BMW X6 M

Few vehicles are more niche-oriented than coupe-style ultra-high-performance SUVs. Starting with a midsize luxury SUV, manufacturers add tremendous performance and redesign the roofline for a sportier appearance. A prime example is the 2021 BMW X6 M. It's based on the X6, which is the coupe-style derivative of the X5 SUV. From there, the X6 M gains BMW's full M division performance makeover, including a 600-horsepower V8, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, grippier tires and M-specific styling enhancements.

BMW fully redesigned the X6 M in 2020, so the 2021 model carries over pretty much unchanged other than newly standard Android Auto wireless smartphone integration. It faces off against a trio of similarly conceived vehicles: the Audi RS Q8, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo. Which one should you get? Or would it be better to get the more practical BMW X5 M? Read our Expert Rating below for our take on the X6 M's performance, utility and more.

Which X6 M does MatoCar recommend?

Because we think 600 horsepower is more than enough, we'd suggest sticking with the basic X6 M and forgoing the Competition model. The money you save could be spent on the Executive package for its ventilated and massaging front seats, adaptive headlights and soft-close doors.

The 2021 BMW X6 M is a five-passenger SUV that's available in two trims: the X6 M and the X6 M Competition.

X6 M The base X6 M comes well appointed with standard feature highlights that include:

600-hp 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Sport-tuned all-wheel drive
21-inch wheels
LED exterior lighting
Adaptive sport suspension
Power tailgate
Panoramic sunroof
Four-zone climate control
Leather upholstery

Technology features include:

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless smartphone integration
Wireless charging pad
Navigation
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle control/monitoring
16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the X6 M and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Advanced safety features that include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending front collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

X6 M Competition The X6 M Competition includes all of the above, plus:

Increased power output to 617 hp
Sport exhaust system
Staggered 21-inch front/22-inch rear wheel setup
Unique exterior design elements

Notable bundled option packages include:

Driving Assistance Professional package

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X6 M and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Side collision avoidance (steers the X6 M away from an impending side impact)
Automatic lane-change feature (uses various sensors to safely change lanes when the turn signal is applied)