X6M - why so unpopular?

X6M - why so unpopular?

Author
Discussion

georgejoshington

397 posts

162 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
As far as I can tell, the X6M exists solely for people who look at an X5M and think to themselves 'Bit understated for me.'.

Not sure I've ever seen one without a private plate beginning with 'BD55'.


Jonny TVR

4,534 posts

281 months

theboss

6,913 posts

219 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Slippydiff said:
Generally driven by "Powerfully build company director" types, more often than not bald.
The above is one description, Personally I think the phrase "knuckle dragging neanderthals" is rather more apt.
The only thing uglier than the X6M itself, tends to be their drivers ....

If you're struggling to find an example, look no further than the outside lane of any motorway, you'll be sure to find at least one example tailgating all and sundry.
I "get" the hatred towards the X6 generally (even if I don't subscribe to the same view) but do you really see so many of the M variety around that you can form a sterotype? I have seen a handful of X5M on the road in the 5 years or so they have been out... mostly in central London. Can't remember ever seeing an X6M as they are generally all diesels.

Schermerhorn

4,342 posts

189 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
theboss said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I have always liked the X6M and yes they are pointless but I think that is one of the reasons I love them so much, I was reading the autocar review of the new X5M and the performance is astonishing given its size and weight.
Astonishing indeed - the new X5M is quicker to 60 than the M5 - the traction advantage outweighs the weight disadvantage!
Surely that is the E60 M5?

A few seconds later though, this happens....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs3cJ8ubNjA

theboss

6,913 posts

219 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Schermerhorn said:
Surely that is the E60 M5?

A few seconds later though, this happens....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs3cJ8ubNjA
No the new F85 based on the F15 and with drivetrain from F10 M5 (567bhp)

Here's one against an E61 http://youtu.be/pSjHik-vT8Q which still takes off at high speed... of course a standing start would go heavily in the X5M's favour.

Not trying to say the SUV is faster generally but in a traffic lights grand prix they could certainly take others by surprise.

rassi

2,453 posts

251 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
cerb4.5lee said:
I have always liked the X6M and yes they are pointless but I think that is one of the reasons I love them so much, I was reading the autocar review of the new X5M and the performance is astonishing given its size and weight.
Because it has a lot of low down torque, unlike the E92 M3? wink

Galahad

2,029 posts

268 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Skrambles said:
The X6M isn't pointless; it just has a very narrow market. Some people really love the batmobile-style aesthetics of the x6m, only have need for 4 seats max and love the 4wd experience.

I'd never swap my m5 for one, but might be tempted to swap it for an x5m if it came with the 7 seat option, just because it would tick so many boxes.
Ditto. I have 3 kids and find my M5 to be great, just occasionally lacking in space, so an X5M could be ideal, but if I only had 1 kid then I'd consider an X6 if.

My brother in law has an X6 (40D not an M) and they chose it because they wanted a car with an elevated driving position, 4x4 as they have a place in the alps they drive to several times over winter, but have no kids so don't need loads of space. They drive much better than an X5 (no idea why but they feel far more like a tall car than a 4x4) and it ticks all the boxes for them. Small market, but if that's what you want then why not!

Plenty of far uglier cars on the road that people don't seem to have prejudiced opinions about.


pvogue

633 posts

114 months

Monday 22nd June 2015
quotequote all
Should of been in the new Jurassic Park movie.

KTMboy

327 posts

163 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
I love my X5M. It even goes off road (a bit)


Patrick Bateman

12,183 posts

174 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Because they're hideous, pointless and a blight on M cars.

contractor

919 posts

185 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
rb5er said:
Pointlessly large cars. An M5 does everything better.
Even getting a washing machine from a to b?

rb5er

11,657 posts

172 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
contractor said:
rb5er said:
Pointlessly large cars. An M5 does everything better.
Even getting a washing machine from a to b?
You think you can fit a washing machine in an X6? I imagine you can in an M5 touring. Personally I get white goods delivered by a man with a van from whichever outlet I buy from.

