2021 BMW X6 review
BMW X6 highlights
Customer 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
(no 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
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
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
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW X6
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
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 X6BMW X6 features and specs
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
- 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
- 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
The 2021 BMW X6 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- xDrive40i: 20 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway
- M50i: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- sDrive40i: 21 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway
- M: 13 MPG City and 18 MPG Highway
The BMW X6 received a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks the BMW X6 as 10 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUV
The 2021 BMW X6 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 BMW X6, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 BMW X6 Reviews.
The 2021 BMW X6 has a maximum towing capacity of 1653 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW X6:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Remote Start
- A/C Seat(s)
- Rear Sunshade
- Android Auto
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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