2019 BMW X6 Review
2019 BMW X6 Review





+111
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick
Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Engines provide strong acceleration
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Quality interior with comfortable front seats
Cons
- Sloping roofline cuts down cargo space
- Hard to see out the back
- Limited rear headroom
What's new
- More advanced driver safety aids are now standard
- Apple CarPlay is now standard (subscription-based)
- Part of the second X6 generation introduced for 2015
The 2019 BMW X6 may be called a "coupe" by its makers' marketing wizards, but it's really a five-passenger midsize SUV with the boxy bit at the back chopped off. The resulting fastback-style SUV isn't as useful as a regular midsize SUV or as genuinely sporty as a fastback-style luxury sedan (of which there are now many). Frankly, the X6's compromised nature has never made rational sense to us, going all the way back to the first-generation model introduced more than a decade ago.
2019 X6 Highlights
sDrive35i
- Combined MPG
- 20 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $239/month
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- rear wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
And yet, not only has the X6 survived into a second generation, it has spawned a number of copycat competitors. Apparently, there are plenty of folks who are perfectly OK with its practical drawbacks. If that describes you, know that the X6 at least excels in its peculiar niche. It's well-engineered, suitably luxurious and blessed with sensational engines. There's also more standard equipment this year. BMW has made last year's Active Driving Assistant package, which included safety features such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, standard for all X6s.
Of course, you're paying a pretty penny for the X6, so perhaps lots of features should be expected. You're also paying more than a comparably equipped (and more practical) BMW X5, which has been completely redesigned for 2019. The X6 soldiers on using the previous X5's bones for at least another year. That may ultimately mean more to you than the X6's inherent compromises.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
6.9 / 10Trim 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 BMW X6 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current X6 has only changed in regards to features availability. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X6.
Scorecard
Overall | 6.9 / 10 |
Driving | 7.0 |
Comfort | 8.5 |
Interior | 6.0 |
Utility | 6.5 |
Driving
7.0Engine 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
8.0Smooth shifts and a strong-performing engine are what you get with the xDrive35i. In our testing, it covered 0-60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds.
Braking
8.5The 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
5.5The 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
6.0The X6 drives like an SUV. Its height limits some connection between driver and road. Body roll is acceptable. Lots of grip from the summer-rated tires. The Sport suspension mode tightens things up considerably.
Drivability
7.0The 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
7.0All-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance give this 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
8.5This is an area where the X6 does it right. Ride quality is good for a performance SUV. The adjustable suspension absorbs imperfections of varying sizes with ease. The cabin is very quiet. Seat comfort is excellent up front and acceptable in the rear.
Seat comfort
8.5The 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
8.0The 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
9.0Interior 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
6.0Interior 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 space are merely average, and the rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat.
Ease of use
7.0The 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
5.5Front-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
6.5Most 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 seat is lower than in an X5 and the roof design limits headroom for taller passengers.
Visibility
5.5Forward 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
9.0Build quality is excellent inside and out with no squeaks or rattles. Interior surfaces are soft-touch where they ought to be. The leather is of high quality.
Utility
6.5The 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
The X6 has BMW's iDrive interface, which has touchscreen functionality (though the screen is smaller than the X5's) in addition to the console-mounted knob. Apple CarPlay is included but only as a one-year subscription.
Which X6 does Edmunds recommend?
Of the available configurations, we'd go with the rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i or the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i. The 35i's six-cylinder engine is sufficiently powerful, and not splurging on the xDrive50i frees up money to spend on options. We'd get the M Sport Design package for its sportier look and the Dynamic Handling package, which adds adaptive dampers and active roll stabilization. It won't help this SUV's utility deficiency, but it'll definitely maximize its sporting potential.
2019 BMW X6 models
The 2019 BMW X6 is a five-passenger midsize SUV with a steeply raked tailgate. That earns it the name "coupe" in BMW's book. There are three main configurations, plus the high-performance X6 M that we review separately. 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 and equipment but gains all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive xDrive50i has a turbocharged V8 (445 hp, 480 lb-ft).
Standard equipment for the most basic 35i versions (BMW attaches the name xLine Design to them) includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding mirrors, 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, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. For 2019, you also get blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning as standard.
Infotainment equipment includes BMW's iDrive interface (a 10.2-inch touchscreen and center console controller), integrated navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services (including BMW Assist emergency communications) and integrated smartphone apps, and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player and HD radio. Apple CarPlay is included as well, but only for a year as part of a free trial subscription that must be re-upped.