cerb4.5lee

30,608 posts

180 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
rassi said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I have always liked the X6M and yes they are pointless but I think that is one of the reasons I love them so much, I was reading the autocar review of the new X5M and the performance is astonishing given its size and weight.
Because it has a lot of low down torque, unlike the E92 M3? wink
Mainly because it has some proper performance figures for such a heavy beast...the E92 M3 only has around 1600kgs to shift yet still delivers underwhelming performance figures wink the M4 is quick though now thanks to some torque! drivingbiggrin

ZeroH

2,905 posts

189 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
I think any X6 gets the abuse it does because its somewhat pointless.... X6M is a massive footprint for a car that seats 4, barely goes offroad given its SUV pretensions, and has such compromised bootspace.

The E70 X5M answers most of those issues tho (bar the offroad bit) and is a fun car to drive. I was close to pulling the trigger on one as our family car. Ultimately though I much preferred (& so bought) the Cayenne turbo (which is just better everywhere). The E70 never felt settled on the road in either of its EDC modes, and its 6sp box was off the pace. The F85 X5M is a country mile better than the E70, really addressing the ride quality and gearbox issues I had, with the next most noticeable improvement being the brakes, which feel much stronger.

Edited by ZeroH on Wednesday 24th June 00:02

Galahad

2,029 posts

268 months

Tuesday 30th June 2015
quotequote all
I've got an X6 30D courtesy car while the M5 is in for a service and have to say that it is largely pointless!


Quickmoose

4,494 posts

123 months

Tuesday 30th June 2015
quotequote all
Tries to do everything
Fails to do anything.

theboss

6,913 posts

219 months

Wednesday 1st July 2015
quotequote all
Galahad said:
I've got an X6 30D courtesy car while the M5 is in for a service and have to say that it is largely pointless!
If I were an X6M customer given a 530d for the day, I might say the same!

W8PMC

3,345 posts

238 months

Wednesday 1st July 2015
quotequote all
theboss said:
No the new F85 based on the F15 and with drivetrain from F10 M5 (567bhp)

Here's one against an E61 http://youtu.be/pSjHik-vT8Q which still takes off at high speed... of course a standing start would go heavily in the X5M's favour.

Not trying to say the SUV is faster generally but in a traffic lights grand prix they could certainly take others by surprise.
Yes they're quicker than those who are not in the know would expect, but the only chance an X5/6M would have of beating an F10 M5 would be a standing start on snow.

If i was looking at this sector i'd run a mile from the X5/6M as i (personally) see them as pointless, however the X5M50D is a whole other proposition as is on paper as quick as the M variant, does far better MPG & has more usable performance with the torque in the right place. I had one for 6 weeks & it was a proper giggle motor.

Cheib

23,248 posts

175 months

Wednesday 1st July 2015
quotequote all
Should never have an M badge but I'll confess the idea of a de-badged X5M does appeal....I have a diesel X5 and think it's a brilliant car. If running costs were no object why the hell not. The problem I and a lot of other people have is the M badge. Never understood the X6 in any form.....

russy01

4,693 posts

181 months

Wednesday 1st July 2015
quotequote all
I think its cool because its a car with 567hp.

All you knobs going on about Directors this, pointless that, tailgating this, no load space that, ruining M badge this......get over it.

Its a fricking fast car with a honking great big Turbo V8...if thats not enough to get you a little bit excited then frankly I think you belong over on mumsnet.

Op - if I had 100k to spend, I doubt Id sink it into an X6M, as I prefer the X5M. But if I were in the position to purchase such a car, then I seriously would consider either or (Maybe pick up a used model for substantially less in 6months time?). The typical RR's are great, but to drive they are dull as dishwater. If you can have nearly the same limo experience and also have sports car killing performance then as a PH'er I think you would be stupid not to consider it.

As for the naysayers on here, just ignore them. I think they should relish the fact that BMW are stuffing a Turbo V8 into a SUV - when a lot of other manufacturers are solely farting about with AA batteries in the boot and 1.6tdi's with ecoflaps and slippery paint... truth is, they probably moan about that to...