2020 BMW X6 M

The BMW X6 has always been a niche vehicle. Besides an elevated ride height, the two greatest differences between a crossover and a sedan are the more spacious rear-seat accommodations and greater cargo flexibility that a crossover affords. The X6 — which BMW insists on calling a Sports Activity Coupe — offers neither. Its tapered roofline both limits headroom in the back row and cuts into maximum cargo space. Its small rear window also impedes rear visibility.

So what sense does it make to offer this outlandish SUV with the most ho-hum engines available? It's a question BMW asks and answers with the introduction of the high-octane 2020 BMW X6 M. While the standard X6's twin-turbo V8 offers up to 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, the X6 M turns up the wick to an even 600 hp. If its claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds feels a touch too slow, fret not — the available Competition package bumps output to 617 hp and shaves a tenth off that time.

BMW is introducing a number of upgrades to help the chassis manage the considerable increase in power. Out front are bumpers with larger air intakes to feed the two radiators that keep the internals cool. A standard electronically controlled M Sport differential helps route power through the 21-inch wheels shod in summer performance tires (22-inch rear wheels are optional).

Stiffer engine mounts and strut braces work to keep the front end controlled, and standard adaptive suspension dampers vary the ride from cushy to track-ready. An adaptive exhaust system with quad pipes further drives the performance theme home; the standard M Sport exhaust on Competition models is even more boisterous. For a sportier look, other visual enhancements include exaggerated fender flares, a rear diffuser, and roof and tailgate spoilers.

Interior upgrades are relatively minimal. The aggressive front sport seats offer a multitude of adjustments, including upper-back angle and bolster width. Leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim are both standard, and the Competition package brings leather kneepads — helpful during spirited driving. The M division's unique color scheme is also visible on the steering wheel and shifter stitching. There are a few red accents as well, including on the steering wheel's programmable M buttons.

While several packages remain on the options list, the X6 M comes with a few features that cost extra on the standard variants. Leather dash upholstery, a faux suede headliner, heated armrests, a heated steering wheel, and the most full-featured version of the iDrive infotainment system are included on every model, which helps narrow the significant price jump from the X6 M50i and X6 M.

For those who want to eke out every bit of performance, the optional M Driver's package increases the top speed from 155 to 177 mph and includes a voucher to one of BMW's East Coast or West Coast driving schools.

There's a certain silliness to a utility-reducing SUV "coupe," but these oddballs represent a greater level of choice for the customer. Some shoppers are put off by the sometimes bulky designs of standard SUVs, and a vehicle with a svelter shape is simply more appealing. Add in the wealth of performance enhancements, and you have a driver-focused tall crossover that offers a larger cargo area and a more commanding view out front than a sport sedan.

Though there are more coupe-like SUVs on the market than ever before, few are as performance-oriented as the X6 M. Porsche's Cayenne Coupe is similar in spirit to the X6 M — it offers less rear headroom and passenger room than the standard Cayenne in exchange for a sportier profile. And it comes in several high-performance variants, culminating in the 670-hp Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Mercedes will also be coming out with a high-performance version of its GLE Coupe. The 2021 AMG GLE 63 S will have a 603-hp V8 and should arrive sometime during the summer of 2020.

The all-wheel-drive X6 M drives exactly how it looks — like a beefed-up predator on the hunt for a hapless target in its crosshairs. We drove the top X6 M Competition model, and it provides powerful thrust that seems unwilling to relent even as you approach, or exceed, triple digits on the speedometer. It has a launch mode, but it's also perfectly happy to squat and explode forward at a moment's notice whether you've activated it or not.

We also like the X6 M's reassuring stability. It remains remarkably composed during hard braking or when hustling through a sweeping corner. Its steering is accurate and, combined with massive tires that provide a lot of grip, the SUV can hit apexes at surprising speed without protesting at all.

One warning is that the X6 M does not possess the communicative steering of BMW's classic M cars. Instead, the steering is heavily assisted and doesn't offer much road feel or response. The brakes are extremely powerful but don't deliver the pedal feedback that traditional M buyers might expect. Stiffer braces, struts and suspension components make for a jittery ride on rough road surfaces too.

Bravo, BMW. The X6 M is beautifully appointed with soft leathers, bright aluminum trim, and generous applications of carbon fiber. Overhead is a power sunroof surrounded by suede-like Alcantara running across the headliner and down the front pillars. It's all held together by contrasting stitching that brings the tasteful cabin together. Liberal application of M badges makes it clear this is no regular Joe X6, though it avoids being too heavy-handed.

The seats are a treat. They're equally sporty and luxurious thanks to quilted leather and a huge range of power adjustability. They're adept at holding passengers in place at high speed without sacrificing comfort over long trips. The X6 M does make some noticeable wind and road noise, which could be a product of the blunt face, swept windshield and razor-thin performance tires on the Competition model. Consider the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, at $3,400, to sonorously drown it out.

If you're considering an X6 M, then you've already come to terms with the crossover "coupe" shape. The rear seats have less headroom, legroom and shoulder room compared with those in the more traditional X5 M. But the streamlined, fastback style is certainly distinctive and, to some, irresistible. The surprising thing is that the X6 M doesn't suffer for its beauty as much as you might think. Rear passengers up to 6 feet tall, and even a few inches taller, can ride in pleasing comfort. The excellent seats help.

Cargo space is the real limiter, with just 27.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet when they're folded down. It's tighter than the Audi Q8 on both measures. But everyday hauling poses no problem. The X6 M holds luggage and bags for high-speed weekend getaways just fine. Large or oddly shaped objects pose the only potential hurdle.

There are other drawbacks too. The cupholders are tiny, and visibility to the rear is poor. And though we can't quite explain it — their measurements are nearly identical — the X6 M also seemed to have less compliance over rough surfaces when driven back to back with the X5 M. Finally, BMW has again hindered itself with a labyrinthian iDrive infotainment system. But if you're set on a hulking rocket ship with more than 8 inches of ground clearance, rest assured that the X6 M will happily fill that hole in your heart.

The X6 M and its Competition alter ego may give off racetrack vibes. After all, the insane power and driving modes that BMW says are "track-only" seem to point directly toward your nearest club day. It may even give you a few laps of fun, but the X6 M is far more accustomed to high-speed cruising due to its weight and heavily computerized driving experience.

The X6 is an emotional purchase, and the X6 M is even more so. It is an inherently driver-focused machine, so why not go for the most ludicrous version you can afford?