2024 BMW X6 Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
Remember when coupe meant two-door? That was from the days before the BMW X6, the first SUV coupe. The X6 is a sloped-roof, more dramatically designed version of the midsize X5, and the current generation was introduced for 2019. This year, BMW debuts a midcycle refresh with tweaked visuals, improved tech, and mild hybrid engines.
What's New
- Mild hybrid augmentation for I-6 and V-8 engines
- M Sport model now called X6 M60i xDrive, gains rear steering
- X6 M offered only in Competition trim
- Updated front and rear styling
- New paint options: Isle of Man Green, Blue Ridge Mountain, Brooklyn Grey, Skyscraper Grey, and Frozen Pure Grey
- New 14.9-inch curved touchscreen infotainment
- Available illuminated kidney grille
- Available Highway Assistant semi-autonomous driving system
What We Think
Yes, the X6 is more expensive and decidedly less practical than its X5 sibling, but there's plenty to like about this big luxury fastback. First off, it drives well. Even in its standard six-cylinder setup, the X6 displays a lovely combination of performance and luxury. In pre-refresh models, we were impressed with the outrageous speed of the X6 M, but its suspension was unpleasantly stiff. Highway Assist will only add to the X6's repertoire.
The cabin is fitted with high-quality materials throughout. Based on our previous experiences with the tech, the new curved touchscreen should be an improvement. Oh, and even if there's less space than in an X5, you can still fit most of your gear; we managed to move between apartments with one.
A First Drive illustrates the refreshed XDrive 40i and M60i remain solid do-it-all solutions. The ride in both can be stiff and sporty if it needs to be or soft and cushy for everyday city and highway travels. They're reasonably quick, too, and the V-8 powertrain sounds great through the M Sport exhaust. Unfortunately, the factory optional equipment easily takes the M60i past the six-figure mark. The crossover's utility, performance, and distinct styling return intact, but if you want to get even more sporty, expect to fork over a premium.
Performance and Efficiency
BMW offers six- and eight-cylinder engine options under the hood of its midsize fastback SUV. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic, and in either case, AWD is standard.
2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 mild hybrid
Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/383 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.2 seconds (mfr est)
2024 BMW X6 M60i xDrive
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid
Horsepower/Torque: 523 hp/553 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 seconds (mfr est)
2024 BMW X6 M Competition
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid
Horsepower/Torque: 617 hp/553 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.7 seconds (mfr est)
Safety Ratings and Features
Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring are all standard equipment on the 2024 BMW X6, but buyers who tick the box for the Driving Assistance Professional Package will add BMW's new Highway Assistant.
The 2024 X6 received Good scores in the three crash categories in which it was evaluated by IIHS. It has not been rated by NHTSA, although its sibling, the 2024 X5 AWD, received a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Highway Assistant Semi-Autonomous Driving
This year, BMW makes the X6 available with its advanced Highway Assistant system. It's a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving setup, which means drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel for extended periods of time while the system steers, accelerates, and brakes for you. Drivers need to be ready to take over at any time, though, and the functionality is only available on highways at speeds less than 85 mph.
Less Space Than X5
There's always a price to pay for fashion, right? As a result of the X6's sloping roof, the fastback SUV has significantly less cargo space than a comparable X5.
Technology
Remember the pre-refresh X6's dual 12.3-inch displays? Not too shabby, but these days you can get that in a Kia Sportage. New for 2024, the X6 pairs the old 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and both displays are housed behind a single piece of curved glass. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, of course, and the included navigation offers augmented reality directions. Passengers will notice the new configurable ambient light bar up front.
Recommended Trim
Between the xDrive40i and M60i xDrive, we have to recommend the M60i. You'll want some performance to back up the dramatic looks of the X6, and the M60i's V-8 is good for over 500 hp and 0-60 mph in around 4.0 seconds. Plus, the higher trim includes a sport exhaust system, sport differential, M steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and a head-up display.
