Overview The sloped-roof X6 is the chic choice in BMW’s mid-size SUV lineup, providing a style-conscious alternative to the traditionally shaped BMW X5. The X6’s streamlined silhouette does come at a cost to cargo capacity and rear-passenger headroom, but nearly everything under its sheet metal is shared with its mid-size SUV platform mate. That means standard all-wheel drive, the choice between two silky-smooth and very energetic powertrains, nimble handling, and an interior that is quality-constructed and fashionably designed. In either base xDrive 40i or hopped-up M60i guise, the X6 is a luxury cruiser with a very sporty character, and while it prioritizes form over function, that’s a tradeoff that some buyers will gladly accept. What’s New for 2026?The BMW X6 carries over into 2026 unchanged, except for the addition of a new Tanzanite Blue metallic paint color option for the xDrive 40i trim.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 BMW X6 starts at $76,275 and goes up to $96,325 depending on the trim and options.Despite the burlier sounds and gutsier acceleration of the 523-hp X6 M60i, we don’t think its twin-turbo V-8 and sports car-adjacent acceleration are worth the staggering price gap to the base model. BMW has a long history of velvety inline six-cylinder engines that overachieve in performance, and the turbocharged 3.0-liter unit in the X6 xDrive40i is one of them, providing plenty of go for nearly $20k less. We’d spring for the M Sport package that includes a snazzier body kit and exterior trim, an upgraded exhaust system, a sportified suspension, and a unique steering wheel.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe X6 xDrive40i is powered by a 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The M60i has the same transmission and all-wheel drive, but its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 packs 523 horsepower. (The X6 M performance version, which we review elsewhere, has up to 617 horsepower and is even quicker.) Still, the standard six-cylinder powertrain is plenty zippy and velvety smooth. Both the X6 xDrive40i and M60i come with adaptive dampers and wheel sizes that range from 20 to 22 inches. Our test of the V-8-powered X6 revealed its impressive cornering grip and stopping power. Although its suspension is firmer than the setup on the six-cylinder X6 we tested, it was never punishing. We also appreciated its adjustable steering heft and hushed interior at cruising speed.0–60-MPH TimesBMW claims that the X6 xDrive40i is capable of a respectable 5.2-second sprint to 60 mph. Twin-turbo V-8 propulsion drops that figure down to 4.2 seconds for the M60i, per BMW. We haven’t tested the newest models yet, but when we tested them both in 2020 (with less horsepower than they have now), the X6 xDrive40i hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the X6 M60i did it in just 3.8 seconds. Factoring in the extra power they both now have, they should be even quicker to 60 mph. More on the X6 SUVTowing and Payload CapacityThe X6 has an impressive towing capacity in a segment where pulling capability is often a low priority. When optioned with the available tow package, the X6 can haul up to 7200 pounds.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t released fuel economy information for the 2026 X6 yet, but last year’s xDrive40i received estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to the twin-turbo V-8-powered M60i xDrive dropped efficiency to 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. For more information about the X6’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe X6’s interior doesn’t stray far from the look and feel of most current BMWs. That means upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces abound. A large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment display dominate the dashboard. While the instrument panel looks slick, the gauge shapes and operation are harder to decipher at a glance than we’d like. Thankfully, the optional head-up display is straightforward. The rest of the switchgear is also smartly laid out. BMW’s gesture controls—which enable you to control certain functions such as audio volume by waving your hand in front of the infotainment screen—are included but unnecessary—and they don’t work particularly well. Plenty of standard amenities are offered, too, including 16-way power-adjustable front seats, customizable ambient lighting, heated front cushions, and passive entry. While the back seat is comfortable for two adults, its legroom and headroom shrink by about two and three inches, respectively, compared with X6’s boxier X5 sibling. Likewise, the X6 has less cargo volume behind the rear seats. In our test, it only held nine carry-on suitcases back there; the X5 handled 11.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe standard 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The company’s iDrive interface has crisp graphics and immediate responses, but some of the layered menus can be distracting. BMW offers upgrades such as built-in navigation, enhanced USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The X6 can be upgraded with a premium Harman/Kardon stereo (standard on M60i) or an even more premium Bowers & Wilkins unit.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe BMW X6 is available with a plethora of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the X6’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBMW provides limited and powertrain warranties that align with rival luxury automakers such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. However, BMW offers one of the best complimentary maintenance plans in the industry, apart from Jaguar.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$72,020 (base price: $67,595)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2998 cm3
Power
335 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Run Flat, 275/45-R20 110H M+S ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.8 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 66.3 in
Passenger volume: 100 ft3
Cargo volume: 27 ft3
Curb weight: 4713 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec
60 mph: 4.7 sec
100 mph: 12.7 sec
130 mph: 25.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 29 mpg
Highway range: 630 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 22/20/26 mpgMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