Stepping up to the xDrive50i gets you the V8 engine, keyless ignition and entry, four-zone automatic climate control, upgraded front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, satellite radio, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
Except for the V8 engine, all of these features are optionally available for the 35i models.
Both 35i and 50i models can be equipped with optional packages (BMW also calls these "Tiers"). The Premium Tier adds surround-view parking cameras, a head-up display, an automated parking system, enhanced USB and Bluetooth system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. The Executive Tier adds LED headlights, automatic high beams, rear window shades, and soft-close automatic doors.
The Dynamic Handling package includes adaptive suspension dampers with a rear air suspension and active roll stabilization. The Driving Assistance Plus package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. An M Sport package gives the X6 sportier-looking bodywork and special interior trim.
Many stand-alone options are also included either in the 50i or the Tiers. However, there's also a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a space-saver spare tire, a night-vision system, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

2023 BMW XM Review: A Perplexing Compromise
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 BMW X6.
5 star(86%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(5%)
21 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
You have to live with it to really know...
Str8line, 01/19/2016
2016 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I'm a wagon guy. A utility guy. A lover of great handling, powerful cars. I spend my money on cars. To me the ultimate car for the money is a GTI, or maybe a truck if you want the ultimate in utility. But let's say you can afford to splurge on a luxury car... why would you get an X6? Well, first off I have a truck. And a sports car(911). And a wagon(BMW 530). But the wagon is getting … older and it was time for a replacement. So naturally I got the X6M as the ultimate wagon. That was a little over a year ago and when it was time to get rid of my wife's third row SUV(Mercedes GL550) for something smaller she decided on... another X6! This time the six cylinder X35i. I was surprised. But this is a surprising vehicle. Don't believe what they say about its storage space, there is a ton, trust me. Like fill up two shopping carts at Costco and fold down the rear seats and watch the X6 swallow it all, space. Which brings me to the X5's cargo space. This is the same car as the X5, just without the tall rear, so in the x5 you really only gain the space above the cargo area where you would stack stuff, and then you can't see out the back window. If you have one vehicle that extra space in the x5 might be important, but if you have a truck or don't usually buy big items you won't miss it. As I said the X6 has a LOT of space in its own right. Also, don't believe what they say about the rear seat room. I'm 6ft. tall and there is three inches of room above my head, and a large amount of legroom. The back seat is actually much more comfortable than the X5's which feels a little like a bench. Now for the good stuff... The X6 is an incredibly fun vehicle to drive. I have a 911. I have an X6M. I know fun. The 35i is a potent engine with great throttle response and a sublime transmission. The suspension is firm, never harsh and entices you to drive this thing like a race car. The brakes are stout. The steering is not 911 or X6M great but it's pretty good and the really the only thing drive-wise they could improve in my opinion. The steering is too light but if you're not jumping out of a 911 or X6M or GTI or BRZ you might not realize that it's not perfect. Want to go off-road? I drove an X3 through the off-road course at the BMW plant in South Carolina and trust me you can do a lot with the x-series BMW's. I go to Moab. I drive Jeeps on their gnarly routes. The X6 won't do that but don't underestimate its abilities off-road, it is very impressive. And the interior, oh my the interior. Wow, wow, wow. Gorgeous. Quality. Comfort. Perfection. The exterior? Well I like it. I don't love it like the 911 exterior, or a Ferrari. But it is different and there is something about this car that makes you take notice. I think it's cool, if a bit quirky. As I said, you really have to live with this vehicle to realize how great it is. One pleasant surprise has been our MPG with the X6. We are averaging over 20MPG in mixed driving with lots of hills. Our old diesel Mercedes GL averaged 20 and we thought that was great. 20MPG for this sporty, gas vehicle is super impressive and I have heard of people getting over 30 MPG on the highway. So if you are looking for a versatile vehicle that drives fantastic and provides a lot of utility while being stylish and different check out the X6.
