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- Highs Spectacular powertrains, fantastic infotainment system, well-to-do interior.
- Lows "But why?" styling, compromised practicality, cost of options adds up fast.
- Verdict Its extroverted styling costs more but delivers less.
Overview
The 2019 BMW X6 combines a coupe's fastback roofline and a crossover's high-riding capability—with polarizing results. The unusual styling results in reduced cargo space—which is its Achilles' heel—but those seeking a nontraditional aesthetic in their SUV will have to live with less practicality. Its road manners illustrate that the BMW badge no longer represents the benchmark for driver engagement, although the company still builds superb engines. The X6 supports its luxury bona fides with a beautifully crafted interior and a robust infotainment system. Unfortunately, it's easy to balloon the bottom line with options. While the X6 makes a strong visual statement, crossover buyers will pay more for less with this bemusing Bimmer.
What's New for 2019?
The 2019 X6 receives several new standard features and revised option packages. Every model now features standard Apple CarPlay and these driver-assist technologies: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and speed-limit information. The six-cylinder versions can now be had with the Convenience package, which adds four-zone automatic climate control, a one-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, and passive entry. Likewise, this package is now included with the M Sport package on six-cylinder models. The Premium package is updated to include self-parking assist, a head-up display, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot; the Executive package adds soft-close doors, rear manually operated side window shades, adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel, and automatic high-beams.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd choose the rear-drive sDrive35i because it has plenty of power and delivers the most value; all-wheel drive adds $2300. That choice also frees up money to add the Premium package, which is required to unlock most other options. It includes four-zone automatic climate control, passive entry, wireless charging, and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM All Access. Also, the sDrive35i has these standard features: leather interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, front and rear parking sensors, and power-operated liftgate.
Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing
Likes: Quick and smooth-shifting transmission, splendid six-cylinder engine, pleasant ride quality.
Dislikes: Significant body motion, numb steering, soft-feeling brake pedal.
BMW has standardized exceptional powertrains, and the X6 is a good example of that. Its 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder has lots of power and delivers it in a silky rush. While the version we tested was more fun going from stoplight to stoplight than it was tackling the corners, the engine had a responsive throttle and a heavy right foot produced lively acoustics. The potent 445-hp V-8 version costs an arm and someone else's leg, and it undercuts the outrageous 567-hp BMW X6 M by about $27,000. Both the six- and eight-cylinder X6s partner with an excellent paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission.
If the X6 had sportier handling, we might care less about its polarizing design—but that's not the case. It drove crisply enough around town, but "verve" is not a word that comes to mind when you whisk it down a winding road. Its handling and overall control were also affected by a dearth of steering feedback. Although the steering effort increased in the sportier drive modes, the effect hardly improved driver interaction. Its brake pedal also lacked the consistent response to foot pressure that provides a feeling of security on a vehicle this size. Still, the X6 kept passengers protected from most harsh impacts and road noise. The X6 is certainly quick and comfortable, but several alternatives are simply more fun to drive.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The V-8–powered X6 is only available with all-wheel drive, but the six-cylinder model offers either rear- or all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that both powertrains earn the same 18 mpg city, but the rear-drive model adds 1 mpg to its highway rating. The six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive version we tested exceeded its EPA highway estimate on our fuel loop. Still, its observed 25 mpg was only 1 mpg more than similar rivals. Since we haven't tested an X6 with the V-8, we don't know how efficient it is in the real world.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: High-quality fit and finish, wireless Apple CarPlay, enough underfloor cargo storage to hide a lot of stuff.
Dislikes: Poor rear visibility, no Android Auto, silly body style compromises cargo space.
Thankfully, the inside of the X6 is much nicer to look at than the outside. With a mix of rich materials and luxurious standard features, it delivers an upscale experience. Too bad the back seat has tight dimensions and rear visibility is inhibited by the coupelike roofline. The dash featured a cool digital gauge cluster that changes color with the drive modes you select, but we wish the adjustments for the head-up display weren't buried in the touchscreen menus.
Every X6 has a 10.2-inch touchscreen complete with versatile controls and an assortment of standard features such as Apple CarPlay. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is attractive and easy to operate thanks to a litany of input options. The large high-resolution display can be customized with a split-screen mode and personalized information.
Not only does the X6 have an unusual body style for this class, many of its competitors have three rows of seats where the X6 has only two. This explains why the X6 and the two-row Maserati Levante held more carry-ons with all their seats raised than the others. The BMW X5, the X6's squareback sibling, has another 17 cubic feet of max cargo volume. Inside, the X6 has plenty of spots to store a variety of items. Highlights include a compartment under the dash near the driver's left knee and useful bins on either side of the rear outboard seats.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The X6 has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Bimmer's list of standard and optional driver-assistance equipment is comprehensive and includes cool tech such as self-parking and night vision—yes, night vision. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Apart from its lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance, the X6 has average—albeit competitive—warranty coverage.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
