Thanks: REMAX Autohandels GmbH
/ itsremax
www.carsearch.de/
2024 BMW X6
Starting at $74.895
Highs Smooth ride with sporty handling, impressive performance, attractive cabin.
Lows Sleeker roofline costs cargo space, overwhelming settings in infotainment menu, M60i is a significant leap in price.
Verdict The X6 spoils its passengers with a refined ride, strong engines, and a cozy interior, but its sloped roof compromises its SUV practicality.
Overview
The X6 is here to finish what it started. The original X6 pioneered a new styling direction for SUVS: the dramatically sloped roof, which cuts down on some cargo space for the sake of coolness. Think of it as an X5 SUV that goes to the gym. Its athletic antics transcend its looks, too. The base engine is a peppy 375 horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine that gives the X6 plenty of scoot. The M60i runs hotter, using a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 that's built for pounding pavement at high speeds. Both powertrains are locked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The 617-hp X6 M delivers a far more aggressive experience but is reviewed separately. But don't let its focus on driving entertainment skew what's really at work in the X6. It spoils its passengers with a pleasantly elegant interior complete with an enormous infotainment screen that works a high-tech command center. The X6 has inspired other SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, to lower their rooflines. Which only confirms that it was the X6 that started the move to sleeker SUVs.
What's New for 2024?
BMW gives the X6 a makeover for 2024, with a revised front grille and bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, updated wheel designs, and a boost in power for the base engine thanks to a new 48-volt hybrid system. Output for the X6's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine is up to 375 horsepower, but the power of the 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 remains the same for this year.
The performance-minded M60i, renamed from last year's M50i, carries the angrier engine and gets gloss-black exterior accents, quad tailpipes, and an M logo for the grille. The X6 is also now available with the Highway Assistant hands-free driving feature that we first experienced in the new 7-series flagship luxury sedan.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
40i: $74,895
M60i: $94,595
Despite the burlier sounds and gutsier acceleration that the 523-hp X6 M60i provides, we don't think it's worth the staggering price gap. Instead, we'd stick with the six-cylinder X6 40i. 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 Performance
The X6 40i 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 is significantly more powerful. Its 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque helped it rocket to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds at our test track. What's even more shocking is that the X6 M has up to 617 horsepower and is even quicker. Still, the standard six-cylinder powertrain is plenty zippy and velvety smooth. Both the X6 40i and M60i also have standard 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 found on the six-cylinder X6 we tested, it was never punishing. We also appreciated its adjustable steering heft and hushed interior at cruising speed.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Unsurprisingly, the X6's interior looks and feels like most other new BMW products. That means upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces abound, and two large 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dashboard. While the instrument panel looks slick, the gauges are a confusing mess. Thankfully, the optional head-up display is more 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. Plenty of standard amenities are offered, too, including 16-way power-adjustable front seats, customizable ambient lighting, heated front cushions, and passive entry.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/bmw/x6
📌 Instagram ▶ / medcars.tv
📌 Tiktok ▶ / cartvpress