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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?

  • Trim discontinued: [Name of Trim]
  • Standard equipment now includes [New Standard Equipment]
  • New equipment added: [List of New Equipment]
  • Significant removal of [Removed Equipment or Feature if applicable]
  • Updated warranty coverage to [New Warranty Details]

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:

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
  • View our BMW X6 M50i inventory

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 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

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

Optional Features

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

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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