BMW X6 M Competition F96: 625 hp V8, specs, history and buying guide

The BMW X6 M Competition is the most powerful version of the third-generation X6, code name F96. Since 2019 it has combined a 625 hp twin-turbo V8, M xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox with the dramatic shape of an SUV coupé.

In this guide we look at where the X6 M Competition came from, how the S63 engine and M xDrive work, its performance and design, the full specifications and the most important checks before you buy one.

Where the BMW X6 M Competition came from

When BMW launched the first X6 in 2008, it created a new type of car: the Sports Activity Coupé, a large SUV with the sloping roof of a coupé. One year later, BMW M presented the first X6 M, together with the X5 M. They were the first M cars with all-wheel drive and the first M models with turbocharged engines.

The second X6 M, based on the F86, followed in 2014 with 575 hp. The third generation, code name F96, was revealed in October 2019 together with the new X5 M. For the first time, BMW M offered both a standard version and a Competition version from the start. The X6 M had 600 hp, and the X6 M Competition had 625 hp.

Like every X6, the X6 M Competition is built at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the USA, the home of the large BMW X models. In 2023 it received a facelift with new lights, a new interior with the curved display and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. In many markets, the facelift was offered only as an X6 M Competition.

On this site we show the X6 M Competition as a 3D car. The model is a creative 3D version and not an official BMW file, so small details may differ from the real car.

The S63 twin-turbo V8

The heart of the X6 M Competition is the S63, a 4.4-litre V8 with two twin-scroll turbochargers. The turbochargers sit inside the V between the two banks of cylinders, a layout that BMW calls hot V. This keeps the exhaust paths short and helps the engine respond quickly to the accelerator.

In the X6 M Competition the S63 produces 625 hp (460 kW) and 750 Nm of torque, available from 1,800 rpm across a wide band of engine speeds. The standard X6 M of the first F96 years had 600 hp. The same basic engine also powers the M5 Competition and the M8 Competition, which shows how serious this SUV coupé is.

The engine has a cross-bank exhaust manifold, an oil supply designed for high cornering forces and a strong cooling system with several radiators. After the 2023 facelift, a 48-volt mild hybrid system was added. It supports the engine when pulling away and helps the start-stop function work more smoothly.

Our article on the BMW S63 engine explains the development of this V8 from the first X5 M and X6 M to today.

Gearbox, M xDrive and chassis

Power goes through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox with Drivelogic, which lets the driver choose between comfortable and very quick gear changes. The gearbox sends the power to M xDrive, an all-wheel drive system tuned by BMW M with a rear bias. An Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes torque between the rear wheels.

M xDrive has different modes. In the sportiest setting, more torque is sent to the rear wheels to make the car feel more agile. Our article on BMW M xDrive explains how the system works.

The chassis is very different from a normal X6. It has stiffer body mounts, specific M suspension geometry, adaptive M dampers, and large M Compound brakes. The Competition version has an even firmer engine mounting and a sportier set-up. The steering, engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes can all be adjusted, and two favourite settings can be stored on the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.

Our article on BMW M1 and M2 buttons explains how to set them up.

Performance on the road

With 625 hp and 750 Nm, the X6 M Competition is one of the fastest SUVs BMW has built. According to BMW, it reaches 100 km/h from standstill in about 3.8 seconds in the original F96 version. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, or 290 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package.

These numbers are impressive for a car that weighs about 2.3 tonnes. The engine pulls strongly from low engine speeds, and the gearbox changes gear very quickly. The sport exhaust gives the V8 a deep and loud sound, especially in the sportier modes.

On a winding road, the X6 M Competition feels much more agile than its size suggests. The wide tyres, the stiff chassis and the clever all-wheel drive give a lot of grip. But it is still a tall and heavy car, and the driver feels the laws of physics in tight corners and under hard braking.

Our article on the BMW M Driver's Package explains how the higher top speed and driver training work.

Design and interior

The X6 M Competition looks wider and more aggressive than the normal X6. It has large air intakes at the front, M side gills, M mirrors, a rear spoiler on the tailgate and four exhaust tailpipes. The Competition version adds high-gloss black details on the grille, the mirror caps and other parts, and it has larger wheels, with 21-inch wheels at the front and 22-inch wheels at the rear.

The sloping roofline is what makes the X6 special. It gives the car a dramatic coupé shape, but it also reduces rear headroom and boot space compared with an X5 M. For many owners, the style is worth the compromise.

Inside, the cabin is luxurious and sporty. There are M sport seats with leather, the M steering wheel with the red M1 and M2 buttons, carbon or aluminium trims and a digital instrument cluster with M views. After the 2023 facelift, the interior received the large curved display and the latest iDrive system.

Many cars have extra equipment, such as a head-up display, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a panoramic glass roof and driver assistance systems.

Living with an X6 M Competition

Despite its performance, the X6 M Competition can be used every day. It has four doors, space for four adults, a large boot and a comfortable ride in the softest settings. All-wheel drive helps in rain and snow when the car has suitable tyres.

There are some compromises. The large wheels and low-profile tyres can make the ride firm on poor roads. Rear headroom is lower than in an X5 M because of the roof, and the rear window is small. The width of the car can make narrow streets and car parks difficult.

Fuel consumption is high, especially in town and in fast driving. Tyres and brakes are large and expensive, and they wear quickly if the car is driven hard. Insurance and taxes are also high in many countries.

For owners who want one car that is fast, practical and eye-catching, the X6 M Competition offers a mix that few other cars can match. For others, a six-cylinder X6 M50i or xDrive40i may be a more relaxed choice.

Buying a used BMW X6 M Competition

A used X6 M Competition can be a lot of car for the money, but it is a complex vehicle. These are the main points to check:

• Service history: complete and on time, with the correct oil. The S63 needs regular oil changes and careful maintenance.
• Engine: check for oil leaks, smoke, rough running and any fault codes. Ask about software updates and recalls.
• Gearbox and M xDrive: smooth gear changes, no clunks and no warnings. Check the condition of the transfer case and differential fluids.
• Brakes and tyres: large discs and tyres are expensive. Check the remaining wear and that the tyres match on each axle.
• Wheels: the large wheels are easily damaged on kerbs.
• Suspension: listen for knocks and check for warnings from the adaptive dampers.
• Electronics: test the displays, cameras, driver assistance systems and comfort functions.
• Modifications: many performance cars are modified. Original cars with full documents are usually the safest choice.

Our complete checklist for buying a used BMW M car explains these checks in more detail. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is strongly recommended.

Running costs and is it worth it?

The X6 M Competition is expensive to run. Servicing, tyres, brakes, fuel and insurance all cost more than for a normal X6. Values also fall quickly in the first years, which can make a used car attractive for buyers who accept the running costs.

Our article on BMW M car running costs explains how to plan a realistic budget. An extended warranty can be worth considering for a used car, because repairs to the engine, gearbox or electronics can be costly.

Is the X6 M Competition worth it? For buyers who want the most extreme version of the BMW SUV coupé, the answer can be yes. It combines super saloon performance, all-wheel drive and a dramatic design that turns heads everywhere. It is not the most rational choice, but it is one of the most exciting large SUVs of its time.

The X6 M Competition also continues the story that started with the first X5 M and X6 M in 2009. Our article on the history of the X5 M and X6 M explains how BMW M built its first SUVs.

BMW X6 M Competition specifications

Specification Value

Model BMW X6 M Competition (F96)

Production From 2019 (first deliveries 2020); facelift 2023

Built in BMW plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

Body 5-door Sports Activity Coupé (SUV coupé)

Engine S63 4.4-litre V8, two twin-scroll turbochargers

Power 625 hp (460 kW)

Torque 750 Nm from 1,800 rpm

Mild hybrid 48-volt system from the 2023 facelift

Gearbox 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic

Drive M xDrive all-wheel drive, Active M Differential

0–100 km/h About 3.8 s (BMW figure, pre-facelift)

Top speed 250 km/h limited; 290 km/h with M Driver's Package

Weight About 2.3 tonnes (DIN, depending on equipment)

Wheels 21-inch front and 22-inch rear (Competition)

Brakes M Compound brakes; M carbon ceramic brakes optional

Standard X6 M 600 hp in the first F96 years

Predecessors X6 M E71 (2009) and X6 M F86 (2015)

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the BMW X6 M Competition have?

The F96 X6 M Competition has 625 hp (460 kW) and 750 Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The standard X6 M of the first F96 years had 600 hp.

How fast is the BMW X6 M Competition?

BMW quotes about 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h for the original F96 version. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, or 290 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

What is the difference between the X6 M and the X6 M Competition?

The Competition version has more power, a firmer engine mounting, a sportier chassis set-up, high-gloss black details and larger wheels.

Where is the BMW X6 M built?

Like all X6 models, the X6 M is built at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the USA.

Is the X6 M Competition practical?

Yes, for a performance car. It has four doors, space for four adults and a large boot, although rear headroom and boot space are smaller than in an X5 M.

Is the 3D car on this site an official BMW model?

No. The 3D car is a creative model for this site and not an official BMW file, so small details may differ from the real car. All facts in the text refer to the real BMW X6 M Competition.

Sources

• BMW Group PressClub – BMW X6 M and X6 M Competition (F96) press kits
• BMW M – official BMW X6 M Competition information
• BMW – official X6 M technical data
• BMW X6 M (F96) owner's handbook and technical data