Review: BMW F16 X6 (2014-19)

Overview

Released in Australia in December 2014, the BMW F16 X6 was a large SUV with a coupe-like profile. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the four-wheel drive X6 range initially consisted of the xDrive30d, M50d and xDrive50i, with the xDrive35i, xDrive40d and M variants following in 2015 (see table below).

All F16 X6 engines were compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards and featured the following technologies –

• Auto Start Stop: shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic;
• Brake Energy Regeneration: regulated alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle was coasting or braking; and,
• Eco Pro drive mode: adjusted engine management, throttle response and transmission behaviour to minimise fuel consumption. Eco Pro also included a coasting function that could decouple the engine from the powertrain when the driver eased off the accelerator and did not apply the brakes to prevent engine braking.

Eight-speed automatic transmissions were fitted as standard across the range.

xDrive four-wheel drive system

The F16 X6 had a permanent four-wheel drive system which utilised an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could fully engage (for a 50:50 front:rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer). Models with the xDrive system also had a hill descent control function.

The Dynamic Performance Control system – available as part of the Dynamic and Professional Adaptive Suspension Packages – included a torque vectoring function that controlled the power split between the rear wheels.

Dimensions

Compared to the E71 X6 , the F16 X6 was 32 mm longer (at 4909 mm), 6 mm wider (1989 mm) and 12 mm taller (1702 mm), though wheelbase length (2933 mm) was unchanged. For improved aerodynamics, the F16 X6 was fitted with BMW’s

• Air Curtains: vertical apertures which guided inflowing air around the wheel arches to create a curtain of air over the wheels;
• Air Breathers: once air was deflected around the wheel arches, it would be channeled through the Air Breathers (positioned behind the front wheels); and,
• Aero Blades: air-channeling elements near the roof spoiler.

For the F16 X6, the drag coefficient ranged from 0.32 Cd for the xDrive30d to 0.36 Cd for the X6 M50d.

Inside, the X6 had 40:20:40 split and folding second row seats. rear seats which, when folded, increase cargo capacity from 580 litres to 1525 litres.

Steering and suspension

The F16 X6 had electric power assisted steering, double wishbone front suspension and an ‘integral IV’ rear axle. Beyond this,

• The X6 xDrive50i, M50d and X6 M were all fitted with electronically-controlled dampers (BMW’s ‘Dynamic Damper Control’) which continuously adjusted to road conditions and provided selectable settings;
• The X6 M50d and X6 M were fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Drive’ active roll stabilisation program; and,
• The xDrive50i and X6 M also had rear axle air suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X6 included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, hill descent control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The X6 xDrive30d, xDrive35i, xDrive40d and X6 M were fitted with BMW’s camera-based ‘Driving Assistant’ package which included:

• Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with light city braking; and,
• Lane Departure Warning.

The xDrive50i and M50d, however, were fitted with BMW’s camera- and radar-based ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ package which added Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function.

Features: F16 X6

Standard features for the X6 xDrive30d included 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/40 R20 front and 315/35 R20 rear tyres, nine speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), 20GB hard drive, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, voice recognition, a DVD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, head-up display, satellite navigation with a 10.25-inch display, cruise control, Dakota leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, directional LED headlights with washers, daytime running lights, LED fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a surround view camera system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power adjustable mirrors (with heating, folding and auto-dipping on reverse functions), power windows, driver memory settings for the seats and mirrors, a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach), push-button start, 12 volt power sockets, ambient lighting, courtesy lamps, scuff plates, tyre pressure sensors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

As standard, the power-operated tailgate could be opened via detection of foot movements near the rear bumper (‘Comfort Access’) and had an automatic ‘Soft Close’ function

The X6 xDrive35i and xDrive40d were further equipped with a sixteen speaker sound system and proximity key (i.e. keyless entry).

Beyond this, the X6 xDrive50i and M50d featured a harman/kardon surround sound system with sixteen speakers and digital (DAB+) radio, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated front seats with power adjustable lumbar support, BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’ for automated parking, remote start, an alarm system and metallic paint finish. Unique within the range, the xDrive50i had Polar Grain interior trim.

2015 BMW F86 X6 M

With its S63B44T2 engine , the X6 M could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds (utilising the Launch Control function), while fuel consumption over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle was 11.1 litres per 100 km.

For the X6 M, suspension changes included firmer settings, a modified upper wishbone and 10 mm lower ride height. The X6 M was also fitted with an upgraded braking package which included perforated and inner vented discs (front and rear) and six piston front brake calipers.

Compared to the X6 M50d, the X6 M featured M sports seats, digital TV reception (DVB-T) and a power-operated glass sunroof.

2017 BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition

The BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition was released in Australia in October 2017. Compared to the standard BMW X6 M, the Black Fire Edition could be identified by its Sapphire Black metallic paint finish, dark carbon fibre door mirror caps, blacked-out kidney grille, 21-inch black M alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.

Inside, the BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition featured fine-grain Merino leather upholstery, BMW M multi-functional seats finished in Black and Mugello Red, an anthracite-coloured Alcantara headliner, Alcantara trim for the M Performance steering wheel, piano black interior finishers and ‘X6 M Edition Black Fire’ signets. The X6 M Black Fire Edition also had an automatic soft-close function for the doors.

The BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition had a recommended retail price of $214,800 (excluding on-road costs). Australian deliveries were limited to ten (10) vehicles.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F16 X6 (June 2014)
• Press Kit: BMW F15 X5 M and F16 X6 M (January 2015)
• Specifications: BMW F16 X6 (July 2017)
• Specifications: BMW F85 X5 M and F86 X6 M (April 2015)
• BMW Australia: BMW X6
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F16 X6