2019 BMW X6 M

Since late 2018, rumours have been swirling about a new generation of the high-performance BMW X6M crossover utility vehicle. Camouflaged prototypes have even been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. It's clear BMW is planning a third generation of its speedy and rakish SUV, but probably not until the 2021 model year.

Therefore, the X6M carries over unchanged for 2019, save for a $700 price increase.

Based on the X6 -- the SUV everyone loves to hate -- the X6M gets a liberal dose of the BMW M division's performance smarts. It uses a 4.4L turbocharged V8 to make 567 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is delivered to standard AWD through an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says that's enough power to move the X6M from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds -- an impressive feat for an SUV weighing more than 2,300 kg.

We like the X6M most of any X6 variant because its powertrain has more than enough guts to live up to its extroverted styling. As a driver, you had best either be extroverted, too, or not care what people think of you as you drive by. The X6 generates opinions about the car and the people who drive it, and not all of them are complimentary.

The X6M's competition is scant. At the moment, Mercedes-Benz makes the GLE 63 S Coupe. You could also consider BMW's own X5M a competitor, though that more practical model is mechanically identical to the X6. Likewise, the Benz GLE 63 S is also quick, but has a larger interior. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is similarly powerful, and, significantly, Porsche is apparently planning a Cayenne "coupe" with styling that will line up with that of the X6 and GLE Coupe.

In early 2019, BMW announced it was extending the M treatment to its smaller X3 and X4 models, the latter being a compact take on the X6's formula. Alfa Romeo already makes the 505-hp Stelvio Quadrifoglio to compete in the compact performance SUV sphere. Benz also makes an AMG version of its GLC, along with -- you guessed it -- a sleeker coupe variant.

Standard features in the X6M include heated front and rear seats, front and rear park distance sensors, navigation, 21-inch wheels, heated side mirrors with auto-dimming and power-fold functions, heated windshield washer jets, head-up display, four-zone climate control, power tailgate, electric steering column adjustment and a heated steering wheel.

BMW's fuel consumption estimates for the X6M are 16.6/12.1 L/100 km (city/highway).