Brilliant Engine, looks
Firm ride, heavy weight
There are fast SUVs, there are luxury SUVs, and then there are cars like the BMW X6 M60i that somehow manage to sit comfortably in both camps while creating a category of their own. On paper, it is a large luxury SUV with a coupe roofline. In reality, it feels like a muscle car disguised in an expensive designer suit. I spent a night with the new X6 M60i in Mumbai, a city that rarely slows down. But once the traffic begins to thin and the roads start opening up after midnight, you get a chance to understand what this car is truly about. Within the first few kilometres, one thing becomes very clear - BMW has built something practical for enthusiasts.
Let's start with the design because there is absolutely no way this car goes unnoticed. The X6 has always been one of those vehicles that sparks conversations. Some people love the coupe-SUV shape, others still don't understand why it exists. Unlike the X5, which enjoys a cult following for being the sensible choice, or the X7, which has a clearly defined role as BMW's luxury flagship SUV, the X6 has always occupied a slightly rebellious corner of the BMW showroom. It is the one you buy with your heart rather than your head. Over the years the design has aged remarkably well and this latest iteration looks more aggressive than ever. Finished in a striking shade of red, the illuminated kidney grille grabs attention instantly, the huge wheels fill the arches perfectly, and the sloping roofline still manages to make this large SUV look athletic. Park it outside a hotel, restaurant or even at a traffic signal and people notice. This isn't a car for those who enjoy anonymity. The X6 M60i means business.
The real magic, however, begins when you press the start button. Nestled under the bonnet is BMW's latest S68 engine, a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The headline numbers are impressive enough: 526bhp and 750Nm of torque. Yet what makes this engine special isn't the output figures, it's the character. The moment the V8 comes alive there's a deep growl that reminds you why enthusiasts continue to worship big-capacity engines. Admittedly, it isn't quite as loud or dramatic as some would like. Modern emission regulations and the integration of hybrid technology have softened some of the rawness. But even then, there is something wonderfully satisfying about hearing eight cylinders wake up in a world increasingly dominated by batteries, charging stations and range calculations.
Pull away gently and the X6 feels refined, smooth and luxurious. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is beautifully calibrated and disappears into the background during normal driving. In Comfort mode the car is remarkably civilised, happy to cruise through the city without drawing attention to the performance lurking beneath the surface. But that isn't why anyone spends this kind of money on an M60i. Find an open stretch of road, switch into Sport mode and the entire personality changes. The throttle sharpens, the gearbox becomes more alert and the V8 starts delivering wave after wave of torque. BMW claims 0-100kmph in 4.3 seconds and it feels every bit that quick.
What impressed me most wasn't the outright acceleration but the relentless mid-range punch. Whether you're overtaking traffic on the Sea Link or accelerating out of a fast corner on an empty road, the X6 surges forward with an effortlessness that very few SUVs can match. The mild-hybrid system adds an extra layer of immediacy, helping mask turbo lag and making the entire powertrain feel sharper than the numbers alone might suggest. This is an engine that never feels stressed. It simply delivers performance with a sense of authority that only a large-capacity V8 can.
The biggest surprise, however, is the way the X6 disguises its size. This is a large SUV weighing well over two tonnes, yet from behind the wheel it feels considerably smaller. BMW's engineers have once again managed to perform their usual chassis wizardry. The rear-wheel steering system makes a noticeable difference, helping the car rotate more eagerly into corners while also improving manoeuvrability in the city. Combined with xDrive all-wheel drive and excellent body control, the X6 feels remarkably composed when driven enthusiastically. The steering is precise, the front end responds eagerly and there is a level of confidence through corners that simply shouldn't exist in a vehicle of this size.
Ride quality also deserves praise. Mumbai roads are never the easiest test environment and yet the adaptive suspension does a commendable job balancing comfort and performance. Yes, it is firmer than a standard luxury SUV, but it never crosses the line into discomfort. It remains perfectly usable every day, which is important because unlike some high-performance SUVs, the X6 M60i genuinely feels like something you could happily live with.
Inside, the cabin delivers everything you would expect from a BMW at this price point. The curved display setup looks modern, material quality is excellent and there is a strong sense of occasion every time you step inside. My only criticism would be the seats. They're comfortable enough for long journeys, but considering the performance credentials of the M60i, I expected something that felt a little more special and supportive.
What makes the X6 M60i particularly significant today is what it represents. Large-capacity V8 engines are becoming increasingly rare. Regulations are tightening, electrification is accelerating and manufacturers are rapidly moving towards downsized engines and electric powertrains. Yet BMW has chosen to keep the V8 alive, and enthusiasts should be grateful for that.
Because the X6 M60i isn't just another luxury SUV. It is one of the last proper V8-powered BMW SUVs available in India. It delivers the soundtrack, the performance, the drama and the emotional connection that many modern vehicles struggle to replicate. More importantly, it combines all of that with genuine practicality. It has the ground clearance to tackle Indian roads, enough space for five adults, a premium cabin for daily use and performance that can embarrass many sports cars.
If the Lamborghini Urus remains the ultimate poster-boy performance SUV with unmatched badge value and presence, the BMW X6 M60i could well be the smartest V8 SUV money can buy in India today. It delivers genuine everyday usability, enough room for a family of five, the ground clearance Indian roads demand and, most importantly, a twin-turbo V8 at Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom) point that undercuts most exotic alternatives by a significant margin. In a market where V8s are becoming increasingly rare, the X6 M60i isn't just a performance SUV, it's one of the most accessible ways to experience a proper V8 in a brand-new luxury SUV. And thanks to its 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, it might just be one of the most fuel-efficient V8 SUVs on sale in India today. Not that anyone buying a 526bhp twin-turbo V8 is likely to care about fuel economy, but it's a rather nice cherry on top.
