Take that: 2015 BMW X6 M matches outgoing M3 coupe’s Nurburgring lap time

By Stephen Edelstein November 3, 2014

It’s never a good day when your high-performance sports coupe’s lap time around Germany’s legendary Nurburgring is matched an SUV, unless you’re BMW and the SUV in question is the 2015 X6 M.

BMW has been heavily criticized for slapping an “M” badge on the X6 and its X5 sibling, but a test by Germany’s Sport Auto provided vindication. It found that the new version of the X6 M is just as fast as the outgoing M3 coupe.

Sport Auto is know for bringing new cars to the ‘Ring to record lap times, and it found that the 8:05 time clocked by the 2015 X6 M matched the last E92-series M3 coupe it tested.

Related: 2015 BMW X6 gets more tech options, keeps “coupe” styling

The E92 is well-loved by enthusiasts, so this could be coupe for the X6 M, which is viewed as a perversion of the BMW M brand by some. Others just can’t understand the squashed roof.

In addition to providing a counterpoint to all of that criticism, the 8:05 time would make the 2015 X6 M the fastest SUV at the Nurburging, beating the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR’s estimated 8:14 lap time.

With a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood, you’d expect the X6 M to turn in a fast time. That engine produces 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, enough to launch this “Sport Activity Vehicle” to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

That stellar Nurburgring performance doesn’t upset the BMW hierarchy, though. Sport Auto also recently compared the E92 M3 to its replacement, the 2015 M4 coupe. The new Bimmer lapped the ‘Ring in a scorching 7:52.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.