MotorMouths

The X6 M is the world’s fastest crossover. From the Infiniti FX50 to the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the BMW tops them all, whether the criteria are pure speed or handling control.

Did the world need a 550-hp SUV, much less two of them? Probably not, but the idea remains a compelling one. Priced just south of $90,000, the 2010 X6 M looks to be wholly competitive in the ML63/Cayenne Turbo landscape.

The BMW X6 is solidly built and full of luxury, safety and occupant protection. It’s also expensive. But that money will net its owner both horsepower superiority and performance dominance in its category.

The BMW X6 M is the quickest production SUV we’ve ever tested, a somewhat strange boast, like claiming to be the best poetry-writing drywaller in Alabama.

It’s no coincidence that the BMW X6 M’s 555-hp output bests that of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S by five ponies. And it undercuts the top Cayenne’s price by $34,690.

Driving the X6 M changed the way I looked at this vehicle. It still may only seat four people, but my advice is to just not be the fifth person invited to ride in it. This BMW earns its M badge by what it can do, not by how it looks.

The BMW X6M is almost certainly quicker and, even with its peculiarities, better-handling than the Cayenne. Oh, and, it’s a whole lot less expensive than the Porsche, too.

It’s unreasonable, it’s wasteful (I averaged 15 MPG), it’s unconventional. It fits no normal market segment. It only seats 4 and has no more cargo space than my car. It’s expensive. But the BMW X6 M is as awesome as it is uncompromising.

It’s hard to think of a rational argument for buying a 2010 BMW X6 M. However, if you simply have a slot in your 19-spot garage that needs filling, there’s something to be said for this bonkers BMW.

Like most BMWs, the X6 is a fine automobile. It rides high like an SUV; it’s fast; it handles well; and it’s comfortable inside.

Although often referred to as an ugly duckling, there is no doubting the BMW X6’s machismo, especially in “M” guise. As for the driver, that’s a whole other story…

On paper, the X6 M’s performance specs are incredible. But in the real world, what is it meant for? BMW’s own X5 M has the same awesome power plant but also offers more cargo room, and is only marginally slower. It seems like a more practical choice.