BMW X3 vs BMW X6 [2015-2019]

The new X3 is a great buy in its own right, yes, but not the default choice in the segment. Why? Read our first drive review to find out.

The ‘M’ badges on these two cars are a bit confusing. In my head, a BMW with an M emblem stands for supercar performance and handling in a subtle looking family friendly body. A brief glance at the X5M and X6M makes you think, how in the world both these fat and intimidating SUVs will justify being sporty or fun to drive. But on closer inspection there are hints at what’s cooking under the skin. The large front air intakes and bigger kidney grille gives both these cars an added sporty element and in profile the large beautifully crafted wheels dominate. The X6 M looks even more sporty when viewed in profile thanks to the coupe-like roofline. At the rear the trademark M four-tailpipe exhaust, the sportscar-like diffuser and the fat rear tyres make them look intimidating even when standing still. But it’s under the bonnet that the hidden party trick of any M vehicle lies. The V8 motors in these sporty SUVs displace 4.4-litres and have more than 550bhp on tap. So have the M division pulled off a near impossible task of making the Hulk do ballet? If they have, then we will end up having a pair of practical SUVs that can rival sportscars on pace.