1. Reviews
  2. BMW X6 2021 Review

Stylish Midsize Coupé Crossover 

Price From $66,054 – To $1,09,595

Source: www.bmwusa.com

by | Jan 30, 2022

Overview

Fourteen years ago, the X6 took the market by surprise because of its design even though it was made by simply combining two others: coupé and SUV. Some people just found it ugly while others formed the more reasonable complaint of reduced headroom on the back seat. However, others decided to give it a try and it paid off. The X6 ended up establishing a whole new market category which does not seem to be going away soon.

Now, the fact that it has become mainstream brought consequences of all types. The good ones regard the fact that it has options for everyone: a competent base one for urban driving, a high-performance X6 M that is comparable to the famous sedans, and a balanced M50i in between. The bad ones are that everything, from typical entertainment features to the Competition package, comes at an extra cost which is usually high.

Pros
External design leaves no head unturned.
M versions deliver impressive performance despite their dimensions.
Excellent quality inside regarding pretty much everything.
Cons
Motorsport upgrades are very expensive.
Rear-seat and trunk are unsurprisingly cramped.
Infotainment system is difficult to use.

Performance, Engine, and Comfort

(4/5)

BMW wanted the X6 to be an emotional car model and really made an effort to it. Since the X5 was prepared to cater to families looking for plenty of space, the coupé counterpart was set free to focus on style and performance. The first part is delivered primarily through the famous silhouette, which founded the coupé-crossover category and still holds a love-it-or-hate-it character.

You can begin experiencing the second part from the standard version. The 40i offers solid dynamic behavior and is perfectly suitable for urban driving. However, if you truly want performance – and can afford it – there are not one, but two Motorsport versions ready to quench your thirst. The X6 M is pretty much a tall sports car while the M50i offers a perfect balance between the others.

Engine & Performance

(5/5)

The X6’s dynamic behavior is comparable to that of the 3 and 5 Series sedans, which means a lot considering its enlarged dimensions. The standard version offers competent engine performance and balanced driving while the M50i and the X6 M simply impress for their commitment to what the Motorsport badge stands for.

Engine and gear

The standard sDrive 40i version is a six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine good for 335 hp; it also uses a mild hybrid system and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This layout can be upgraded with an all-wheel drive for US$ 2,300.

The sporty M50i uses the same transmission but makes AWD standard and upgrades the engine to a 4.4-liter V8 which produces 523 hp. If you want even more sportiness, the X6 M uses the same engine with twin-turbochargers to reach 600 hp in the standard option or 617 hp with the optional Competition package.

Suspension

The standard version is praised for being balanced; it is not excessively soft nor sends every impact to the cabin. The performance versions make it stiffer to suit their purpose, but not to the point of making handling unpleasant.

Handling

The 2021 BMW X6 presents adequate steering weight even at the entry-level version, which follows the company’s penchant for performance driving. The sportier variations focus on offering more grip while cornering, which is a perfect match with their stiffer suspension layout.

Vibration and Ride

BMW is one of the makers that use the “500 cc per cylinder” rule as much as possible. One of the reasons is that it optimizes vibration levels, which is easily felt when driving the versions equipped with the 3.0-liter. The sportier versions perform so well on the highway that they may feel too hard and bumpy when driven on uneven surfaces.

Safety & Reliability

(4/5)

No surprises here. Since this iteration of the X6 is relatively young, it brings all the latest safety technologies currently available. Nevertheless, a negative point is that the most desirable entertainment features were left to the options list for an extra charge.

Brakes

While the standard X6 simply meets expectations, the high-performance variations deliver excellent stopping power. The car stops at relatively short distances and the brakes manage heat dissipation well enough not to make fading a problem.

Airbags

This vehicle comes with a standard package that includes advanced front and side airbags. They use dual-stage deployment, there are sensors to detect the presence of a front passenger, and there are additional head protection systems.

Electronics

The iDrive interface comes standard and may be operated through a 12.3” touchscreen, a rotary knob, voice commands, or even hand gestures. Graphics are beautiful and system response is fast but navigating through the menus may be confusing. Functions like Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and built-in navigation are optional upgrades.

