BMW X6 (2020 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The first BMW X6 launched in 2008 and was claimed by its makers to be the first ‘sports-activity coupe’ – effectively taking the mechanics of the large X5 SUV and enclosing them in a more aggressive body shape with a heavily sloping rear roof line.
After an initial flurry of interest and debate around the relevance of a liftback-style large SUV, the X6 has settled into more of a niche role in the BMW line-up. The current model is the third generation, unveiled in Germany in late 2019 before arriving in the UK in early 2020.
Generally regarded by reviewers as a significant improvement on its predecessors, the current X6 comes with petrol engines offering either 245hp or 390hp, or with diesels of 210 or 250hp, matched to all-wheel-drive transmissions. There are no hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions currently available, and none are expected anytime soon.
The X6 has been a polarising model ever since the first model was launched, and the new model does nothing to change that. Taking a large premium SUV and making it more aggressive, more expensive and less practical is something that will only ever appeal to a limited number of people. There is a market for those who can afford it and really, really like it, and they will very much enjoy the X6 while the rest of the population shakes its collective head in dismay.
As of October 2021, the BMW X6 holds an Expert Rating of 65% based on 15 reviews, which is a smaller data set than we would normally expect for a BMW. It appears that BMW has been rather restrictive in which publications have been allowed to review the X6 – or that journalists are simply not interested in it.
The X6’s score is a long way behind that of its X5 sibling, which currently holds an Expert Rating of 77% (based on double the number of reviews) and is regarded as one of the top large SUVs on the market. It’s also the lowest score we have for any model in the BMW range.
The car’s polarising nature is reflected in comments from reviewers. Honest John says that it is not as useful as an X5 “and people will make assumptions about you.” Others concur, Parkers describing it as a car “for those who want to stand out from the crowd,” while Auto Express says it’s “either the perfect interpretation of the sports SUV format or a needlessly heavy and aggressive vehicle”.
The steeply raked rear roof line does come with some compromises, with rear seat headroom and luggage capacity lagging behind the more practical X5. But it’s not as bad as many expect, Auto Express again commenting that the third-generation X6 has liberated more rear interior space than the previous models.
The interior generally impresses reviewers, especially the equipment levels and the standard of fit and finish, Carbuyer highlighting digital displays along with quality materials and standard leather upholstery.
On the road, the BMW X6 is described as competent without being as exciting as it should be, given its powerful engines and sporty pretentions. “Other SUVs do that better,” says Top Gear, highlighting a lack of feedback through the steering wheel. Carbuyer comments on the X6’s big engines; “it’s as fast as a hot hatch.”
X6 highlights
- Surprising interior space
- Mildly sporty, competent drive
- Potent engines
- Quality cabin with lots of tech
X6 lowlights
- Less practical than X5
- Exterior styling is polarising
- Less exciting to drive than looks suggest
- Expensive for its class
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUVEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £62,435
Launched: Winter 2019/20Last updated: Summer 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Whatever you think of the styling, BMW’s latest X6 is a competitive SUV coupe. Its driving characteristics and equipment are towards the top of the class and it performs well too.”
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Model reviewed: 4.4-litre petrol automatic M50iScore: 7 / 10“The BMW X6 M50i represents something of a niche within a niche. In the grand scheme of things, this is a SUV few will buy, and even fewer still will take on this hot V8 version. Yet it’s not without its charms.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“It mightn’t be as practical, as roomy nor ultimately as comfortable as the X5, but the BMW X6 does have its own special appeal. It appears to represent a major advance on its predecessor in every major area, except perhaps its ride.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“It ticks the driving box emphatically, but we suspect most buyers will pick an X6 for its wardrobe – and it’s telling that BMW has launched its first illuminated kidney grille feature as an option on the new model.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic M50dScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X6 is a car that you’ll either love or hate. On paper, it doesn’t look great with its compromised practicality and more expensive list price than the car it’s based on. However, this new model is less cumbersome, better to drive and has one of the best interiors you’ll find in any SUV.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.2 / 10“The BMW X6 was the original coupe-SUV, and it’s been reinvented with even more power and luxury”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The BMW X6 has powerful engines and a luxurious, high-tech cabin. You’ll forgo some space and practicality versus a BMW X5 though, and spend more doing it.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic M50d“Styling is very subjective, but it’s neither the most elegant nor subtle of designs. Rear headroom is predictably compromised by the sloping roofline and the plastic attempt at crystal gear lever is a combination of cheap and gaudy, especially on a car this expensive.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic M50d“The BMW X6 drives as aggressively as it looks. Acceleration is sharp and constant, and there are steering wheel-mounted paddles for added driver engagement. The only real downside is driver visibility due to wide B pillars and a narrow rear screen.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive30d M SportScore: 6 / 10“The BMW X6 is a big car; five metres in length and two in width, like its sister product, the X5. The two SUVs share a platform and dashboard but diverge rear of the B pillar. There’s roughly a suitcase worth of extra luggage capacity beneath the load cover in an X5.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“If you’re able to look beyond the looks of the BMW X6, you’ll find an SUV that remains hugely practical, brilliant to drive and will almost certainly ruin someone’s day on the commute to work…”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X6 essentially a X5 with a little less practicality, coupe-like styling and a sportier flavour. Good to drive, but still divisive.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“The BMW X6 is a large, premium SUV for those who wish to stand out from the crowd.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Among its peers, the X6 has the most, er, striking design. Which is why even if we say don’t buy it, you will if you want to. Then you can post-rationalise your decision by pointing out the great powertrains and mostly excellent cockpit ergonomics.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“Its styling may divide opinion but the BMW X6 is actually a very well rounded coupe SUV. Not only is it available with a range of truly fantastic engines, but it’s also one of the most entertaining cars in the class to drive, making the Mercedes GLE Coupe and Range Rover Velar feel sloppy in comparison.”
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Safety rating
No safety rating
The BMW X6 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Although the mechanically-identical X5 SUV was tested and awarded a five-star rating in 2018, this rating does not carry over to the X6.
The changes to the roofline and pillars from X5 to X6 will inevitably alter the way that the car performs in a side impact, meaning that the X6 would need to be either partially or completely tested separately to be rated. If this happens, we will publish the results here.
Eco rating
No eco rating
The BMW X6 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ultimately, the X6 is a big, heavy SUV powered by large petrol and diesel engines, so it’s unlikely to do well in environmental testing. If Green NCAP selects the X6 for assessment, we will publish the results here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X6 has received
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Coupe SUV
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Audi Q8 | Maserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe | Porsche Cayenne Coupe | Range Rover Sport
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