BMW X6

BMW X6 at a glance

The X6 combines the height, all-wheel drive and road presence of the X5 with a lower, coupé-like roofline and a sportier driving position. The trade-off is less rear headroom and a smaller boot than the X5. Rivals arrived years later, including the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and Audi Q8. The smaller BMW X4 applies the same idea to the BMW X3, the flagship BMW X7 sits above the X5, and the whole range is in the BMW catalogue.

First generation E71 (2008–2014)

BMW previewed the X6 as the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid at the 2007 Frankfurt show; production started on 3 December 2007, and sales began in April 2008. Early cars had four individual seats; a five-seat layout became optional later. Engines ranged from the xDrive30d with 173–180 kW to the M50d tri-turbo diesel with 280 kW and 740 Nm, the xDrive35i with 225 kW (306 PS) and the twin-turbo V8 xDrive50i with 300 kW (408 PS).

The first X6 M, announced in April 2009 and on sale from September 2009, used a 4.4 V8 with 408 kW (555 PS) and 677 Nm; together with the X5 M, it was the first all-wheel-drive M car with a turbocharged engine. The ActiveHybrid X6, on sale from December 2009, combined the V8 with two electric motors for 357 kW (485 PS) and 780 Nm and could run on electricity alone up to about 60 km/h.

Second generation F16 (2014–2019)

Launch and design

BMW announced the second X6 in June 2014 and presented it at the Paris Motor Show that autumn, with sales from December 2014. It is based on the X5 (F15) launched a year and a half earlier. The F16 has narrow headlights in full LED or xenon form, a sculpted bonnet, 19- or 20-inch wheels and LED tail lights. Besides Spartanburg, it was also assembled in Malaysia and Egypt.

Engines and gearbox

All engines meet Euro 6 and drive all four wheels through an 8-speed Steptronic automatic with paddles; the gearbox uses navigation data to choose the right gear ahead of bends and junctions. Official combined consumption is about 6.0 L/100 km (39 mpg US) for the xDrive30d and about 10 L/100 km for the xDrive50i. The X6 M is limited to 250 km/h, or 280 km/h with an optional package, and its consumption fell from 13.9 to 11.1 L/100 km compared with the E71 X6 M.

Chassis

The F16 uses double wishbones at the front and the Integral-V multi-link axle at the rear. Options included adaptive dampers, rear air suspension with self-levelling, Active Steering, which changes the steering ratio with speed, and the Dynamic package with an active rear differential that distributes torque between the rear wheels.

Dimensions and interior

The interior closely follows the X5, with leather upholstery even on base models, ambient LED lighting, a 10.25-inch display and the iDrive controller. Options included a head-up display, BMW Night Vision, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, massage front seats and rear-seat screens. The rear bench is officially for three, but only two adults sit comfortably because of the sloping roof. The electric tailgate opens with a foot movement under the bumper.

Safety and assistance

Standard safety equipment included front, side and curtain airbags, a pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection, DSC stability control with cornering and dynamic brake control, hill-start assist and parking sensors. Options included surround-view cameras, collision warning with city braking, a traffic-jam assistant that steers and brakes up to 60 km/h, and an automatic parking system.

Third generation G06 (2019 to today)

The G06 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and went on sale in November 2019. Built on BMW's CLAR platform with double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension, it is 26 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 6 mm lower than the F16. The boot holds 580 litres, or 1,530 litres with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded.

A mild-hybrid system arrived on the xDrive40d in 2020. The 2023 facelift brought a revised grille and lights, the BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8 and M Sport trim as standard. The V8 M60i replaced the M50i, and the X6 M Competition moved to a mild-hybrid V8. What Car? named the xDrive30d its Coupé SUV of the Year in January 2021.

Rivals: how the X6 compares

The X6 competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé, Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupé, and with the conventional X5, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90 for buyers who value space. Its strengths are strong engines, handling and image; its weaknesses are reduced rear headroom, a smaller boot opening, poor rear visibility and high running costs.