Overview

What's New for 2022

The 2022 BMW X6 is available in two trim levels: the six-cylinder 40i and the V8-equipped M50i. Both include all-wheel drive. The 40i is the more popular model and the one we recommend. We'll explain why.

40i

Starting at $68,345, the X6 xDrive40i is equipped with a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. All X6 trims get the latest advanced safety equipment along with luxury features such as leather upholstery, heated 14-way power-adjustable front sport seats, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof. We think the 40i's punchy six-cylinder engine offers plenty of oomph for most buyers, especially considering the nearly $20,000 savings over the top-of-the-line M50i.

M50i

Priced at $87,245, the X6 M50i trim gets a 523-hp V8 engine, adaptive sport suspension, limited-slip differential, sport exhaust, and all-wheel drive. A premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, remote engine start, Wi-Fi, and heated and ventilated front seats are also included.

Like most BMWs, the X6 offers numerous packages to add features. They include the Premium package ($1,250), which bundles a head-up display, remote start, and gesture control, the Driving Assistant Professional package ($1,700), which adds active safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, and (for the 40i) the M Sport package ($3,450), which offers more assertive looks, distinctive 20-inch wheels, and a sport steering wheel.

The BMW X6 is one of the fastest SUVs on the road. Even in its base configuration, the 40i's 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivers quick acceleration, making the SUV feel smaller from behind the wheel. The top-level M50i, with its 523-hp twin-turbo V8, is one of the most powerful SUVs available. In addition to its abundance of power, the X6 delivers handling that's closer to a sport sedan than a high-riding SUV. It hugs corners at high speed, and its large brakes inspire confidence when it's time to slow things down.

The BMW X6 can also tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. That's on par with the Mercedes-Benz GLE's rating and slightly less than the Audi Q8's 7,700-pound towing capacity.

The BMW X6 xDrive40i gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is strong considering the level of performance offered by its inline six. The M50i, with its high-output V8 engine, returns notably less: 16/22 mpg city/highway.

Comparatively, the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 earns 19/26 mpg city/highway, and the V6-equipped Audi Q8 returns 18/23 city/highway.

The BMW X6 is both sporty and luxurious, from its Vernasca leather upholstery to its optional thermoelectric cupholders that keep your beverage hot or cold. Heated 14-way power-adjustable front seats (20-way power-adjustable seats in the M50i) help passengers get comfortable, as does the optional four-zone automatic climate control. An optional crystal gearshift approaches the opulence typically reserved for Mercedes and Audi vehicles. And an optional panoramic glass roof (or Sky Lounge in BMW parlance) uses a half-dozen colors to create the effect of a starlit sky. The experience is enhanced by an available 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound system.

Despite its sloping roofline, the X6 offers seating for five adults. Its cargo area provides 27 cubic feet of cargo space, which more than doubles with the rear seats folded down.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the X6.

The 2022 BMW X6 comes generously loaded with safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, driver-drowsiness monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive pivoting headlights, road-sign recognition, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and forward-collision warning. Optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, hands-free park assist, a surround-view parking camera system, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display.

Drivers searching for a sporty vehicle that's also practical and luxurious will find a lot to like in the BMW X6. With its sloping roof and sleek lines, the X6 looks and drives more like a car than rival midsize luxury SUVs. With a choice of two robust engines, the X6 delivers class-leading performance and is more fuel-efficient than competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Audi Q8.

BMW X6 vs. Audi Q8

BMW X6 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE