The BMW X6 is the creator of the SAC, or Sports Activity Coupe, referring to its sloping rear roof design. But as the term “SAC” never caught on like, say, “SUV”, the shape sure did – as now there are many SUVs with a similar “crossover coupe” design – mimicking the X6.
The X6 first appeared in 2008 as an alternative to the traditionally shaped X5 SUV. As it entered its second generation in 2014, the X6 grew slightly, although it kept the same wheelbase. Now, in its third generation (since 2020), the X6 has not only gotten larger, but it sports a more angular and aggressive look.
The X6 rides on the same platform as the BMW X5, giving buyers a nice route to take when shopping for a mid-size BMW SUV. For those wanting to stick with a more traditional SUV, the X5 is the way to go. For those that want a bit more character, the X6 should fill that need, trading a little cargo capacity and some rear-passenger headroom for a more rakish, fastback rear end.
But while the exterior of the X6 stands out amongst other BMWs, the same can’t be said for its interior. The X6’s interior really doesn’t stray far from the look and feel of most of the current BMW lineup. And there is nothing wrong with that as it means the X6 is quite luxurious, using upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces and has two large 12.3-inch digital displays. One of those displays is the instrument cluster. It works well, but I do miss the traditional BMW round gauges. And of course, being German luxury, there are plenty of standard amenities, including 16-way power-adjustable front seats, customizable ambient lighting, heated front seats, and passive entry. The infotainment system, while impressive, does come with a fairly steep learning curve.
When it comes to room the front seats are some of the best in the business. The back seat is comfortable for two adults, but legroom and headroom are compromised thanks to the slopping roof – loosing about two inches legroom and three inches headroom, compared with the boxier X5. Likewise, cargo space is also compromised – with the X6 having 26.7 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats while the X5 has nearly 34 cubic feet.
The X6 is offered in two different flavors: the xDrive40i and M60i xDrive, with the main differentiator between the trim levels being the engine. The xDrive40i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 40 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque from last year, while the M60i xDrive uses a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that makes an impressive 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of trim level, every X6 is equipped with all-wheel drive and use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The tester arrived as the X6 M60i, and carrying with it a price tag of a whopping $111,995.
Typically, those that pick a BMW over other high-end luxury vehicles want some sort of performance, and the X6 doesn’t disappoint. My initial driving thoughts of the X6 is that it feels soft, quiet and is silky smooth. But after a few miles and stepping harder on the go-pedal (and then selecting the Sport mode), the steering tightened, the suspension stiffed up and the throttle became more responsive. Even the suspension lowers a little, making the X6 handle and stick to the ground like a super car.
Then there is the power. As the M60i and with 523 horses packed under the hood, the X6 is incredibly quick on its feet. 0 to 60 mph happens in a mere 3.8 seconds. Even with the base engine, the X6 can hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds – an impressive feat for any vehicle, much less an SUV. And surprisingly, fuel economy isn’t as bad as you would think for a blown V8 – 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
In typical BMW fashion, the X6 is packed full of tech, luxury, more than enough power, and flash. No, it’s not as practical as the similar X5 – but then again, the X6 is flashier. Some of that flash comes at the expense of rear passenger and cargo room. But for the driver of the X6, in most cases, that may be a small price to pay for a vehicle like the X6.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2024 BMW X6 M60i
Base Price: $93,600.00
Price as Tested: $111,995.00
Layout: all-wheel drive
Engine: 4.4 liter twin turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 523 hp
Torque: 553 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
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