Numbers are an amusing thing, and in the realm of BMW nomenclature, the X5 SUV is actually a larger and more practical vessel than the X6 with a sloping roof in many ways. The X6 behaves like a chubby 3 Series in high heels. Powered by a 335-horsepower inline-six (40i) or a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V8 (M50i), the X6 unleashes its power in 2023 with the same smoothness as shaving foam.
If you want more power, you should opt for the X6 M with up to 617 horsepower (tested separately). Although the external proportions of the X6 may seem misshapen, the interior is elegant and functional. The fashionably sloping roof sacrifices headroom and storage space, but those who value its distinctive appearance above all else are unlikely to be bothered by its higher price compared to the X5.
Table of Contents
- What's New for 2023?
- Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Towing and Payload Capacity
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
What's New for 2023?
Despite the more powerful sound and acceleration provided by the 523-horsepower X6 M50i, we don't believe it's worth an additional €20,000. Instead, we would opt for the six-cylinder X6 40i, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. We would choose the M Sport package, which includes a more stylish body kit and exterior accessories, an improved exhaust system, a newly tuned suspension, and a unique steering wheel.
The luxury seating package is a solid value that offers ventilated front seats with additional electric adjustments and massage functions. Those of us who live in cold regions will appreciate the new Climate Comfort package, which includes a four-zone automatic climate control, heated seats in both rows, and a heated steering wheel and armrests.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The X6 40i is powered by a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The M50i has the same transmission and also all-wheel drive, but its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is significantly more powerful. With its 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, it manages to reach 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds on our test track. Even more shocking is that the X6 M has up to 617 horsepower and is even faster.
Nevertheless, the standard six-cylinder powertrain is very quick and silky smooth. Both the X6 40i and the M50i come standard with adaptive dampers and wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Our test of the V8-powered X6 demonstrated its impressive cornering grip and braking power. Although the suspension is firmer than that of the six-cylinder X6 we tested, it never felt punishing. We also appreciated the adjustable steering and the quiet cabin at cruising speeds.
The towing capacity and payload
The X6 has an impressive towing capacity in a segment where towing capacity often has low priority. With the optionally available towing package, the maximum towing capacity for the X6 is 7,200 pounds.
Fuel economy and MPG in practice
The all-wheel-drive-only X6 40i is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. The much more powerful X6 M50i with a V8 twin-turbo engine gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. While the six-cylinder X6 exceeded the government's expectations on our 75-mph highway fuel consumption route - part of our extensive testing program - achieving 29 mpg on the highway, the M50i missed its mark by 2 mpg in the same test. For more information on the X6's fuel consumption, please visit the EPA website.
Interior, comfort, and cargo
It's no surprise that the X6's interior looks and feels like most other new BMW products. This means that high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces abound, and two large 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dashboard. While the instrument panel looks chic, the displays are a confusing mess. Fortunately, the optional head-up display is more straightforward. The rest of the control layout is intelligently designed as well. BMW's gesture control - which allows you to control certain functions like the volume of the audio system by waving your hand in front of the infotainment screen - is present but unnecessary.
Standard equipment includes 16-way electrically adjustable front seats, individually adjustable ambient lighting, heated seat cushions, and passive entry. While the rear seat is comfortable for two adults, legroom and headroom shrink by about 2 and 3 inches, respectively, compared to the boxy X5. Similarly, the X6 has less cargo space behind the rear seats. In our test, only nine carry-on suitcases fit there; the X5 holds 11.
Infotainment and connectivity
The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Operation is through various functions such as traditional buttons, voice commands, a rotary dial on the center console, and even hand gestures. The company's iDrive user interface offers crisp graphics and immediate responses, but some of the multi-layered menus can be distracting. BMW also offers upgrades like integrated navigation, improved USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The X6 can also be upgraded with a premium Harman/Kardon stereo system or an even higher-end system from Bowers & Wilkins.
Safety and driver assistance features
The Bimmer is available with a wealth of standard and optional driver assistance systems. For more information on the X6's crash test results, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Warranty and maintenance coverage
BMW offers limited warranties and drivetrain warranties comparable to those of competing luxury carmakers such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. However, BMW offers one of the best free maintenance plans in the industry, along with Jaguar.
Limited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles.
| Model | X6 |
|---|---|
| Impressive towing capacity | Yes |
| Maximum towing capacity (with optional package) | 7200 pounds |
| All-wheel drive | Yes |
| Engine options | 40i and M50i |
| City MPG (40i) | 21 |
| Highway MPG (40i) | 25 |
| City MPG (M50i) | 16 |
| Highway MPG (M50i) | 22 |
| Government fuel efficiency test results (40i) | 29 mpg on highway |
| Government fuel efficiency test results (M50i) | Missed its mark by 2 mpg |
| Interior materials | High quality with soft-touch surfaces |
| Display | Two large 12.3-inch digital displays |
| Infotainment system | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Safety features | Collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert |
| Warranty | Limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles |
| Maintenance plan | One of the best free maintenance plans in the industry |