The BMW X6 is offered in three basic trims, sDrive35i, xDrive35i and xDrive50i. 35i models are powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine making 300 hp, enough to push the sDrive35i model to 60 mph in just a tick over 6 seconds. The xDrive50i is powered by a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 making 445hp and 480 foot-pounds of torque. Equipped with the V8, the X6 is extremely quick with 60 mph coming up in just 4.8 seconds, making the performance of the X6 pretty incredible by any standard, but especially impressive considering the X6 was designed for light off-road duty. Power is sent to the rear wheels in the sDrive35i and to all four wheels in the xDrive35i and in the xDrive50i. The only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic.
The sDrive35i is a new trim model for this year, moving the vehicle just a tiny bit down market with its deletion of all-wheel drive, however it is still extremely well-equipped as should be expected from a vehicle at this price point. Standard features include 10-way power adjustable front seats with a 3-stage heating system, leather upholstery, a wood trimmed dashboard, a powered moonroof, a power rear liftgate, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, power folding rearview mirrors, a navigation system operated via BMW's iDrive system, a 10.2 inch screen and 19-inch wheels.
BMW offers two different personalization packages for the X6, dubbed M-sport and xLine. The M-sport package emphasizes the on road sportiness of the X6, and features unique 19-inch wheels, unique exterior trim and aerodynamic enhancements, an M-sport steering wheel and sportier seats. The xLine package also features a unique set of 19-inch wheels, as well as a nice set of aluminum running boards. Other packages include a driver's assistance package, featuring a rear view camera and a heads up display; as well as a premium package, which includes a one year subscription to satellite radio and 4-zone climate control.
Options are plentiful as well. The X6 can be equipped with dynamic, adjustable suspension, sticky, summer-only tires, several different styles of 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, a rear seat entertainment system, an automatic parallel parking system and a Harman/Kardon or Bang and Olufson sound system.
Safety options on the X6 include a pedestrian detection and night vision system, a rearview camera, side and top view cameras as well as an "active driving assistant" system which allows for various functions such as adaptive cruise control and a frontal collision warning system.
Attractive, Coupe-like Styling
Decent Ground Clearance, Luxurious Interior, Powerful Engines
The BMW X6 has been redesigned for 2015, now entering its second generation. New exterior styling is sleek, sporty and aggressive, while the new interior is both more luxurious and more practical than the one it replaces. BMW have generally gone through great lengths to make the newest X6 easier to live with than past versions, with a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat and an available power rear liftgate. At the same time, the X6 is more luxurious than ever, the moonroof is now almost six inches longer than it was last year. For the first time in its life, the X6 is now offered in rear-wheel drive configuration, helping to keep its base price down.
The BMW X6 is a luxurious "SAV," which is BMW-speak for "Sport Activity Vehicle." In other words, the X6 is more about driving enjoyment and luxury than pure off-road prowess and the ability to haul a huge load of cargo. Starting at around $60,000, the X6 is priced like the luxury vehicle it is. But in exchange, it offers huge amounts of fun, decent practicality and unique, sporty styling.
