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- Highs Quick and refined powertrains, graceful ride-and-handling, appropriately luxurious.
- Lows Less cargo room than the X5, infotainment menus are complex, V-8 model is a lot more expensive
- Verdict The X6 is more extroverted than the X5, but it costs more and offers less practicality.
Overview
If the squareback BMW X5 isn't flashy enough for you, its coupe-like cousin—the X6—will be right up your alley. Its sloping roofline and subtle ducktail rear end add a shapely option to the lineup that's sportier and more stylish than the outgoing X6. Its interior lacks the rear-seat room and cargo space of the X5, but it's comfortable and luxurious, nonetheless. Its turbocharged powertrains are both refined and they range from potent to explosive. BMW also imparts each with a quiet ride and varying degrees of performance upgrades. While this high-riding fastback is the epitome of a crossover, its high-end pedigree and unique aesthetic help it standout from its peers.
What's New for 2020?
The 2020 X6 is all new and represents the model's third generation. Along with shorter and wider dimensions than its predecessor, BMW also stretched the wheelbase and overall length. The new X6 is now also more chiseled on the outside and offers an illuminated grille for the first time. Inside, the styling is virtually identical to all of the company's latest models. A pair of 12.3-inch screens are standard along with many other available luxuries. The 2020 X6 has updated turbocharged six-cylinder and twin-turbo V-8 powertrains, too.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd stick with the regular, six-cylinder 40i model and add all-wheel drive for $2300. Despite the burlier sounds and gutsier acceleration that the 523-hp X6 M50i provides, we're not sure it's worth spending nearly $20,000 extra on. We'd spring for the M Sport package that includes a snazzier body kit and exterior trim, upgraded exhaust system, retuned suspension, and a different steering wheel. We'd also pay extra to avoid the no-cost white and black paint colors as well as any of the 21-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires. We don't think it's necessary to upgraded to the richer Merino leather interior options, but we would add the Premium package. It includes a head-up display, remote engine start, wireless charging, and more. The Luxury Seating package is a solid value that adds ventilated front seats with extra power adjustments and massage functions. Our other individual upgrades include the adaptive headlights, acoustic glass, leather dashboard, Harman/Kardon audio system, heated armrests and steering wheel, and the two-axle air suspension.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The X6 40i is powered by a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The M50i has the same transmission and standard all-wheel drive, but its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 is significantly more powerful. Its 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque helped it rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds at our test track. What's even more shocking is that the forthcoming X6 M, which we review separately, has up to 617 horsepower and will be even quicker. Still, the standard six-cylinder powertrain is plenty quick and velvety smooth. Both the X6 40i and M50i also have standard adaptive dampers and wheels sizes that range from 20 to 22 inches. We've only tested the V-8-powered X6 as of now, but its cornering grip and stopping power from 70 mph were impressive. Although its suspension is firmer than the setup found on the regular X6, it was never punishing. We also appreciated its adjustable steering heft and hushed interior at cruising speed. Those who want a more relaxed ride and improved off-road abilities will appreciate the all-wheel-drive 40i model with the optional air suspension and trail-ready drive modes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the rear-drive X6 40i will earn up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version is expected to get 20 mpg city and 26 highway. The much more powerful twin-turbo V-8 X6 M50i is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 highway. While the six-cylinder X6 with all-wheel drive exceeded the government's expectations on our 200-mile real-world route, earning 29 mpg highway, the M50i missed its mark by 2 mpg in the same test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Unsurprisingly, the X6 interior looks and feels like most other new BMW products. That means upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces abound and two large 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dashboard. While the instrument panel looks slicks, the gauges are a confusing mess. Thankfully, the optional head-up display is more straightforward. The rest of the switchgear is also smartly laid out. BMW's gesture controls, enable you to control certain functions like audio volume by waving your hand in front of the infotainment screen, are included but unnecessary. Plenty of standard amenities are offered, too, including 16-way power-adjustable front seats, customizable ambient lighting, heated front cushions, and passive entry. While the back seat is comfortable for two adults, its legroom and headroom shrink by about 2 and 3 inches, respectively, compared with the boxier X5. Likewise, the X6 has less cargo volume behind the rear seats. In our test, it only held nine carry-on suitcases back there; the X5 held 11.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. It operates through various functions such as traditional buttons, voice commands, a rotary controller on the center console, and even hand gestures. The company's iDrive interface has crisp graphics and immediate responses, but some of the layered menus can be distracting. BMW also offers upgrades such as built-in navigation, enhanced USB ports, Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Along with a premium Harman/Kardon stereo and a much more premium Bowers & Wilkins unit, the X6 can be outfitted with a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 X6 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, the Bimmer is available with a plethora of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW provides limited and powertrain warranties that align with rival luxury automakers such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. However, BMW offers one of the best complimentary maintenance plans in the industry apart from Jaguar.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
