The BMW X6 is part of the latest design trend in SUV bodies. It's a "coupe profile" or really, a fastback. The roof peaks over the driver and front passenger's head and then drops in a smooth curve to the taillights. Like most SUV designs, the X6 has a rear hatch that includes the rear window, four doors, and it's a mid-size vehicle with room for five passengers.
The thing about coupe-profile SUVs is that they provide far less cargo capacity than the traditional two-box square SUV design, such as that found on BMW's sister X5 SUV. For example, with all the seats folded down, the X5 offers 72.3 cubic feet of space, while the X6 is limited to 59.6 cubic feet, and much less cargo height at the rear. Also, in the X6 rear seat headroom is reduced by 3.3 inches compared to the X5. This may or may not be a big deal to buyers who don't typically haul a lot of stuff, but it definitely takes some of the Utility out of this Sport Utility Vehicle.
But of course, the X6 makes up for any limitations on utility by being extra sporty. Like all BMW SUVs in the modern era, the X6 is fast, comfortable, and agile. I tend to prefer a smaller vehicle, but for its size, the X6 is eager to corner and offers plenty of power when you drop the accelerator pedal.
Under the hood, the X6 xDrive 40i that we tested comes with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with BMW's TwinPower twin-scroll turbocharger and a 48-volt mild hybrid electric motor to help the X6 get started and to provide a little extra power when you need it. The automatic transmission drives all four wheels and offers 8 gears. The total package delivers 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, giving the X6 a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed high enough to get you an overnight stay in the county jail if you try it.
Inside, the X6 is all European luxury. Our test vehicle came with white leather seats, which is always funny in a test car for the Pacific Northwest. White seats may work in Beverly Hills or Miami, but not here. Luckily, you can select black, two attractive shades of brown, or even an ultra-sporty burgundy-over-black interior, any of which will fare better than white in our climate.
The tech in the X6 is similarly up-to-date, featuring a short-wide screen that comprises the driver information display and the infotainment in a single span of glass. The infotainment works by touch or by a dial controller on the console. Standard features include wireless charging and full Android or Apple phone integration. Typically, BMW also offers a good list of optional packages, including some with a Harman Kardon surround audio system, head-up display, parking assistance, and more. One feature to mention is that the $1,350 climate comfort package does more than heated seats, you also get heated arm rests, which is really nice.
The price tag on the X6 starts at $73,900, but by the time you add a few of those option packages on, the bottom line on the test vehicle came to $87,545. That's a lot of coin, but you get a lot of luxury and performance for that money, too. So if you're looking for an SUV that's not really an SUV, our area BMW dealers will have exactly the X6 that you've been dreaming about.
2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i
Base price: $73,900
Price as tested: $87,545
Type: Mid-size SUV
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged with mild hybrid (375 hp, 398 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 23/26
Overall length: 195 inches
Curb weight: 5,002 pounds
Final assembly: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Most Popular
Comments / 0