The BMW X6 M50i gleams under Florida's sun.
The Ultimate Driving Machine used to be a car. But what if it’s now a Sports Activity Vehicle like the 2020 BMW X6 M50i SAV? If the brand continues to make vehicles like these, it very well might be, and we are certainly okay with that.
A large-ish SAV, the BMW X6 M50i is a combination stellar SAV with the best BMW M has to offer. Wrap it in an attractive package and you are off to the races. Well maybe. Scratch that. Definitely.
The 2020 BMW X6 M50i SAV is a five-passenger four-door hatchback/sweptback Sports Activity Vehicle. That’s an SUV in BMW Speak. Now slightly bigger (+1.0 inches), with a longer wheelbase (+1.6 inches) and broader (+0.6 inches) overall, its ride height has been reduced by (0.7 inches) for improved aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity.
It now features the new, larger BMW kidney grille. Now available with an optional illuminated feature, it can be turned on or off when the X6 is approached. Additionally, it can be kept on while the vehicle is driving as part of the X6’s daylight running light scheme. Adaptive LED headlights flank the grille; large air intakes under the bumper help force more cold air to the engine for optimal cooling and efficiency.
New bold wheel openings set the pace and provide room for available 22-inch “M” alloy wheels and staggered performance tires. Sharply-creased body lines help impart a sense of aggressiveness to the X6 M50i. They are enhanced by an upward flowing rear fender. That fender in-turn leads to the rear hatch design with decklid spoiler for improved aerodynamics.
The all-new third-generation X6 is built alongside its X3, X4, X5 and X7 siblings at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. According to BMW, Plant Spartanburg is the center for global X vehicle construction. From here, more than 70-percent of X Vehicles are exported to 140 countries worldwide. As a result, BMW is the largest vehicle exporter from the U.S. by value.
Known as a driver’s machine, BMW vehicles have always coddled the pilot while providing access to the most vital controls. Start with an M sport steering wheel, complete with paddle-shift levers. Add BMW’s Live Cockpit Pro 12.3-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch navigation and infotainment touchscreen display. These will provide access to all operating systems within the vehicle.
Our tester included a panoramic moonroof that is 83-percent larger than the outgoing model. But if that’s not enough, the optional Panorama Glass Roof, which includes 15,000 graphic points in the glass resembling a starlit sky.
Leather seating is fore and aft and offers comfort that surpasses most other vehicles. The second row provides room for three. Behind that are 27.4-cubic feet of cargo space, which grows to 59.6-cubic feet when folding the 40:20:40 seats forward.
Our 2020 BMW X6 M50i SAV sampler included the brand’s Premium Package with remote engine start, head-up display, and the coolest feature of all, Gesture Control. Point your finger at the infotainment display and twirl it left or right to raise the volume on the Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system. Swipe your hand right or left to change the channel or change the display.
A choice of two engines powers BMW X6 models. They include BMW’s award-winning 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder engine that makes 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 33 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque, respectively.
On the other hand, our charge, the BMW X6 M50i is motivated by the potent 4.4-liter eight-cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged engine. It includes two twin-scroll turbochargers with air-to-water intercooling, High Precision Injection, Variable Valve Control and more. All these goodies combine to deliver 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque over last year’s model. Here at Napleton.news, it’s one of our favorite powerplants
The BMW X6 M50i is mated to an eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission with xDrive all-wheel-drive. It works with the navigation system in the X6 to tailor its operation according to the topography it encounters on its route. The system combines to shift proactively, ensuring the X6 is always in the optimal gearing for upcoming road conditions. The xDrive AWD system is naturally biased to the rear wheels, moving power to the front wheels when additional traction is necessary.
Equally trick is the X6’s available Dynamic Handling Package, which uses active roll stabilization and integral active steering to compensate for body roll through the twisties. The integral active steering system also controls the ability to steer the rear wheels to minimize steering effort and maximize vehicle stability.
Starting the BMW X6 M50i is not exactly what you might call an ethereal experience, especially when the big V8 rumbles to life. And we do mean rumble. As in, “let’s get ready to…” Still, it’s a thing of beauty to hear this powerplant come to life after a brief slumber. Once underway, the X6 feels like an extension of your head, hands and feet, responding instantly to the driver’s touch and desires.
Stepping on the go pedal unleashes 523 angry horses under the hood that are eager to push this non-conforming SUV into a 0-to-60 time 4.1 seconds. That’s 0.5 seconds faster than the previous model, and right in the mix with many high-performance sports cars.
Diving into a turn is easy-peasy with the X6 and its active roll stabilization and integral active steering. These driver assists make the handling of the X6 M50i almost seem like second nature. It’s almost as though you are one with the vehicle, thinking where you want it to take you, and having it direct you there.
But here’s the best part: As potent as the BMW X6 M50i is in delivering the goods, it’s a very comfortable companion, able to carry your family, pets and things in total luxury and comfort. Consider the X6 your SAV for all seasons. Please contact our BMW specialists at Napleton BMW of Wyoming Valley. They will be happy to provide more information and help to arrange a test drive today.
This post was published on January 11, 2020
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