If we rewind time to 2007 when the first X6 came out, everyone was absolutely baffled why such an “ugly” SUV even exists. Top Gear said that the X6 is useless as it is too cramped, too complicated, and too expensive while also being unnecessarily large and absolute trash when it comes to off-roading.
However, 15 years later, we are seeing a totally different story as all other premium executive brands such as Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, and even some economy-level brands are now offering at least one coupe SUV. It is rather obvious that BMW knew what they were doing with the X6 as the X6 is the true pioneer of the coupe SUV.
BMW still offers the X6 as the now third generation of the X6 is a substantial, commanding, and confidence-inspiring car to drive. The 2nd generation of the GLE coupe is targeted directly at the X6, but it seems like the X6 is a better car overall as it feels more special and more authentic.
We can’t run from the fact that the X6 started the whole large coupe SUV trend, but even without mentioning that, the X6 still feels like a more premium product.
2022 BMW X6 – The first luxury coupe SUV
The 2022 BMW X6 starts at $67,350 for the entry-level xDrive40i model while the more powerful X6 50i comes in at around $86,000. The range-topping BMW X6 M starts at just shy of $110,000 and is the most powerful and most fearsome BMW SUV of all time.
The entry-level 40i model gets a 335hp 6-cylinder engine, the M50i gets a twin-turbo V8 with 523hp while the X6 M tops out at 600hp from its twin-turbo V8 engine. All BMW X6 models come with BMW’s xDrive AWD system and with a dependable and smooth 8-speed automatic torque converter gearbox.
The X6 looks like a tank and is, in my opinion, the most commanding-looking coupe SUV out there, even when compared to the crazy Lamborghini Urus. The X6 utilizes high-quality materials and there is not a single bit of cheap plastic anywhere inside the X6.
The X6 M is a blast to drive and it is the best version of the X6, but it’s safe to say that even the entry-level 40i is more than enough. There is something a bit more special about the X6 when compared to the GLE Coupe.
2022 Mercedes GLE Coupe – The Mercedes Coupe SUV flagship
After BMW came out with the X6, all other premium brands followed, but currently, hardly any of them can match the X6. The $78.450 Mercedes GLE 53 Coupe is the cheapest GLE Coupe model you can buy in the US and it comes with the trusted 3.0L turbo V6 with 429hp.
The $117,000 GLE63 Coupe offers a 4.0L BiTurbo V8 with 603hp, a Mercedes 4MATIC AWD system, and the 9G 9-speed automatic transmission. The GLE Coupe is as the name might suggest a coupe version of the GLE SUV and it is targeted directly against the X6.
However, the GLE Coupe is a great car, but it lacks when compared to the X6 as it only gets the V8 with the range-topping version. This means that you need to pay $117,000 if you want a V8 GLE while you can get a V8 X6 for $30,000 less.
The GLE Coupe is an amazing SUV as it looks nice, drives nice, and is incredibly desirable, but there is just something different about the X6 as it is the best coupe SUV in existence.
Conclusion – The BMW X6 is better
As previously mentioned, the GLE Coupe is an amazing SUV and it’s hard to find a fault with it besides high maintenance costs and a compromised second row of seating. This is a standard affair for large coupe SUVs which means that the X6 suffers from similar issues.
Even so, most people who tend to buy these types of SUVs don’t care about that because they want the most impressive sporty-looking SUV on sale. As such, the BMW X6 is as the youth might say it – built different. There is something about the X6 that makes it feel more at home than in the case of the GLE.
It might be because the X6 invented the coupe SUV formula, but it might also be because a BMW is more fitting to make such a car when compared to a Mercedes. Furthermore, the BMW also feels better made with higher-end materials and more attention to detail.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi Q8 better than the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE?
Audi was somewhat late to the party with the Q8, but it seems like the Q8 is being sold a lot better when compared to the GLE Coupe and the X6. This is because Audi did it a bit differently. After all, the Q8 is more attainable and is more practical.
The Q8 does not suffer from as many practicality compromises as the other two, but even so, most people deem the X6 to be the best coupe SUV out there. All three of these are impressive and it’s hard to say that any one of these is bad.
Is the BMW X6 M faster than the Mercedes 63 S AMG GLE Coupe?
The BMW X6 M and the Mercedes Benz GLE AMG 63 S Coupe are incredibly similar when it comes to 0-60mph times and engine outputs. However, it seems like the X6 M has a slight advantage over the GLE 63 Coupe because it weights a tad bit less and it manages to put its power down better.
It’s worth mentioning that both the GLE Coupe and the X6 come with silly wide tires which means that they should be able to put the power down with ease.
Why is the BMW X6 M better than all of its rivals?
It is because BMW invented the coupe SUV segment and because BMW perfected it. Yes, the GLE, Urus, and the Cayenne Coupe are amazing, but the X6 simply feels more substantial, more aggressive, and more thrilling to drive.
The Lamborghini Urus can compete with the X6 and many people deem it to be more exciting, but for me, the X6 just looks and feels more special overall. It’s also safe to say that only the Cayenne Coupe is able to rival the X6 when it comes to interior quality and build material consistency.
