2026 BMW X6 Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Swoopy, coupe-like SUVs still haven’t fallen out of vogue, as evinced by the sporty BMW X6’s persistent place within the automaker’s lineup. Most recently updated for 2024, the X6 carries over into 2026 virtually unchanged. And although there aren’t major upgrades expected later this year, we anticipate that BMW will introduce a redesigned X6 as early as the 2027 model year. Rivals to the X6 include other style-forward luxury SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Audi Q8.
What’s New
Last year, BMW introduced standard full LED headlights with cornering lights to the X6 lineup. For 2026, a new color, Tanzanite Blue metallic, is available on the X6 xDrive40i.
What We Think
Gone are the days when the two-car solution was a practical reality for the American shopper—it no longer makes sense for many car-loving folks to own a comfortable daily driver and a sporty whip for the weekend. BMW offers a solution for that dilemma in the X6, which combines the spaciousness and comfort of an SUV with the tapered roofline of a coupe.
In some ways, it’s a happy marriage of themes. The X6 is fun to drive no matter which powertrain is under the hood. The interior has plenty of room for passengers and material quality is excellent. Tech is another one of the model’s positive traits; the X6’s displays look fantastic and are packed with cutting-edge features.
Still, any compromise has its disadvantages. The X6 is more expensive than the more conventionally-styled X5 despite being mechanically identical. BMW doesn’t offer the X5’s PHEV powertrain in the X6, which is a shame because we’re quite fond of the system’s refined tuning. And although the X6’s shape doesn’t impinge on passenger comfort too greatly, the X5 is more spacious. Finally, the X6 M Competition is a true super-SUV, but its harsh ride detracts from its daily drivability.
We appreciate BMW’s dedication to developing and offering dynamically-inspired transportation, but the X6 suffers from a split personality. Some shoppers will be drawn in by the X6’s jack-of-all-trades approach to luxury motoring, but we feel it falters as a master of none.
Performance and MPGs
As a carryover model, the 2026 BMW X6 continues to offer the same trio of powertrains. Unlike the X5, the X6 is exclusively offered with all-wheel drive. The base model, which BMW calls the X6 xDrive40i, receives a mild hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 engine developing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. BMW claims a 0–60 mph sprint of 5.2 seconds, but we accomplished a time of 4.6 seconds in the mechanically identical X5 xDrive40i. Expect BMW’s estimate to be conservative. Based on the EPA’s most recent figures for the 2025 model year, fuel economy is rated at 23/26 mpg city/highway.
Those that spring for the X6 M60i xDrive are treated to a potent mild hybrid 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. We suspect BMW is being coy with its claim of a 4.2-second 0–60 mph sprint; we figure the actual number is closer to 3.8 seconds. Fuel economy drops to 17/22 mpg.
2026 BMW X6 M Competition: The Hardcore SUV Coupe
The most potent flavor of BMW X6 is the M Competition model. Equipped with a mild hybrid 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine developing 617 hp and 535 lb-ft of torque, the X6 M Competition sprints from 0–60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Fuel economy suffers as a result of the powertrain’s enormous output, with the 2025 model rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway.
And although we suspect few drivers will actually take their X6 M Competition to the track, BMW endows its coupelike SUV with genuine motorsport-inspired capability. The automaker stiffens the X6 M Competition’s body structure and tunes the suspension with model-specific electronically-controlled adaptive dampers. All versions of the X6 M Competition receive standard M Sport exhaust in a black chrome finish, a cast-aluminum oil sump with increased capacity, and an active M differential on the rear axle. Get the full scoop on the BMW X6 M Competition in our First Test review.
Safety Ratings and Features
Although the 2025 BMW X5 receives a Top Safety Pick+, IIHS didn’t issued complete test results for the X6. The model does receive solid scores in the categories evaluated, though, with Good scores given for the small overlap front and original moderate overlap front crash tests. The standard vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 front crash prevention test also yields a Good result, as does the pedestrian version of that test. However, the X6’s headlights receive a score of Acceptable, one level down from Good.
BMW equips every X6 with forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and speed limit assist. Equipping the Driving Assistance Professional package adds BMW’s Highway Assistant, which offers hands-free driving capability that can compete with some of the best systems on the market, such as Ford BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise. Tick the box for the Parking Assistance package and you gain more features, including automatic parking with smartphone-enabled memory functionality, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
X5 vs. X6: Cargo Space and Interior Room
The X5 and X6 may be mechanically identical, but their interior dimensions differ greatly. Passenger space in the second row is good enough to comfortably accommodate adults, but if cargo volume is a concern we recommend shoppers stick with the X5.
Technology
Every 2026 BMW X6 comes equipped with a large pane of curved glass containing a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard tech includes wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation with augmented reality directions, and configurable ambient lighting. The Premium package adds even more features, such as remote engine start, a head-up display, BMW’s Gesture Control, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system. Models with the Executive package receive an LED-embedded Panoramic Sky Lounge roof, glass controls, soft-close doors, and manual rear window shades.
Which 2026 BMW X6 Trim Level Is Best?
For 2026, the BMW X6 carries over with the same three trims offered for 2025: xDrive40i, M60i xDrive, and M Competition. And though the base model has plenty of sportiness, the X6 M60i xDrive’s V-8 engine makes it worth the spend. This midlevel model balances performance and comfort without totally giving up efficiency. Its strong suite of standard tech is bolstered by other attractive features such as a sport exhaust system, sport differential, M steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and a head-up display. The M60 xDrive trim starts at just over $96,000, splitting the difference between the xDrive40i’s starting price of just over $76,000 and the M Competition’s price of just under $133,000.
