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2021 BMW X6 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

BMW X6 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • High levels of comfort
  • Refined and luxurious interior

Cons

  • Limited rear passenger and cargo space
  • Compromised rear visibility

Mileage (EPA estimate)

13 city, 18 highway, 15 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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The BMW X6 is the sporty SUV alternative

Back in 2007, the original BMW X6 introduced the concept of a coupe-like SUV with a sporty sloping rear roofline, athletic stance, and performance to match. That vehicle inspired BMW's rivals to follow suit with sleek models of their own, and today there is a whole class of sleek and sporty-looking SUVs, with the X6 as the class benchmark.

For 2021, the X6 adds a mild hybrid component to the base six-cylinder engine for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Android Auto™ phone integration joins Apple CarPlay® as standard equipment, but a few luxury touches—namely acoustic glass, glass buttons, a rear entertainment system, and night vision—were discontinued.

Overall, the 2021 BMW X6 finds a pleasing balance between performance and luxury, making it a solid rival against other coupe-like SUVs that include the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Audi Q8, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. There is a drawback to those tapering shapes, though, and it's a reduction in interior space. You'll get less room for rear passengers as well as cargo capacity, but it should be accommodating enough for most needs.

All BMW X6 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each BMW X6 generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2021 BMW X6?

  • The Competition trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • X6 trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Automated Parking, Remote Start, A/C Seat(s), and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Leather & Suede Seats and DVD Video System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The M50i trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
  • The sDrive40i trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
  • The xDrive40i trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

2021 BMW X6 trims

Curious how BMW X6 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive40i:

  • 335-hp, 330-lb-ft of torque 3.0L
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • View our BMW X6 sDrive40i inventory

xDrive40i:

  • Includes all features available on the sDrive40i
  • 4WD/AWD

M50i:

  • Includes all features available on the xDrive40i
  • 523-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Seat Massagers
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • A/C Seats
  • Harman Kardon Sound

M:

  • Includes all features available on the M50i
  • 567-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque 4.4L
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Automated Parking
  • Head Up Display
  • View our BMW X6 M inventory

BMW X6 photos

What We Like

Plenty of power: The BMW X6 has more than enough power, whether you choose the 335-horsepower six-cylinder or the 523-hp V8. Both deliver very quick acceleration for a SUV of this size, with the six-cylinder reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the V8 in only 4.1 seconds. That's far quicker than the typical driver will ever need, but it's appropriate for a sporty SUV like this.

Comfortable and quiet ride: Many sporty SUVs compromise ride comfort with stiffer suspensions for improved handling, but the X6 finds an optimal balance between compliance and performance. The M50i comes with a firmer adaptive sport-tuned suspension that the driver can adjust on the fly for either comfort or handling. The interior also remains calm and quiet at highway speeds.

Impeccable interior: From the driver's seat, you'd have a tough time telling the difference between the X6 cockpit from the flagship 7 Series sedan. The interior styling is refined and classy, with excellent materials and solid construction. There's also a pleasing modernity courtesy of a digital instrument panel and sharp infotainment touchscreen. We also like how the buttons and knobs are logically placed for easy use.

What Needs Improvement

Reduced interior space: The X6's sporty rear roofline may be one of its most distinctive features, but it's also the culprit for the SUV's most significant drawback. The lower roof reduces rear headroom and legroom compared to the related BMW X5 and also forces passengers to stoop to get in. Cargo capacity also takes a hit with a capacity of 27.4 cubic feet compared to the X5's 33.9 cubic feet.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

2 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

2
1
2
Average

RepairPal gave the BMW X6 an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks BMW X6 11th out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X6

BMW X6 features and specs

Curious how BMW X6 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

sDrive40i 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine

Optional Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Running Boards
  • Seat Massagers

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

335

Torque (ft-lbs)

330

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

22.4

Wheelbase

117.1"

Overall length

194.8"

Width

78.9"

Height

66.3"

Front tires

P275/45HR20

Rear tires

P275/45HR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 BMW X6 FAQ

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