BMW X6 M50d 3.0 Review: Eco trinity

What we like:

The dynamic performance of a sports car in a huge platform. Instant lag free torque from stand still.

What we dislike:

Lack of headroom for rear passengers and conservative trunk space for an SUV.

Practicality concerns get left behind once you’re on the road. Powered by the world’s first tri-turbo 3.0-litre straight six, the X6 M50d pulls heartily from the word go. While the horsepower figures at 381bhp isn’t earth shattering, the torque that this engine musters is. At 740Nm from 2,000rpm, the X6 is no slouch.

The big SUV will destroy most performance cars on the road with its century sprint of 5.3 seconds. But what’s most impressive is its handling. The M50d drives unlike any other SUV and gives a sportier drive than most on the market.

Considering how lithe it is in the bends, it’s hard to imagine you’re throwing around something that tips the scales at over 2 tons. The extremely accurate electric rack makes the car easy to place. With the three turbos working in unison, the X6 M50d gives lag free throttle response. Two smaller turbos spool at lower revs while a larger turbine takes care of boost at higher revs.

Power is augmented through a quick shifting eight speeder that changes so imperceptibly that the acceleration ‘flow’ is never interrupted.

It would be a stretch to label the X6 as a true SUV but what is more accurate would be a performance sedan with a raised ride height. But it is performance that the M Performance division chose to concentrate their efforts.

What it lacks in practicality it more than makes up with in the drive.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline