Cars That I Hate – Episode 2: BMW X6 (M)

It's impossible not to spot at least a few during a short walk or drive to the local supermarket, and it literally feels like every other car owner has crossover wet dreams. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate all of them, but some 99%, regardless of the size, shape, equipment, and firepower. And I still like to think that no real petrolhead would ever be caught dead behind the wheel of such a model, especially with their names written in the papers.

But by hating crossovers, I'm in the minority, and nearly everyone that I know thinks the coupe establishment is sexy. And it's not the 'fox and the grapes' story either, as I've always had the hots for sedans and coupes (real two-door coupes!). Certain roadsters still get my heart racing, and I cannot help but envy those who own something along the lines of a nice Audi RS 6 Avant. Hot hatches are up there on the list, and so are certain high-riders, like the Mercedes G-Wagen truck, the Range Rover, and, to my surprise, the BMW X5, alongside its range-topping flavor, the X5 M.

Nevertheless, as much as I like the X5, I absolutely hate the X6. The latter is a much uglier, more cramped, and pricier version of the X5, sharing every nut and bolt, including the powertrain family, safety systems, technology gear, and so on. It's beyond my understanding why someone would pay more to get a hideous ride that's also less practical.

You see, the X6 is not a great off-roader either, regardless of the mods; it's not as fun as an equally-sized sedan on a twisty road, it can't corner properly no matter how big its wheels are, and how stiff the suspension is. Parking it can be tricky in the urban jungle due to its large (for Europe) proportions, and it is less spacious at the rear than its sibling, the X5. And I know I said it before, but I can't stress this enough: it costs MORE!

A base X5, in the sDrive40i (RWD) and xDrive40i (RWD) configurations, starts at $65,700 and $68,000, respectively, for the 2025 model year. How much do you think the equivalent X6 is? Try $74,500 for the xDrive40i flavor, as it's unavailable with rear-wheel drive. Both models use the same twin-turbo 3.0L straight-six, making an identical 375 hp (ps/kW), and the X6 slightly holds the upper hand when it comes to the 0-60 mph (0-97 kph): 5.2 instead of the X5 xDrive40i's 5.3 seconds.

The acceleration is identical in the X5 M and X6 M, as both V8-powered models, which enjoy 617 hp (ps/kW) and 553 pound-foot (Nm) of torque, take 5.3 seconds to reach 60. There is a significant price gap here, as while the X5 M Competition has an MSRP of $124,800, the X6 M Competition starts at $129,700.

You may be wondering why all the hate towards the BMW X6, and the reason is simple: it's the model that started the whole crossover coupe craze a couple of decades ago. The first one rolled out in 2007, followed by the second generation in 2014, and the third and latest in 2019, with a recent mid-cycle refresh. Thus, whenever you see one on the road, look away and remember that it's the model that started it all.

It took Mercedes a few more years to launch the rivaling GLE Coupe, and even more when it comes to Audi’s Q8. Porsche's third-generation Cayenne is also offered as a coupe, besides the more traditional SUV body style. And just so you know, it's not only BMW's executive crossover coupe that I absolutely hate but also its challengers from the aforementioned brands, as all of them lack soul and are nothing more than moneymakers for their respective manufacturers.

As a result, it's easy to see why they exist, especially in today's world that favors style over substance. As much as I hate these models, they will undoubtedly survive the EV 'revolution,' and their successors will probably be flying cars in the future with ugly tailgate designs and hair-messing rooflines (for backseat occupants). Fortunately, their more traditional siblings also have a future, and I truly hope that BMW doesn't mess up the next X5's design, as it is one of the prettiest in the segment.

Now, have you ever considered buying a crossover coupe? And if you've done it, what made you favor it over other vehicles? Was it a great financial deal that you simply couldn't refuse? Or do you actually like the design? Your opinion matters, so drop a line below and speak your mind about it.