Used BMW X6 2014-2019 review

A lot of cars can divide opinion just by the way they look, and the BMW X6 has always been one of them. The first-generation car appeared in 2008, and though its sheer size and butch styling was either something you liked or didn’t, the car actually went on to enjoy healthy sales successes. Eventually, it was joined by so many similarly styled rivals that it kickstarted a whole new class of car: the coupe SUV.

This second-generation version appeared in late 2014 and ran until 2019 and, despite tweaks to the bodystyle, it continued the theme. Indeed its sheer size and the incongruity of its sporty appeal while seeming to offer all that a luxury SUV might in terms of opulence and practicality could be why so many people have chosen to buy one - it certainly stands out from the crowd.

The most popular engine was the 3.0-litre straight six diesel available in three states of tune: a 258bhp 30d, the 313bhp 40d and the M-tuned 381bhp 50d. There were two petrol options, the first being semi-sensible 443bhp, twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 50i, while those wanting a bit more poke can try and find a full M car in the shape of the X6 M, equipped with the same V8 petrol engine that's turned up to 11 and puts out 567bhp.

There are two trim levels to choose from starting with SE that has 19in alloys, leather trim, heated front seats, sat-nav and dual-zone climate control. Most examples you'll see for sale will actually be the M Sport model with bigger 20in wheels, sportier exterior and interior styling, along with a slightly bigger 10.2in infotainment screen.

It’s impressive how well the X6 handles for something of this size. Opting for M Sport trim brings adaptive dampers as standard, that’s over and above the variable steering weight, throttle and gearbox responses you get on all X6 models, and the result is satisfyingly pert handling.

The active four-wheel drive system keeps things mostly neutral, and it’s easy to correct your line if the ESP doesn’t do it for you. Alas the ride comfort leaves something to be desired; even in the most forgiving driving mode, there’s plenty of patter over high-frequency bumps. On top of that, you never quite forget how heavy this car is.

The X6 is based on the X5, and its interior is a similar high-quality delight. It’s well equipped and comes with BMW’s excellent iDrive rotary controller for the infotainment system. The only drawback is that swoopy styling means there is a shortage of head room in the rear seats. As well as that, three in the back is a bit of a squeeze, and you’ll find more space and a bigger boot in the equivalent BMW X5 model.

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

You can buy a second-generation X6 for around £24,000, at the time of writing. This would be for a 2014 car with an above average mileage for the year and a full service history. If you up this to £28,000, you should find 2016 cars in similar condition but with an average mileage, bought from an independent or franchised dealer. Around £30,000 to £35,000 gets you a neat 2018-2019 car with all the trimmings from a BMW dealer, and reckon on spending between £35,000 to £40,000 on one of the last models of this generation, from 2019.

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MPG

The most economical version, the xDrive30d has a combined NEDC fuel consumption figure of 47.1mpg, which is pretty good for something so large, heavy and quick. However, you’re unlikely to see anything like this in real-world conditions. The xDrive40d gets 45.6mpg and the xDrive M50d 42.8mpg. The petrol-engined xDrive50i M Sport - predictably - gets a rather poor 29.1mpg, while the X6 M is even worse at 25.4mpg.

CO2 emissions

To keep tax bills low, go for a 30d since that 'only' emits 157g/km, while the 40d puts out a little more at 163g/km. The worst diesel is the M50d at 174g/km, but everything with a petrol engine is significantly worse with numbers starting with a '2'. Kicking things off is the 50i with emissions of 225g/km, but it's the X6M that'll hurt your wallet the most because it produces 258g/km.

Road tax (VED)

Tax for most versions will be costly due to high CO2 emissions if it's registered before April 2017. Anything after this date will be charged a flat rate fee along with an extra charge on top of the normal tax rate for five years after the second year of registration because it cost more than £40,000 when new. The current fees for this are £155 a year for the VED and £335 a year for the surcharge. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing and insurance

Insurance groups range from a high 42 to a higher 47. Servicing will be expensive at a BMW main dealers, but service plans are available to help spread the cost.

Engine

The first of the diesels is the 30d. It has six cylinders and feels suitably muscular at low revs, yet is no slouch when pushed hard. As the best blend of price, performance and running costs, it’s the one we’d go for.

However, there are two further diesels should you want even more get-up-and-go. First is the 40d, which is based on the same engine as the 30d but adds more power and torque. That means a quicker sprint time, but also worse official fuel economy.

At the top of the range sits the M50d, which gets the same engine but with a triple-stage turbocharger that brings the sort of performance sports cars owners dream about.

Specification

Normally we'd say go for the one with the smallest wheels for a comfortable ride, but there just aren't that many SE models to choose from. At least the popular M Sport version has adaptive suspension with a comfort mode you can make full use of over rutted and bumpy roads.

Our favourite BMW X6: xDrive30d M Sport

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is based on the standard GLE SUV, but adds coupe-like styling for a bit of showroom flourish. It’s got a gutsy diesel engine and a comfortable ride, but its cheap interior and average practicality let it down. Like the X6, it’s an expensive car, even when used.

The Range Rover Velar could be considered a rival too. It’s exceptionally sharp to look at, as well as being a refined, comfortable and seriously appealing SUV. Alas some of its rivals are better finished and more practical, and it will undoubtedly be expensive to run.

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