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- Highs Astonishing performance, unapologetically brutal design, long list of standard features.
- Lows Hugely impractical, limited rear visibility, thirsty for fuel.
- Verdict The SUV for tastemakers who like their SUVs white hot.
Overview
Not everyone will be envious of the 2020 BMW X6 M's fastback roofline, but no one will deride its fire-breathing twin-turbo V-8. It's responsible for up to 617 horsepower and an exhaust note that'll raise the hair on the back of your neck. Based on the equally raucous BMW X5 M, the X6 equivalent is also crazy-quick and capable of keeping up with some legitimate sports cars. Its look-at-me design is offset by a luxurious interior and a wide range of desirable features. Unfortunately, most enthusiasts and SUV shoppers won't be able to afford the Bimmer's six-figure price tag. Still, the 2020 X6 M is the pinnacle of performance for this breed of body style.
What's New for 2020?
While the regular BMW X6 is in its fourth generation, the high-performance 2020 X6 M has just embarked on its third. It's hard to tell the difference between the all-new model and the one it replaces, but upon closer inspection there are noteworthy improvements. The 2020 iteration is more powerful for one, adding between 33 and 50 horsepower. Its bodywork received a subtle but sharper-looking makeover, and its cabin has been overhauled with a modernized aesthetic and better technology.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
It's hard to fathom how less practicality can command a higher price. Still, the 2020 X6 M costs $3500 more than its squareback counterpart, the X5 M. We prefer the less expensive body style, but the 6 certainly attracts more attention. So, we think the Competition model is the one to get. Not only does it have 617 horsepower—17 more than the regular one—but it has better standard equipment, too. This includes a sport-tuned exhaust, an exclusive Track mode, and 22-inch rear wheels (versus 21-inchers). The X6 M Competition also has fancier leather upholstery and knee padding on the center console to reduce punishment during hard cornering.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Gifted with the same raucous engine that powers the BMW M5 sedan, the 2020 X6 M is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. It makes 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque in its natural state and 617 ponies on the enhanced Competition version. The engine hooks up to an eight-speed automatic transmission that feeds a dynamic all-wheel-drive system. This drivetrain can be told to distribute power to all four wheels for maximum traction or have most of it sent rearward for sharper handling. In addition to its selectable drive modes, including customizable settings that can be activated via steering-wheel-mounted buttons, the X6 M even features adjustable brake-pedal feedback. The BMW also has standard adaptive dampers and a set of 21-inch wheels, but a pair of 22-inchers can be fitted out back (they're standard on the X6 M Competition).
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the X6 M will earn 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. These ratings are identical to the X5 M. Since we haven't been able to test either Bimmer on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can't evaluate its real-world efficiency.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Sportiness and luxuriousness collide inside the 2020 X6 M, which boasts carbon-fiber accents and standard leather upholstery. There's also no shortage of high-tech features thanks to a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a large head-up display. Those are accompanied by niceties such as ambient interior lighting, massaging front seats with heated and cooled surfaces, heated rear seats, and more. Interior cubby storage is highlighted by a coverable bin below the center stack and a useful center-console bin. While its coupe-like profile doesn't affect how comfortable it is for front- and back-seat passengers, the sloping roofline does reduce cargo area. The traditional X5 M provides 34 cubic feet behind the back row while the X6 M has only 27 cubes.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system adorns the center of the dash on every 2020 X6 M. It uses BMW's latest iDrive software and can also be operated via hand gestures, voice commands, and a center-console-mounted rotary controller. While Android Auto isn't available at all, other popular features such as Apple CarPlay integration and a Harman/Kardon sound system are standard. There are also individual options for a Bowers & Wilkins stereo and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 X6 M hasn't been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, every model has copious driver-assistance technology such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as well as additional options. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW's limited and powertrain warranty is identical to alternatives from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It also provides better complimentary scheduled maintenance compared with both brands, but it's still not as good as Jaguar's coverage.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
