When the X6 launched for 2008, it was met with skepticism from automotive critics. Its coupelike roofline didn't allow the prodigious amount of cargo space people expected from three-row monster-sized SUVs. Nor did it really drive like a sleek, low-slung sports sedan. There were probably a few who predicted an untimely demise. Yet here we are a decade later and the 2018 BMW X6 is still around.

Undoubtedly, there's a small but willing group of buyers who want a luxury sedan but with a higher seating position and ground clearance. The X6's sporty look has been part of the appeal as well, and it's backed up by two powerful turbocharged engine options.

If you know you won't be transporting five passengers or hauling an armoire, the X6 could be a fun choice for a SUV. But expect to pay a price for its exclusive looks and capability. It's more expensive than its similarly equipped but more conventional sibling, the X5 SUV. And for that "savings" with the X5, you get more interior volume, towing capability and better visibility.

2018 BMW X6 configurations

The 2018 BMW X6 is a fastback SUV in three main configurations. The X6 sDrive35i has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 300 pound-feet of torque) and rear-wheel drive. The xDrive35i has the same engine but with all-wheel drive. At the top of the range is the all-wheel-drive xDrive50i and its turbocharged V8 (445 hp, 480 lb-ft). Standard equipment is similar on each, and a variety of option packages are available to further deck out the X6.

Standard equipment (BMW calls this the xLine Design) includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.

The X6 also comes with BMW's iDrive infotainment interface, navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services (including BMW Assist emergency communications) and integrated smartphone apps, and a nine-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the xDrive50i gets you the V8 engine, keyless ignition and entry, four-zone automatic climate control, upgraded front seats, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, a surround-view camera system, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking.

Except for the V8 engine, all of these features are optionally available for the 35i models.

Both trims can be equipped with an Executive package that comes with soft-close doors, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, and a head-up display. An available Dynamic Handling package includes adaptive suspension dampers with a rear air suspension and active roll stabilization. There's also an M Sport package that gives the X6 sportier-looking body work and special interior trim.

Finally, Apple CarPlay integration, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a night-vision system are just some of the stand-alone options available.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

7.0

Engine and transmission performance are big positives for the X6. It's pretty quick for the class, and the engine and transmission are smooth operators. Unfortunately, the steering communicates little back to the driver.

Acceleration

8.0

Smooth shifting and a strong-performing engine are what you get with the xDrive35i. In our testing, it accelerated from from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds.

Braking

8.5

The brakes felt good around town, with linear action requiring minimal force to engage. They're plenty capable of stopping this hefty SUV. In our simulated-panic stop, the X6 needed just 108 feet from 60 mph, but there was some minor pedal fade after repeated stops.

Steering

5.5

The X6 goes where you point it, yes, but there's minimal communication to the steering wheel of what the front tires are up to. The effort is too light in Comfort mode, better in Sport. It can feel numb just off-center.

Handling

6.0

The X6 feels tall, though stiff and capable. Its height limits some connection between driver and road. Body roll is acceptable. Lots of grip from the summer-rated tires. Sport suspension mode tightens things up considerably.

Drivability

7.0

The automatic engine stop-start requires a change in driving style to perfect smooth acceleration from a stoplight. With this feature disengaged, though, the X6 is easy to drive.

Off-road

7.0

All-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance give the BMW some off-road capability. It can handle gravel and fire roads but isn't designed to venture much deeper off the path than that.

Comfort

8.5

This is an area where the X6 does it right. Ride quality is good for a performance SUV. The adjustable suspension absorbs imperfections of varying size with ease. Exterior noise stays there, keeping the cabin quiet. Seat comfort is excellent up front and acceptable in the rear.

Seat comfort

8.5

The front seats are firm yet supportive and quite comfy for the long haul. Thigh support could be better. The rear seats are flat and a bit vertical, though they are acceptably comfortable. The armrests are reasonably soft for all seating positions.

Ride comfort

8.0

The X6 does an excellent job soaking up bumps, be they large or small, especially when the suspension is in the Comfort setting. The ride is noticeably firmer and less forgiving in Sport mode.

Noise & vibration

9.0

Interior noise is held to a minimum almost regardless of surface. One exception is the exhaust bark on full-throttle upshifts, but we rather enjoy that. It's just enough to remind you of the turbocharged six-cylinder under the hood.

