BMW X6 M Competition 2023: Why It's The Beast You Can't Ignore
Stepping into the elite circle of luxury SUVs, the newly facelifted BMW X6 M Competition heralds a significant revolution, blending sheer power with a high-tech interior makeover. However, is this change entirely for the better? Let's delve deep and find out.
The interior of the BMW X6 M Competition is a testament to the future. Nearly the entire dashboard has been overhauled to house BMW’s Curved Display, an amalgam of a dazzling 12.3in digital gauge cluster and a massive 14.9in multimedia screen. This modernized setup bids adieu to most traditional controls, marking a bold leap into digital sophistication.
While the transition towards a screen-dominated dashboard means the disappearance of physical climate controls and numbered shortcut buttons, the center console manages to retain a selection of tactile controls alongside the rotary cursor. Yet, accessing functions like the heated seats and steering wheel now requires navigating through on-screen menus, a choice that may not sit well with all.
The complexity does not end there. BMW's digital gauge cluster, despite its visually appealing graphics, falls short on clarity and navigational ease. The inability to simultaneously display crucial information like navigation and trip data underscores a potential oversight in user experience design.
The aesthetic overhaul isn't confined to digital upgrades. A redesigned air vent setup and trim modifications freshen up the cabin's appearance. A notable addition is a transparent plastic bar adorned with M graphics, lending a contemporary edge to the interior, albeit with mixed reception regarding its execution quality.
Yet, amidst these avant-garde changes, luxury remains paramount. The cabin of our £147,605 test car was a sanctuary of genuine leather and metal, exuding an air of unapologetic opulence. The X6 M differentiates itself with slightly more lavish door cards than the X5, reinforcing its sportier inclination. Notably, the X6 M retains the tactile drive selector lever, a nod to tradition in an otherwise digital-centric cockpit.
The M Multifunction seats stand out with their integrated headrests and enhanced bolstering, promising a ride that's as comfortable as it is thrilling. The space within is what you'd expect from a high-caliber SUV; sufficient legroom and a cozy rear passenger experience, despite the sloping roofline's slight compromise on headroom and rearward visibility.
The Digital Domain: Infotainment and User Experience
The latest iteration of BMW's iDrive, while still a marvel of technology, presents a learning curve. The transition of climate controls to the touchscreen and the menu's complication due to an influx of apps represent a departure from the previously praised user-friendly design. However, with time, users can adjust, thanks in part to the enduring presence of the rotary controller.
The inbuilt navigation system remains top-notch, adeptly responding to traffic changes. Paired with the powerful Bowers & Wilkins audio system, it ensures an immersive auditory experience, a necessary feature to mask the intrusive road noise. The seamless integration of wireless phone mirroring and the utility of the BMW smartphone app further cements the X6 M's status as a technologically advanced sanctuary on wheels.
In conclusion, the BMW X6 M Competition is an impressive testament to evolution, blending traditional luxury with cutting-edge technology. Its audacious interior makeover might polarize, but it unequivocally sets a new benchmark for luxury SUVs. All in all, the BMW X6 M Competition remains an indomitable beast, daring its rivals to keep up.