When BMW introduced the X6 in 2008, it was a midsize crossover with a sporty fastback look. A high-performance M version came out shortly after. Like the X5 M, the X6 M is quicker than many proper sports cars. The X6 M sees no major changes for 2019.

Compared to the standard X6, the M version stands out with more aggressive styling, bigger forged aluminum wheels, and plenty of M badges. Under the hood of the X6 M is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It’s enough to get the beefy X6 M from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. Power goes to all four wheels, and while the X6 M does have a stop-start ignition feature for efficiency, it manages just 16 mpg city, 22 highway, and 18 combined on premium fuel.

When it comes to handling, though, the M version has its own special suspension, larger anti-roll bars, and upgraded brakes. BMW rarely sacrifices luxury in the name of performance and didn’t do so with the X6 M. A sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control with separate controls in the rear, heated front seats with extra bolstering, carbon-fiber trim options, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment are all standard features. An upgraded stereo, massaging seats, and a few unique colors are just some of the options. The X6 M does have usable room in the back with 27.4 cubic feet of space, which expands to 59.6 with the rear seats folded.

The X6 M is available with active safety features, but buyers will have to pay extra for ones like automatic emergency braking, a night-vision system with pedestrian and animal detection, adaptive headlights, and forward-collision warning.

The only direct competition the X6 M faces is from the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 coupe, but a Porsche Cayenne Turbo may also be worth considering.