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2023 BMW X6
Starting at $71.095
Highs Road manners, posh interior, impressive standard equipment.
Lows X6 is more affordable and practical, M50i requires a major price leap, labyrinthine infotainment menus.
Verdict Although the X6 is a taste of fashion over function, its smooth power and smart interior ease the burden of beauty.
Overview
Numbers are a funny thing, and in the realm of BMW nomenclature, the X5 SUV is actually a bigger and more practical barge than the sloped-roof X6. In many ways, the X6 behaves like a thick 3-series in high heels. Powered by either a 335-hp inline-six engine (40i) or a feistier 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 (M50i), the X6 deploys power with the same smoothness of shaving cream. For more power, seek the X6 M with up to 617 horsepower (reviewed separately). Although the X6’s exterior proportions look misshapen, the interior is elegant and functional. The fashionably slanted roof sacrifices some headroom and storage space, but those who prefer its striking looks above all else are unlikely to mind its higher price tag over the X5.
What's New for 2023?
BMW makes no major changes to the X6 for 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
X6 40i: $71,095
X6 M50i: $90,095
Despite the burlier sounds and gutsier acceleration that the 523-hp X6 M50i provides, we don't think it’s worth $20,000 extra. Instead, we'd stick with the six-cylinder X6 40i, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. We'd spring for the M Sport package that includes a snazzier body kit and exterior trim, an upgraded exhaust system, a retuned suspension, and a unique steering wheel. The Luxury Seating package is a solid value that adds ventilated front seats with extra power adjustments and massage functions. Those in cold-weather locales like us will appreciate the new Climate Comfort package. It includes four-zone climate control, heated seats in both rows, and a heated steering wheel and armrests.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The X6 40i is powered by a 335-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 M50i has the same transmission and all-wheel drive, too, 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 quick and velvety smooth. Both the X6 40i and M50i 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.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The X6 has an impressive towing capacity in a segment where pulling capability is often a low priority. When optioned with the available towing package the maximum towing capacity for the X6 is 7200 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The all-wheel-drive-only X6 40i is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. The much more powerful twin-turbo V-8 X6 M50i is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 highway. While the six-cylinder X6 exceeded the government's expectations on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route-part of our extensive testing regimen-earning 29 mpg highway, the M50i missed its mark by 2 mpg in the same test. For more information about the X6's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
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. While the back seat is comfortable for two adults, its legroom and headroom shrink by about 2 and 3 inches, respectively, compared with the boxier X5. 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.
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