The India-spec BMW X6 gets the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, and it is magnificent.

This V8 delivers power effortlessly. There is strong torque available right from low engine speeds, and the exhaust note in Sport mode sounds deeply satisfying. The 8-speed automatic gearbox changes gears quickly and smoothly, whether you are driving calmly in Comfort mode or pushing hard in Sport+.

The xDrive all-wheel drive system smartly sends power to the wheels that need it most, giving excellent stability even during enthusiastic cornering. The standard Adaptive M Suspension quickly adjusts the ride to suit the road, offering a great balance between comfort and sharp handling.

On Indian highways, the X6 feels right at home. It cruises comfortably at 140 km/h while staying composed. In the city, the ride is firm but manageable on good roads.

The ARAI figure of 7.89 kmpl is typical for a powerful 523 bhp V8 SUV. In real Indian driving conditions, you can expect around 6-8 kmpl in the city and up to 10-11 kmpl on highways if you drive gently.

This is not a car you buy to save fuel. You buy it for the thrilling performance and that massive 750 Nm of torque whenever you want it. Make sure to budget for premium petrol, as the V8 needs it.

Rivals Comparison

In India, the BMW X6 offers the strongest engine in this segment at its price. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe comes close in terms of driving fun, while the Mercedes GLE Coupe provides a slightly more practical rear seat. The Audi Q8 is another stylish option but does not match the X6’s raw performance.

Step inside the BMW X6 and the controversy outside melts away. The cabin is a masterclass in premium German craftsmanship.

Key Highlights:

• Curved Dual-Screen Setup — 14.9-inch touchscreen + 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, running BMW's latest iDrive 8.5
• Full Merino Leather Upholstery — supple, well-stitched, and exquisitely finished
• Panoramic Glass Roof — floods the cabin with light, partially compensating for the coupe roofline
• Ambient Lighting — 64-colour configurable interior lighting
• Harman Kardon / Bowers & Wilkins Audio — optional surround-sound systems
• Front Sport Seats — power-adjustable, heated and ventilated as standard
• Head-Up Display — available as an option
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto — seamlessly integrated
• Wireless Charging Pad — standard

The materials feel genuinely high-quality, with options like wood, carbon fibre, and aluminium trim adding to the rich feel. The iDrive 8.5 system is one of the smoothest and most user-friendly infotainment setups in this segment, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus.

The One Compromise: Rear Space

Because of the sloping roof, rear headroom is tighter (around 37.5 inches) than in the X5. Tall passengers might feel a bit cramped on long trips. Rear legroom of 35.7 inches is decent but not the best in class. This is simply the price you pay for the stylish design.

Cargo space is good at 775 litres with seats up and expands to 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded. It is practical enough, though the Mercedes GLE Coupe offers a little more.

The BMW X6's design language is deliberately provocative. The defining feature is its coupe-like sloping roofline, flowing dramatically down to the tail, giving the X6 a silhouette unlike anything else in its class. At 4,935 mm in length, it's a large car with a genuinely commanding road presence.

The LCI facelift brings:

• Sharpened LED headlights with cornering function

• BMW's signature kidney grille with vertical slats (larger but more restrained than earlier iterations)

• Sculpted bonnet with muscular haunches

• Slim LED tail lamps stretching across the rear

• Standard 21-inch alloy wheels

In India, it is available in an eye-catching Tanzanite Blue Metallic shade. The gloss black hexagonal inserts on the front bumper are a point of debate among enthusiasts, with some finding them edgy, and others seeing them as a styling misfit. Either way, the overall coupe-SUV stance is unmistakable.

The BMW X6 LCI is loaded with Level 2 ADAS features:

Driver Assistance:

• Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning & Active Lane Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Automatic High Beams
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Highway Assistant (hands-free driving in certain conditions)

Convenience Tech:

• BMW Digital Key Plus (smartphone as car key)
• Surround-View Camera (360-degree parking assistance)
• Parking Assistant
• BMW Maps (connected navigation)
• Remote Engine Start (via BMW app)
• Active Lane Change with eye activation (build date March 2024+)

The iDrive 8.5 infotainment is the star of the show. It is highly responsive, logically laid out, and supported by BMW's connected services ecosystem. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current.

Global variants for reference. India gets the V8-only CBU variant.

The on-road price in major cities will vary based on registration fees, insurance, and state taxes. Expect an additional ₹25-35 lakh on top of the ex-showroom price.

The BMW X6 LCI facelift is exactly what it has always been - a bold statement car for those who don’t like to follow the crowd. It is not the most practical luxury SUV, it is not the cheapest, and it will definitely not win any prizes for fuel efficiency.

But when it comes to sheer road presence, thrilling performance, and that special prestige factor, the X6 stands in a league of its own.

In a market where luxury SUVs are becoming more and more common, the BMW X6 is still the one that makes everyone turn their heads and take notice. At ₹1.78 crore, it asks for a premium price, but it gives you a truly premium driving experience in return.

If you love its distinctive style and have the means, the X6 is one of the most exciting choices you can make.