Just as you should never judge a book by its cover, you should never judge a car solely on its styling. Although BMW calls this a Sports Activity Coupe, most drivers will likely have their own idea about what the X6 M ($88,900) is called once they take the wheel and discover that it is really a sport sedan standing on 20-inch tiptoes. The German brand’s flagship X6 gets an M badge, making it a stellar performer equipped with the 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 that delivers stump-pulling torque from practically a standstill. And all-time, all-wheel drive means that this M is comfortable going just about anywhere an automobile can go. BMW does not overlook interior comforts, and exterior styling treatments with the aggressive M signature complete a very impressive package. Drive it like a sports car, and whatever you do, don’t call it an SUV.
Configuration: Front-Engine, All-Wheel Drive, Sports Activity Coupe (Sedan to us)
Engine: 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 555 hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 500 ft-lbs at 1,500 rpm
Curb weight: 5,324 pounds
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