Interior

8.0

Interior space suffers because of the X6's stylized exterior. The sloping roof limits headroom and rear seat access. Rearward blind spots are also prominent. Cargo and storage are merely average, and the rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat.

Ease of use

9.0

The centrally located iDrive controller resides at the driver's fingertips. The climate control layout is functional but has too many buttons.

Getting in/getting out

5.5

Front seat access benefits from the X6's height and a wide-opening door. Rear seat entry is an exercise in flexibility. The door does not open far enough, the opening is too sloped at the roof, and the wheel hump is a hip bruiser.

Roominess

8.5

Most drivers up to 6 feet tall will find plenty of headroom up front. Elbows and knees will be similarly comfy. The back seat offers suitable legroom for adults, but the roof design limits headroom for taller passengers.

Visibility

8.0

Forward views benefit from lots of glass and the tall ride height. Over-the-shoulder views are limited significantly by thick rear pillars, and the rear window is small.

Quality

9.5

Excellent build quality inside and out. Interior surfaces are soft-touch where they ought to be. Leather is of high quality. No squeaks or rattles.

Utility

7.5

The rear hatch opening is low. The smallish cargo area is aided by underfloor storage. The rear bench seat folds 40/20/40 but not fully flat. The door pockets are usefully large, but the door bottle holders are angled dramatically.

Technology

Thanks to constant refinement, the X6's iDrive and standard navigation systems are easy to manipulate. Multiple inputs allow for flexible pairing and connections for music and phone use.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 BMW X6.

Overall Consumer Rating

5.03 reviews

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5(100%)

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1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Love my X6

Lyn381,06/06/2018

Bought a 2018 CPO. Traded 2015 X5. This car is fun if you don't need to haul people or things. Acceleration is great, I love leaving drivers at the light. Sport drive turns the odometer area red. This car can go. I get a lot of stares and compliments. Best vehicle I have ever owned!!

BMW X-5 2018 XDrive 50-wolf inside a sheep!

DR FREDRICKSON,12/29/2017

Originally I was looking at the X-6 as I had a X-5 back in 2007 that I drove for nearly 5 years-longest vehicle I have owned and driven! As I usually get bored and trade every 2-3 years. When I saw the X-6 the lines were nice but the hatchback style was a turn off for me. Then they brought out a white pearl 2018 X-5 that was loaded and when I drove it felt better than I remembered as to ride, quietness in the cabin, controls layout. Personally I have never had a problem w/BMW's control dial. Now you just speak and it does what you ask! The X-5 w/xdrive and the 465bhp twin turbo V-8 provide all the oomph you want from a dead stop. I went on YouTube and a regular X-5 V-8 w/the M options-same as mine was rocketing off from a dead stop faster than an X-6M class. I knew there was no way the X-5 w/the V-8 could out pace the X-6M and after about 6 failed attempts from the X-6M driver- the X-5 driver finally started them both off again and told the X-6M driver how to set his launch control. Then it was over. The 550 +bhp M class X-6 shot out front and the X-5 stayed close to about 80mph and then the X-6M opened up a huge gap. I do not need 550+bhp (would I like it? you betcha!) but I am not going to be challenging any M class BMW's as the X-5 is decked out w/all the options I wanted including the various M class upgrades but it is still a BMW X-5 Xdrive w/a twin turbo V-8 and that is just fine by me. The vehicle is glued to the road. Cornering is nearly like being in a high end sports car- as you can feel the the suspension taking the cornering in stride and adjusting accordingly. With the Xdrive you do not 'burn rubber'- you take off! Dodge Ram trucks w/the semi v-8 -Ford Raptor's are in your rearview before they knew what happened. The 2018 X-5 is not a racing or track SUV but it certainly sends you off and down the road quicker than you anticipated! The rear tires a sight to behold! The front of the X-5 is 76" wide, the rear of the X-5 w/the twin turbo V-8 is 86" wide! Those huge fat tires on the back end would provide one heck of a launch if you chose to do that as it does have launch control in the Sport ++ setting. I will not even think of trying that until I have 1,000 fairly pampered miles on it-the owner's manual says '200 miles and after you can do launch control' but it is a real wear activity for your vehicle and I would not recommend it more than a half dozen times a year-if you plan on keeping your vehicle past the 4 years of warranty. Very impressive and greatly improved from my 2007. All the various adjustments that come w/the M option include the 20 way adjustable seats so you can have the bolsters on the sides hug you and you feel firmly planted in your seat. And the looks of that metallic pearl white, the rumble of the factory exhaust, those beautiful rear tires-causes fellow drivers to really eyeball your vehicle. Sweet ride, excellent performance, outstanding sound system that I can hook my iPod up to; BMW made a superb SUV in the 2018 X-5 w/Xdrive to the point where you want to go the long way or find a reason to head to anywhere as on the highway it is so quiet...no wind noise at 100mph and it just wants to cruise at 80+ mph! No third row seat(yeah!!) unless you order it. Have fun driving responsibly and enjoy the panoramic roof!

