Brilliant BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport ticks all the right boxes
It seems like just the other day that BMW started to offer X models, but it has literally been decades.
By now X models represent the top sellers throughout the brand's vehicle offerings. This is for good reason, because they offer the best of both worlds. It provides road comfort and manners but with the ability to go off-road (mostly). One of these is the coupe-styled BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport SUV that we recently spent a week cruising around in.
You can see the new styling changes to the BMW X6. The slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements, plus the BMW kidney Iconic Glow that is offered as an option for the six-cylinder models.
M Sport package standard on BMW X6
And now for the first time on the BMW X6, you get the M Sport package as standard. Playing a key role here is the octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, the generous use of black surfaces, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, while the rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow. The new exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape.
ALSO READ: More powerful plug-in hybrid BMW X5 a true diesel alternative
But what has changed under the skin? You have new systems for automated driving and parking and a fully digital iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display based on BMW Operating System 8. Perhaps even more important in the new electrification era, you now have 48V mild hybrid technology on the powertrains.
The integration of BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of the iDrive control system herald the arrival of the BMW Curved Display in the BMW X6. It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches – both located behind a single glass surface.
The coupe-styled slanting rear roof is a standout feature of the BMW X. Picture: Mark Jones
Less physical switchgear
The touch control functionality of the control display has brought about a significant reduction in the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital control for numerous functions. It takes a bit more time navigating your way around the cockpit. But an owner who will drive their BMW X6 everyday will adapt. And it will all become second nature to them.
Comfort and safety in the BMW X6 are on another level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant.
As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the BMW X6 using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone.
ALSO READ: Mild hybrid tech gives BMW X5 M60i sting in the tail
Brilliant powertrain
Getting out on the road is where the BMW X6 really shines though, especially in xDrive30d form. BMW's 3.0-litre turbodiesel has been the feather in their cap for as long as I can remember. They just keep refining this brilliant powertrain and it works.
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel sends the power and torque to the road via BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
The Curved Display makes its debut in the BMW X6. Picture: Mark Jones
All the drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. An electric motor integrated into the transmission generates an output boost of up to 9kW of power and 200Nm of torque. And this in turn means that when combined with the combustion engine, the hybrid system can produce a maximum output of 219kW and a peak torque of 670Nm.
ALSO READ: Finally priced: BMW puts stickers on all-new generation X3
BMW X6 ticks all the boxes
The claim is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 233km/h. That is more than enough urge for everyday use.
Although I doubt this will trouble you too much if you are hauling out close on R2-million for a SUV, but the claimed fuel consumption number of 7.8 litres per 100km should make a difference to your monthly expenses. And The Citizen Motoring achieved the same number during our week of mixed urban and highway driving for what it is worth to you or your accountant.
The BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport did everything right. At R1 905 000 it is substantially cheaper than most of its other premium competitors. And it could almost represent great value for money if you move in these types of circles.
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