Mean Machines - The BMW X4 vs The BMW X6

The original BMW X6 certainly grabbed everyone’s attention when it was launched in 2008, ingeniously combining the imposing road presence and elevated safety of a luxury SUV with the emotive and sporty silhouette of a coupé. The new X6 was unleashed in 2014, the same year in which BMW wowed the world with another SUV-coupé mean machine, the X4. So how do they compare?

Subtle differences, equally exhilarating

The X6 is the largest of this pair of luxurious sports-focussed driving machines from Munich. Think of it as the sporty coupé version of the X5, with the X4 having the same relation with the new X3.

The X6 is 231mm longer, 108mm wider and 78mm taller than the X4, making it roomier inside, whereas the X4’s more compact dimensions will suit some customers’ parking facilities more favourably.

Built on the same platform as the forthcoming new X3, the X4 looks slightly more muscular than the X6. Both of these sports activity coupés convey a mean and potent aura, though, and they equally ooze with BMW’s latest design advancements, from full adaptive LED lights to the most beautiful evolutions of the firm’s iconic kidney grille and X family styling yet.

Conclusion: For drivers who don’t need the X6’s roomier interior, the X4’s styling is very similar and its entry price almost £20,000 less.

Inside the BMW X4 and X6

BMW’s trademark of producing driver-focussed interiors that reinforce the sporty vibe of its cars is evident in this pair of sports activity coupés. The added dimensions of the X6 translate into more space for people, along with 80 litres more luggage capacity in the boot. The middle seat of its rear bench is primarily intended for occasional use, whereas the X4’s centre seat is more traditional and suited for regular use by a child or teenager.

Both cars have uncluttered, airy interiors showcasing an array of beautiful curves, quality materials and intuitive ergonomics, but the X6 is the slightly more luxurious. Each can be specified with even more sumptuous leather upholstery, a Harman/kardon surround sound system, television and other options.

Conclusion: The X6 delivers the superior cabin for four people to comfortably admire the view and enjoy the car’s sporty drive while in exquisite luxury – while the X4’s ideal for the family.

If fuel choice matters

The major difference between the BMW X4 and X6 in the engine department is that the former is available in diesel-only guise. The majority of SAV drivers are left wanting for nothing with these remarkable TwinPower Turbo four and six-cylinder powerplants. The 190bhp X4 xDrive20d reaches 62mph in an impressive 8 seconds while delivering fuel economy of upto 54mpg. The more potent xDrive35d diesel engine peaks at a sizeable 313bhp and 630Nm torque, and has an acceleration time of just 5.2 seconds while still delivering 47.1mpg.

Diesel X6 customers are able to choose between the inline six-cylinder xDrive30d with 258bhp, 6.7 seconds and 47.1mpg credentials, and the M Performance xDrive M50d that serves up a mighty 381bhp, 704Nm, 5.2 seconds and 42.8mpg. For ultimate power and performance, the X6 is also configurable with a TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine in the guise of the xDrive50i, producing a whopping 450bhp and capable of a 155mph top speed.

Conclusion: Anyone seeking thrilling, all-out performance will adore the X6 xDrive50i, while the X4 xDrive20d is superb for everyday and a variety of business and family lifestyles.

In numbers…

BMW’s X4 and X6 mean machines are guaranteed to convey road presence, class-leading handling and aerodynamic coupé-like styling; blending the best of both worlds. All engines in the two cars’ line-ups are strong performers and while the X4 is an excellent all-rounder for families and business fleet drivers alike, the punchy V8 petrol version of the X6 is the ultimate sports activity coupé driving machine.