The new BMW X6 M Competition

The BMW X6 M Competition is the sport utility vehicle that thinks it is a sports car. But, hey BMW: How about dropping “Competition” from the name because it is just plain silly to think that such a vehicle would be up for some jostling about on the race course. Here at Napleton News, we’re all about jostling, so saddle up with us to see what makes this steed buck.

What’s the BMW X6 M Competition all about?

When customers began their love affair with SUVs, that left many manufacturers wondering what’s next? Companies that built their reputations on the track with sports cars and performance sedans needed to pivot in order to keep the revenue stream flowing. Some shut down their racing and performance operations entirely, while others went on with bland offerings that bridged the gap between station wagons and trucks.

Either way, the offerings were pretty similar. Known within the industry as a “two box” design, most SUVs had the first box to house the engine, while the second box was for passengers and cargo. That resulted in the common SUV, as seen in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Palisade and that grand daddy of them all, the Chevrolet Suburban. That was until BMW introduced the X6. The BMW X6 was one of the first SUVs to take on the fastback SUV look seen on offerings today by Mercedes, Porsche and other manufacturers.

If there were a BMW X6, it was inevitable there would also be a BMW X6 M Competition. The kids at BMW’s M division toiled hard to produce this hot rod grocery getter. The result is a beast masquerading as a school bus, even if it only carries five passengers.

What’s under the hood?

Rather than the standard 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine found in the X 6 xDrive40i, this M machine throws down with the 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 delivering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It gets an assist from a 48-volt mild hybrid electric motor that helps somewhat with fuel consumption. But don’t get excited yet! The savings are only minimal.

But that’s not a bad thing. It’s just the reality of tooling around with an ultra high-performance V8 engine. Transmission duties are handled by an M Sport 8-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic and Launch Control.

All that power is routed through an M Sport all-wheel drive system. On the other end of the spectrum, braking is handled by M Compound high-performance braking. Ride control is through a BMW M adaptive suspension system.

How does the X6 M Competition Look?

It looks a bit bulbous, and even a bit conservative to some eyes but it still has a sporty look all the same.

As we mentioned, the X6 was the original SUV Coupe. It presented an alternative look to the other boxy vehicles of the day. Strangely, though, we couldn’t recall anyone asking for such a vehicle. Chalk it up as the answer to a question few people had asked. Regardless, imitation is still the most sincere form of flattery. That is the reason other brands like Porsche, Mercedes and Infiniti have similar designs and their own fan base.

How does it look on the inside?

BMW has always had a reputation for excellent interiors and this X6 M is no different. They have finished the interior in typical fashion: Even though this is considered a performance SUV, it is still a luxury-based vehicle. Meaning there are tons of design cues that would not be out of place in a vehicle designed to coddle its charges.

Digital gauges are located in front of the driver on a high-resolution 12.3-inch configurable display. Infotainment chores are handled by a 14.9-inch display located atop the center console. At times, it can be a reach for various apps and buttons, but we quickly got past that.

The cargo area isn’t bad either, going from 27.4 cubic feet to 59.6 cubic feet with both seats folded forward. So hauling butt isn’t the only thing this SUV is capable of.

Behind the wheel of the BMW X6 M Competition.

The X6 M is one of those cars that quickly becomes an event that your friends and neighbors can take part in. That’s because when you fire it up in the morning, the friends and neighbors will know it too. But it’s a sound that is as intoxicating as it is vociferous.

Shifting into drive, the engine grows more ornery as you squeeze the skinny pedal. Kind of like gently stepping on a cat’s tail (accidentally, of course). Power comes on gradually and quickly climbs, in an impressive display of Teutonic excellence. But if you really feel the need to rattle things a bit, hit the exhaust button at the base of the console. It opens a baffle bringing a throaty wake up call to the neighborhood.

The ride is such that you don’t feel any of the top-heaviness that you would experience in other tall center of gravity SUVs. Handling is on par with some cars, which is testament to the idea that BMW is still “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”

By the way, this is part of the new world order. This BMW speaks German with a Southern accent. That’s because it is built in and shipped to the world from Spartanburg, South Carolina.

2025 BMW X6 M Competition

Motor Type	48-volt mild hybrid / Gasoline powered Twin turbocharged V8
Horsepower	617 hp
Torque	553 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed M-tuned Automatic Transmission
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	15/13/18 mpg
Suspension F/R	Double Wishbone / Multi-link
Turning Circle	42.0 ft.
Also Available	Various trim levels, All-Wheel Drive
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Rated
Max Seating Capacity	5 passengers
Wheelbase	117.0 inches
Overall Length	195.0 inches
Width	79.5 inches
Height	66.6 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row)	59.6 / 27.4 Cubic Feet
Headroom, 1st	39.3 inches
Headroom, 2nd	37.5 inches
Legroom, 1st	40.4 inches
Legroom, 2nd	35.7 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	60.0 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	57.7 inches