2012 BMW X6 M Review
2012 BMW X6 M Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Otherworldly acceleration
- handles better than any crossover should
- stout brakes
- cheaper than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
Cons
- Seats only four
- limited cargo capacity
- feels unwieldy on a tight road.
What’s new
For 2012, the BMW X6 M is essentially unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2012 BMW X6 M doesn't make any sense, but it's a whole lot of fun.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$402/mo for X6 M Base
X6 M Base
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Imagine for a moment you're at the starting gate of the Kentucky derby, only you're riding a Brahma bull. The legendary race ensues and not only does the bull keep up, but indeed shows its hooves to most of the field of fancy horses. That's kind of what the 2012 BMW X6 M is like -- a bulky beast that somehow performs like a lighter, sleeker thoroughbred.
Unfortunately, as crossover sport-utility vehicles go, the X6 M also offers about the same amount of passenger space and cargo capacity as a bull. It is a 5,300-pound SUV that seats just four and offers less maximum cargo space than a Honda CR-V. Make no mistake, this high-performance crossover is not practical transportation but instead an automotive novelty item you might choose to add to your stable of exotic cars.
And it does make a statement. This ultra-performance version of the X6 sports brash styling, which augments the standard model's sweeping fastback roof line and bulging wheelwells with gaping front air inlets that look ready to ingest anything that dares to cross the X6 M's path. A 555-horsepower twin-turbo V8 backs up the menacing facade, and it's able to motivate the M's considerable mass with ridiculous ease. Acceleration is otherworldly for such a vehicle -- the 0-60-mph sprint takes just 4.3 seconds.
This marvel from BMW's M division also does a fine job getting around corners thanks to the use of every weapon in BMW's extensive arsenal of technology. The X6 M has such responsive handling that you'll never give a thought to its weight. Of course, a tight road will quickly give you a sense of paint-scraping anxiety as the bulky X6 passes perilously close to shrubs and canyon walls, but the capability for making time on a winding road is certainly there.
But in the end, we still can't get around the sheer nonsense of the 2012 BMW X6 M. It not only seats just four people (a child-size center perch for the backseat is optional), but also those in back must contend with limited headroom and a backrest that doesn't recline. And the X6 M's cargo capacity is far less than the mechanically similar X5 M. This sporty ute might cost less than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, but at nearly $100,000 with a handful of options, there are plenty of high-performance sport sedans and coupes that'll generate as many thrills.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 BMW X6 M is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that produces 555 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift paddles is the only available transmission and it sends power to all four wheels.
In Edmunds performance testing, the BMW X6 M reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.3 seconds. This makes it not only the quickest SUV we've ever tested but also quicker than a BMW M3. The BMW X6 M can also tow 6,600 pounds.
The trade-off for so much performance is fuel economy -- the X6 M has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2012 BMW X6 M comes standard with ABS (with brake assist), stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, the X6 M comes to a stop from 60 mph in an exceptionally short 107 feet.
Driving
The 2012 BMW X6 M weighs 5,256 pounds. It's also a crossover SUV, so its center of gravity isn't exactly as low as a sports car's. So how does this beast manage to handle like a sports car? Technology, lots of technology.
There's "Active" this and "Dynamic" that in just about every area of the X6 M's operation, describing various high-tech electronic aids designed to keep the laws of physics at bay. Our seasoned professional test-drivers are amazed at this massive BMW's athletic character. On a tight road, however, no amount of athleticism will be able to hide just how big the X6 M is.
Then there's the power. Turbo lag is nonexistent and acceleration is at once awe-inspiring and giggle-inducing. Press the M button on the steering wheel and you can program the throttle to become more responsive and the transmission to shift more rapidly. Even the exhaust can be set to let out a gnarly bark as it shifts at full throttle. The X6 M might not be a classic performance machine, but it's certainly a riot.
Interior
Like the regular X6, the M version can essentially seat only four people, and its maximum cargo capacity of 60 cubic feet is smaller than many compact crossovers. As such, you get all the weight and size of a big SUV with about half of the utility.
Of course, take away the "M" badges sprinkled liberally throughout the X6 M's interior as well as the special M sport seats, and you've got the same excellent interior that comes with the regular X6 crossover. The instrumentation is comprehensive and intuitive to understand, the materials are premium and the construction quality is top-notch. And as you'd expect, the M sport seats provide superb support and comfort.
2012 BMW X6 M models
The 2012 BMW X6 M is a four-passenger SUV available in one trim level, although there are less performance-oriented X6 models available.
Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a self-leveling sport-tuned suspension, Adaptive Drive (includes electronic damping control and active roll stabilization), hill descent control, adaptive xenon headlights with auto-leveling and washers, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a power tailgate, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, heated 10-way power front seats with four-way lumbar and driver memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, BMW Assist emergency telematics, a navigation system with real-time traffic and voice controls, BMW's iDrive electronics interface, and a 16-speaker sound system with CD player, iPod/USB adapter and HD radio.
The Driver Assistance package adds a rearview camera, a top-view camera, sideview cameras, automatic high beams and a head-up display (available as a stand-alone option). The Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a rear seat pass-through ski bag. The Active Ventilated Seat package adds ventilated 14-way power front seats with adjustable and active side bolsters. The Premium Sound package adds an enhanced sound system and satellite radio. The Rear Climate package adds four-zone climate control and manual rear side window shades.
Other options include keyless ignition/entry, soft-close automatic doors, a cross-traffic sideview camera, a rear-seat entertainment system, a six-DVD changer, a three-passenger rear seat and extensive leather upholstery.
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 BMW X6 M.
5 star(87%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
8 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
X6M Best Vehicle ever owned
hjennbmw, 07/29/2011
2012 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)
Contrary to the Edmunds review of the all new 2012 X6M, I find this car is the best car I've ever purchased. I owned a 2009 X6 5.0 & loved it too, but the X6M...WOW! This SAV handles like a sports car.
The acceleration is impressive. I find the cargo & seating is plenty roomy.
I have 5 seats & everyone travels comfortably.
here is a lot of cargo space & also a hidden space where the … optional spare tire would be.
I haven't needed to use the underneath storage yet. I've loaded large pictures, coolers, even a Large wood utility wagon inside & not had a problem.
I recommend this car to anyone who appreciates the technology that BMW has to offer. The BMW of Escondido Dealership is fabulous.
5 out of 5 stars
My favorite vehicle to drive by far!
Donald Montano, 04/08/2016
2010 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)
I have owned a number of cars and trucks over the years. Currently own a 911 Porsche and Panamera along with a 650 Dodge Ram and Toyota Four Runner. I've owned BMW 550 and 740 as well. This is the best driving vehicle of the lot. It's still a big vehicle but doesn't handle like one. My 911 is a 1999 and rides like a Go-Cart. The Panamera feels like a big car. Now that I'm in my … 50's I much prefer sitting a bit higher and knowing I have the acceleration and stopping ability of a much smaller vehicle. It is the most fun I have had driving any vehicle. I'm not fascinated by the look of the vehicle, but then that's what lured me in. I like to drive fast and don't want to be conspicuous. Most folks simply don't know how much power this SUV really has. It will blow both of my Porshe cars off the line. Excellent braking has saved me from a couple of certain accidents over the past 5 years. The downside is kids have a difficult time seeing out of the back seats. And there are only 2 back seats. I wish there was a bench seat option so we could carry 5 passengers. My daughter is now practicing for her driving test and I let her drive my X6M. She didn't like the vehicle having spent her life in the back seat. The fully adjustable seat allowed her 4'10'' frame to adjust to a position where she could see well and feel very comfortable. After her first drive she expressed that "your car is way nicer than the Toyota!" She needed to adjust her foot pressure on both the accelerator and the brake. Both are far more responsive than the other vehicles we have.
My X6M is the best car I have ever owned. My wife expected me to be looking for a new car and asked me about it. I told her I'm happy with the X6M. As long as I can get it detailed I'm good for a couple more years at least.
Oh, the gas mileage is poor at about 15 mpg and the gas tank is small ~20 gal. So I have to hit the gas station at least weekly and sometimes more. My Wife names all of our vehicles. The X6M is named "Thirsty".
4.63 out of 5 stars
Bavaria rules
Booboo, 01/11/2010
2010 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)
I had several turbos, incl the V12 twinturbo MBZ but this new X6M beats them all. The suspension and insane acceleration supports speeds that can land you in the big house, so one has to watch that head up display at all times. The X6M is obscenely fast and beats the Cayenne turbo. The ride feels safe at all times and the brakes are tops. The standard "drive" setting offers a cultivated … ride in Rover style comfort, whereas the car undergoes a major transformation in the "sports" mode or in the additional "M" mode. This is where the fun is, even the mufflers sound different and menacing then. This is the 1st performance crossover SUV/Coupe on the road! Makes the rest look like shopping carts.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My X6M
Kate, 12/10/2009
2010 BMW X6 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)
Brilliant car, fast and fun. Very very fast, more fun to drive than the M6 I had. Power is very smooth, no lag, and it sounds divine. You can get to 100mph before you know it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 BMW X6 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X6 M since its last redesign.
2012 X6 M Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $90,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $402/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 25.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the X6 M include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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