Traction control

The model comes with a standard package of driving assists. That includes dynamic control for traction, stability, and braking. Besides that, all versions use AWD as standard except for the base sDrive40i, which uses rear-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy

(4.5/5)

The X6 is closely related to the X5, so it is not surprising that its fuel efficiency figures were similar. When it comes to engine options, you can take a six-cylinder as a standard option or enjoy a V8 if you want a sportier car – the X6 M may reach 617 hp with the Competition package.

Engine size

The standard version, code-named 40i, uses a 3.0-liter engine with six inline cylinders. Both the M50i and the X6 M use a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 engine, although with different tuning.

Gas per mileage consumption

According to the EPA, the base model is good for 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway; opting for the all-wheel drive only lowers the latter to 25 mpg. The M50i is good for 16/22 mpg on the same conditions while the X6 M makes 13 and 18 mpg.

Interior

(3.5/5)

It is equipped with the interior of a typical modern-day coupé crossover. Comfortable seats, premium trim, countless infotainment features– but nothing is perfect. The external silhouette takes away some room, the instrument cluster is confusing, and the iDrive system tries to make up for its convoluted interface by offering several control options.

Driving seat

This car is driver-oriented, so you can expect a full suite of amenities. The front seats enjoy 16-way power adjustment and a built-in heating system, not to mention plenty of room.

Dashboard

The 2021 X6 uses plenty of high-end materials and soft-touch surfaces to create a truly premium experience, just like any other BMW of its level. Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system can be confusing to operate, but the former issue can be solved by adding the heads-up display. The latter will require you to choose from using the touchscreen, the rotary controller, or hand gestures to operate it.

Passenger seats and extras

Compared to the X5, it was obvious that the X6’s coupé roofline would take some inches of space away. It is still comfortable for adults, but only two; this car is not recommendable for five people.

Overall height and space

With a body height of 66.3 inches and a wheelbase of 117.1 inches, the X6 is available in the dimension 194.8 x 78.9 inches (Length X Width). There is a total of 100 cubic feet to comfortably accommodate up to four passengers. A fifth one is not recommendable due to its coupé roofline.

Trunk space

The 2021 BMW X6 offers 27 cubic feet of cargo space out of the total 100 cubic feet space of the BMW X6. You can simply put many of your shoppings, skiing accessories, fishing tools or props for a picnic on the weekends.

Price and Extras

(5/5)

The price increase to get any of the Motorsport versions may look excessive, but it is important to remember that the M50i offers an excellent balance between urban city cruising and performance driving and the X6 M is a beast. Besides that, the warranty plan is often considered one of the best in the market.

Market Price

The 2021 BMW X6 comes in the following versions:

Version Starting price
sDrive40i US$ 66,045
M50i US$ 87,545
X6 M US$ 109,595

The fact that two thirds of the X6’s versions are performance-oriented says a lot about its image. If you are only interested in its design, the sDrive40i is the option for you. If you want sportiness at a down-to-earth level, get the M50i. The X6 M is only recommended if your track-driving intentions are serious – and if your bank account is ready for it.

AWD/FWD

The base version uses rear-wheel drive as standard but may be equipped with AWD for an additional cost of $ 2,300. All the others use AWD as standard.

Warranty

While the limited and powertrain warranty program is at the same level as that offered by Audi and Mercedes-Benz, covering four years or 50,000 miles, BMW has been praised for the complimentary maintenance package it offers – three years or 36,000 miles.

Verdict

This is not a bad car; it is only suited for people who know what they want. In other words, if you need plenty of space, don’t want to attract attention on the street, and/or prioritize market value, the X5 is probably the best choice for you. And there’s nothing wrong with it.

The X6 is a proud coupé crossover, so it will focus on stunning design and high performance even if it comes at the expense of a cramped cabin and high price. In times when we see many cars designed to build on what everyone is buying, the character of BMW’s pioneer is a breath of fresh air.