X6M - why so unpopular?
Discussion
ZeroH said:
Its massively faster off the line in fact, not a "touch", and the "real world" scenario is meaningless, because on the road, where speed limits and road conditons / traffic are the constraining factor, reality is that a 30d is just as fast across the ground as an X5M.
You buy an M, simply because you want the fastest accelerating, most exciting, and best handling X5... if you want the best range or mpg, buy a 25d or 30d. Compared to the M, the 50d is not faster anywhere, mid-range or not and I see it as too much of a compromise - its neither the best for economy nor the fastest in the range, nor the one to just enjoy taking out for a drive.
If you take economy out of the equation, and I can't see why it would be in the equation for a £70-£100k SUV buyer, then I can't see any reason at all to buy a 50d over an X5M unless you want 7 seats.
See above, i hadn't realised the X5M had a power uplift this year so was comparing the 2014 X5M which is at best only a touch faster than the 2014 M50D as i said.You buy an M, simply because you want the fastest accelerating, most exciting, and best handling X5... if you want the best range or mpg, buy a 25d or 30d. Compared to the M, the 50d is not faster anywhere, mid-range or not and I see it as too much of a compromise - its neither the best for economy nor the fastest in the range, nor the one to just enjoy taking out for a drive.
If you take economy out of the equation, and I can't see why it would be in the equation for a £70-£100k SUV buyer, then I can't see any reason at all to buy a 50d over an X5M unless you want 7 seats.
It's each to their own & i guess the masses must agree with me given the M50D has like for like outsold the X5M 4:1, as the idea of a performance (see fast in a straight line) SUV is somewhat lost on the majority of the buying public, certainly in the UK.
Saying all that, i did look over a brand new X5M yesterday & it was one of those aspirational dealer ticked all the boxes models & to be honest it did look quite striking. However it would offer so little over the M50D that if it were me i'd still opt for the M50D & have £40k in my back pocket.
W8PMC said:
See above, i hadn't realised the X5M had a power uplift this year so was comparing the 2014 X5M which is at best only a touch faster than the 2014 M50D as i said.
It's each to their own & i guess the masses must agree with me given the M50D has like for like outsold the X5M 4:1, as the idea of a performance (see fast in a straight line) SUV is somewhat lost on the majority of the buying public, certainly in the UK.
Saying all that, i did look over a brand new X5M yesterday & it was one of those aspirational dealer ticked all the boxes models & to be honest it did look quite striking. However it would offer so little over the M50D that if it were me i'd still opt for the M50D & have £40k in my back pocket.
It's each to their own & i guess the masses must agree with me given the M50D has like for like outsold the X5M 4:1, as the idea of a performance (see fast in a straight line) SUV is somewhat lost on the majority of the buying public, certainly in the UK.
Saying all that, i did look over a brand new X5M yesterday & it was one of those aspirational dealer ticked all the boxes models & to be honest it did look quite striking. However it would offer so little over the M50D that if it were me i'd still opt for the M50D & have £40k in my back pocket.
Totally agree that for most people, the idea of having a fast family hauler must seem a pointless anomaly. I mean, how hard do you really want to drive with your family on board?
That said, the X5M and its ilk (PCTT, RRSVR, MLAMG etc) are a genre of car that really shouldn't need any justification - they are the most fun, fastest, best handling, best sounding, meanest looking car in their ranges, without much compromise on practicality for family duties. So for any petrol-head that can afford it and wants an SUV, these range-toppers sell themselves.
ZeroH said:
Totally agree that for most people, the idea of having a fast family hauler must seem a pointless anomaly. I mean, how hard do you really want to drive with your family on board?
That said, the X5M and its ilk (PCTT, RRSVR, MLAMG etc) are a genre of car that really shouldn't need any justification - they are the most fun, fastest, best handling, best sounding, meanest looking car in their ranges, without much compromise on practicality for family duties. So for any petrol-head that can afford it and wants an SUV, these range-toppers sell themselves.
Can't see me ever joining the diesel's better than petrol brigade, but in some applications a big petrol engine is pointless & this is certainly one of those.
