through its chunky steering wheel, but the meaty feel of its steering still inspires confidence. Body control is impressively tight, too, so threading the car through a series of sweeping bends is genuinely enjoyable.

Air suspension is present on all cars, but M Sport's 21in wheels mean that, whichever driving mode you select, there's a firm edge to the low-speed ride. That said, the suspension never thumps or crashes over imperfections, so life is far from uncomfortable. It’s a similar deal with the M performance models, even though they have adaptive suspension, but once you’re up to speed they start to really flow with the road.

The X6’s interior is functional, comfortable and attractive. Electrically adjustable sports seats with driver memory provide good long-distance comfort, while the steering wheel offers a large range of movement to help you find the ideal driving position.

BMW’s infotainment system leads the way in the class for both usability and number of features. It can be operated through either its 12.3in touchscreen or a more intuitive rotary controller between the front seats. There’s also a crisp, clear 12.3in digital instrument panel in place of conventional analogue dials. It looks smart and is intuitive to use.

Front passenger room is excellent, and in the back – where you’d assume the sloping roofline would rob head room – it’s actually pretty spacious as well. Passengers won’t feel cramped, although the rival Audi Q8 is roomier still.

The rear seats split and fold in 40/20/40 sections as standard, and while the boot itself doesn’t have the outright capacity to match that of the Q8, it will swallow a family’s holiday luggage easily.

If you're interested in finding a used X6, or any of the other coupé SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Buyers of new X6s can get some healthy discounts, according to our latest online deals section, but the trouble is, due to the ongoing delays in the delivery of new cars you may have to wait a long time to get your hands on one. Used prices for the BMW X6 begin at around £60,000, which is a saving of around £3000 to £8000. That’ll get you a 2020 model, likely in 30d M Sport guise. For 40d or 40i models, expect to pay around £65,000. Range-topping models such as the M50i tend to go for upwards of £80,000 for 2021 examples.

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MPG

As large, luxurious SUVs go, the X6 is fairly economical, especially if you go for one with mild hybrid tech (MHT), which the entire range – except the M50i – adopted not long after the model began production. With said MHT, the 30d officially achieves an average of 42.8mpg. The 40d promises 41.5mpg and the 40i 31.7mpg. The M50i is the worst on fuel, with an official average of 25.2mpg.

Road tax

Owners of petrol and diesel X6s will have to pay £155 per year under current VED regulations, as well as £335 per year extra for years two to six, because all models cost more than £40,000 from new. To find out more about road tax costs, click here.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups are generally high, meaning the X6 will be a pricey car to insure. BMW offers servicing plans for the X6 that allow owners to pay £30 per month over 36 months.

The 30d gets good performance and the best fuel economy the X6 will see. You might as well spend a couple of grand more to get it with MHT as well. In terms of trim levels, go for M Sport, because it's far more prevalent than entry-level Sport trim. The M50i does get some goodies that you don’t get on M Sport, including that fire-breathing V8 engine, but of course you then have to part with a lot more cash.

Our favourite BMW X6: xDrive30d M Sport

The Audi Q8 is one of the X6’s main rivals. It’s more spacious inside and it will likely appeal more to those with an eye for tech – not that the X6 doesn’t come with some good features in that area. The Q8 a smart and sophisticated package, and a great all-rounder.

The Mercedes GLE Coupé is another close rival. It’s an appealing option, although the X6’s infotainment system is much more modern-feeling. The X6 is more practical and handles better, too.

If you're interested in finding a used X6, or any of the other coupé SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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