Amazing Vehicle!

Dboooo,07/20/2018

Now I know that the X6 is more or less hated in the car reviewing community, and I can see why. But after having one for a while, I can tell you that it has grown on me immensely. If you are deciding between this and the GLE Coupe, this is the much better option.

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$65,250

MPG

18 city / 24 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

MSRP

$62,950

MPG

18 city / 25 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

MSRP

$77,700

MPG

15 city / 21 hwy

Seats 5

8-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

445 hp @ 5500 rpm

See all 2018 BMW X6 features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite X6 safety features:

Speed Limit Information: Lets drivers know the speed limit by using a camera to register the posted limit and displaying that data on the instrument panel.
Active Blind-Spot Detection: Warns drivers when there are vehicles or objects in the vehicle's blind spots.
Active Driving Assistant: Helps prevent collisions by detecting and warning the driver about an imminent forward collision.

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More about the 2018 BMW X6

Available with two engines and two trims, the 2018 BMW X6 is a fairly straightforward build-out. It comes well-equipped even in base form, but part of the experience of high-end vehicle ownership is customizing it as you like.

The base X6 sDrive35i (rear-wheel-drive) and xDrive35i (all-wheel-drive) come with most of the features you'd want. Some standout standard features include a sunroof, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, navigation with real-time traffic, LED foglights and a digital instrument cluster.

The optional Premium package bundles more luxury-oriented items as a reasonably priced option group. The xDrive50i models also receive some extra driver assist functions.

Buyers who want more than the X6's pedestrian features might be interested in the M Sport Package. This package includes more aggressive bodywork, wheels and special interior pieces. For a truly luxury-car level experience, buyers can opt for the Executive package. It includes soft-close doors, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system and adaptive LED headlights.

Stand-alone options are numerous. iPhone users can spec Apple CarPlay integration, audiophiles can upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and frequent night drivers can equip their X6s with a pedestrian-detecting night-vision system.

If price sensitivity factors into your purchasing decision, consider the X6's more traditional sibling, the X5. Comparably built, it's less expensive while offering more options for the powertrain and other amenities. On the other hand, if you're smitten with the X6's sports-car-meets-SUV looks and want the absolute best in handling, consider the BMW X6 M, with an aggressive V8 powertrain and suspension. Whichever variant you choose, let Edmunds help you build and buy the perfect 2018 BMW X6 for you.

2018 BMW X6 Overview

The 2018 BMW X6 is offered in the following submodels: X6 SUV. Available styles include xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and xDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A).

What do people think of the 2018 BMW X6?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 BMW X6 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 X6 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 X6.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 BMW X6 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 X6 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall6.9 / 10

Driving

7.0 / 10

Acceleration8.0 / 10

Braking8.5 / 10

Steering5.5 / 10

Handling6.0 / 10

Drivability7.0 / 10

Comfort

8.5 / 10

Seat comfort8.5 / 10

Ride comfort8.0 / 10

Noise & vibration9.0 / 10

Interior

8.0 / 10

Ease of use9.0 / 10

Getting in/getting out5.5 / 10

Roominess8.5 / 10

Visibility8.0 / 10

Quality9.5 / 10

Utility

7.5 / 10

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2018 BMW X6?

2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

The 2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $66,245. The average price paid for a new 2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $10,817 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $10,817 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$55,428.

The average savings for the 2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is16.3% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2018 BMW X6s are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 BMW X6 for sale near. There are currently 7 new 2018 X6s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $70,310 and mileage as low as 4 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 BMW X6. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $10,817 on a used or CPO 2018 X6 available from a dealership near you.

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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 BMW X6?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2018 BMW X6

2018 BMW X6 pricing

Which X6 does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

2018 BMW X6 configurations

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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What's a good price for a New 2018 BMW X6?

2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

Which 2018 BMW X6s are available in my area?

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