I find some of the comments on all forums quite hilarious at times and totally uninformative. I would wager that at least 90% of the negative comments on X6Ms are from people who have never driven one, let alone owned one. I do and here is my perspective.
I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
puss said:
I find some of the comments on all forums quite hilarious at times and totally uninformative. I would wager that at least 90% of the negative comments on X6Ms are from people who have never driven one, let alone owned one. I do and here is my perspective.
I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
Well I have owned all the cars and more you have, including the X6M, and I found it way to big for any town work, parking a pain and performance unusable 99% of the time, a total wast of power for such a car.I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
Economy a joke.
The way to go for me should I ever need one would be the X6M D , almost the same everyday grunt for half the running cost.
Just my 2P.
PS) My LCI M5 and 2015 M6 GC CP were in no way compromised with winter tyres in any conditions.
Yes I thought it was big at first but it's partly perception. Actually it's 3.3 cms shorter than and M5 and only 6.8cms wider. My wife hated the prospect of driving the Range Rover at first but it's so square and has such good visibility that it's actually far easier to place and even she agrees now. As for economy, I do less than 13k miles PA in it so when looking at whole life costs fuel consumption is a pretty minor consideration especially if you have to buy 2 sets of tyres as well for 2wd car. Agreed the diesel has great stats but there's one slight problem for me - it's a diesel. Just goes to show there are different perspectives on everything which was my whole point
puss said:
Yes I thought it was big at first but it's partly perception. Actually it's 3.3 cms shorter than and M5 and only 6.8cms wider. My wife hated the prospect of driving the Range Rover at first but it's so square and has such good visibility that it's actually far easier to place and even she agrees now. As for economy, I do less than 13k miles PA in it so when looking at whole life costs fuel consumption is a pretty minor consideration especially if you have to buy 2 sets of tyres as well for 2wd car. Agreed the diesel has great stats but there's one slight problem for me - it's a diesel. Just goes to show there are different perspectives on everything which was my whole point
Fare comments.puss said:
I find some of the comments on all forums quite hilarious at times and totally uninformative. I would wager that at least 90% of the negative comments on X6Ms are from people who have never driven one, let alone owned one. I do and here is my perspective.
I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
After reading that I can see how such a big, flash, unnecessary car suits you. I am 52 and have numerous lovely fast cars in my years but my X6M rates as the best all round car I have ever had. I also currently own a Bentley GTC and a 10 year old Range Rover. In the past I had up to 10 TVRs, 4 911s, an SL55 AMG, a VXR8 Vauxhall, M3, XKR (x2) Audi RS6, etc, so I have some experience of fast and luxurious cars. The X6M is the only car to combine amazing performance that can actually be used in all weathers and conditions unlike and M5/M6 with the same engine. It also possesses much greater practicality than and M5 or M6 with its elevated driving position helping visibility plus a hatchback with a large loadspace. I wouldn't have an X5M as X5s are all over the place and the M doesn't look much different. I tried an M6 in slightly damp conditions before buying the X6M new (at a £40k discount as it was the last delivery mileage one left before the recent facelift) but it was a joke. It was almost impossible to turn out of a junction due to the lack of traction and the tyre noise was unbearable. The highriding X6M has runflats but has more acceptable tyre noise than the majority of wide tyred cars. The ride is surprisingly good. The optional comfort seats are the best I have ever had, even better than the Bentley or Range Rover over a long period and I have a bad back so I am very critical of car seats.
Looks are obviously objective but only a handful of cars are actively beautiful. The X6 is imposing and purposeful looking and after 9 months ownership I actually really like the look of it.
Instead of thinking of it as a compromised X6M think of it as a much more practical M5/M6. All three share a brilliant engine but the X6M version comes with a conventional and reliable torque convertor gearbox that is as sharp as a DSG in Sport mode.
I must admit I didn't 'get' the X6 5 years ago when they came out but now, and as an M version, it makes total sense and ticked all the boxes I required.
The only similar car I would consider replacing for in a few years (besides a newer one) might be the Range Rover Sport SVR or the new Merc GLE Coupe AMG (Merc's copy of the X6M) simply because they both have air suspension that I'm generally a fan of as the roads around me are so bad but the BMW really isn't a bad ride. Surprisingly compliant in fact.
I could go on. If anyone is seriously thinking about buying one and would like some advice feel free to ask but if anyone who has never driven one wants to stay with the herd and slag it off, don't bother.
By the way, I think you mean looks are obviously subjective, because they certainly not objective.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 5th October 20:38
Thanks. You've just reminded me why it's been a while since I added what might have been useful opinion to a forum - people like you.
BTW. We're all guilty of liking flashy cars. That's why we use Pistonheads. You don't see many topics on Toyota Corollas here. Sorry, have I just insulted your perfect car? Now then, where did I put my 18k gold Rolex Yachtmaster?
BTW. We're all guilty of liking flashy cars. That's why we use Pistonheads. You don't see many topics on Toyota Corollas here. Sorry, have I just insulted your perfect car? Now then, where did I put my 18k gold Rolex Yachtmaster?
Im due to take delivery of a 2011 X6M next week, Im going from a 4.2 supercharged RR vogue. Ive driven it previously and it definitely doesn't disappoint, RR is quick but doesn't hold the road so well. I understand the haters when it comes to design style, always gonna happen, but you can't compare a 5 series estate to a SUV/Crossover type vehicle, 2 different animals.
I remain mystified by the use of a fastback body on an SUV. I have the same reaction to the various alternatives such as the Cayenne coupe. It seem as if you can get similar performance and more usable space for the money. ( I do agree that the BMW has great performance and is beautifully finished inside, much nicer than Mercedes for example).
Still, when I bought a replacement for my old Cayenne recently I went for a Cayenne GTS SUV which to me was more practical and looked better than the coupe version.
Still, when I bought a replacement for my old Cayenne recently I went for a Cayenne GTS SUV which to me was more practical and looked better than the coupe version.
Something I do with cars like the X6M specifically if I'm walking past one is to note the tyres.
Almost universally running round on tyres you've never heard of.
I'm guessing 335/30/22 (or whatever they are) are difficult to stomach with a Michelin or Pirelli stamp on them for the second owner.
Almost universally running round on tyres you've never heard of.
I'm guessing 335/30/22 (or whatever they are) are difficult to stomach with a Michelin or Pirelli stamp on them for the second owner.
JMBMWM5 said:
irfan1712 said:
one thing I cant work out 'what for' is the X5 M50D. My boss has a brand new one, triple turbo diesel V6, 386bhp and 500lbft of torque. he said its absolutely crap on diesel which just makes me think...whats the point of an outrageous diesel engine like that ( as magnificent as It may be) and why not go for the whole hog X5m seeing as fuel costs probably aren't that different in the real world? Why would someone buy the M50D over the petrol alternative?
Agreed, I test drove the X5 M50D at best it gave 25 MPG, not worth buying for economy or performance may as well go for the "M".I could get 40mpg out of the 4.2 V8 Tdi in my Touareg with 340hp.
Average was high 20's.
Had a 2018 X5M and now a 2021 X6 M50i (massive lead times on the M models at the time or would've been a M). I wanted a SUV for all the kids crap but also wanted pace hence the X5.
As they have grown and not needed as much crap ie a buggy I opted for the X6. I had also done the X5 thing and wanted something different to the typical SUV (or SAV) you see on the road.
I appreciate I am very much the minority though and the X6 appeals to a tiny part of the market, however the X6 was the starter of this trend across the likes of merc, Audi and even Porsche getting in on the act.
As they have grown and not needed as much crap ie a buggy I opted for the X6. I had also done the X5 thing and wanted something different to the typical SUV (or SAV) you see on the road.
I appreciate I am very much the minority though and the X6 appeals to a tiny part of the market, however the X6 was the starter of this trend across the likes of merc, Audi and even Porsche getting in on the act.
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