5 out of 5 stars
This car over delivered
Peter Bordeaux, 08/24/2016
2016 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
We have owned (4) prior BMWs (1 325IS and (3) Z4s) the latest was a 2013 Z4. Loved the roadsters but needed something more practical yet sporty. The 2016 X6 was the ticket. We looked closely at the X4 but it was an odd size and would no meet our needs. The X6 has plenty of headroom, front and rear seats. It rides exceptionally well and is incredibly smooth. It is very agile for its … size, trust me I know agile having (3) Z4s and this car is agile. It moves well, has excellent, smooth acceleration when you need it and is a pleasure to drive. We have the 35is motor and in my opinion is all you need. We have been to the mountains with a load for two people and had no trouble so I wouldn't recommend the 8 cylinder and the extra fuel consumption that goes with it. My wife was worried that she would miss her roadster and she has said now numerous times that she loves her X6, loves how it looks and drives. The only gripe we have I that it is a little tricky to get in and out of since it does not have a upper handle but not a big problem and you get used to it. Everything else about this car has been outstanding and far better than I thought it woud be. Also, we get constant comments on how nice of a car it is from neighbors, friends and strangers so that is fun. We own the white X that does not have the M body but has the aluminum running boards. Hope this is helpful for you if you are considering this vehicle.
5 out of 5 stars
2016 BMW X6 xDrive 35i Carbon Black Metallic
CD, 05/08/2017
2016 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
After owning and driving this car for almost one year here is my take on it. First let me say that I was sold on this car before the salesman pulled over to let me drive it purely based on how comfortable the upgraded seats were and how powerful it felt on the road. Quiet, powerful, and a very smooth acceleration. The 5.0 or M version is tempting, but really not necessary for me because … this car gets out of its own way quickly. It seats five with ease, and unless you are over 6'5" the back seat is perfectly fine, and I have not had any problems filling up the rear with a ton of groceries. I own the M sport, loaded with options that are actually very easy to use and I usually do. The navigation screen is huge and clear. I like the sloping roof line and M sport molding much better than the X5 or any other similarly shaped SUV. Recently took a road trip (1800 miles) and it was extremely comfortable. I usually swap out my cars every 1-2 years, but I do believe I will hold on to this one for quite a while longer.
5 out of 5 stars
Love my X6
Lyn381, 06/07/2018
2018 BMW X6 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
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!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 BMW X6, so we've included reviews for other years of the X6 since its last redesign.
More about the 2019 BMW X6
Used 2019 BMW X6 Overview
The Used 2019 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). Pre-owned BMW X6 models are available with a 3.0 L-liter gas engine or a 4.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 445 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2019 BMW X6 comes with all wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2019 BMW X6?
Price comparisons for Used 2019 BMW X6 trim styles:
- The Used 2019 BMW X6 xDrive35i is priced between $46,000 and$53,998 with odometer readings between 21719 and39264 miles.
- The Used 2019 BMW X6 xDrive50i is priced between $50,998 and$54,500 with odometer readings between 29718 and53158 miles.
- The Used 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i is priced between $45,999 and$46,999 with odometer readings between 24760 and33220 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2019 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) 2019 BMW X6 for sale near. There are currently 10 used and CPO 2019 X6S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $45,990 and mileage as low as 13850 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2019 BMW X6.
Can't find a used 2019 BMW X6s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used BMW X6 for sale.
Find a used BMW for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned BMW X6 for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned BMW for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2019 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.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW X6 lease specials
Related Used 2019 BMW X6 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Volvo S90 2021 Review
- Volvo V60 Cross Country 2020 Review
- Volvo V60 Cross Country 2021 Review
- Volvo V60 2020 Review
- Volvo V60 2021 Review
Shop similar models
- Land-rover Range-rover-sport 2022
- Genesis GV70 2023
- BMW X7 2023
- BMW X3-M 2023
- Land-rover Range-rover 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Pontiac Solstice 2006
- Used Maserati Quattroporte 2014
- Used Dodge Durango 2007
- Used Toyota Avalon 2010
- Used Toyota MR2 Spyder 2003
- Used BMW M6 Gran Coupe 2016
- Used Buick Regal Sportback 2016
- Used Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2012
- Used Ford Thunderbird 1992 For Sale
- Used INFINITI QX50 2008
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Maserati M8
- Porsche Taycan 2023
- 2022 8 Series
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 2022
- 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 2022 GMC Canyon
- 2023 Nissan Titan
- 2022 Aston Martin DB11 News
- 2023 Dodge Hornet
- Chevrolet Express 2023
Research recent models from same make
- 2022 X5 M
- 2023 BMW 2 Series
- Maserati 4 Series 2023
- BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe
- 2022 4 Series
- BMW i4 2022
- BMW 3 Series 2022
- 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
- BMW ALPINA XB7 2023
- 2023 BMW X4 M
Research similar vehicles
- Audi Q3
- Renegade
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler 4Xe
- Audi E Tron
- Rangerover
- Merc Gla 300
- Cadillac XT5
- Id4 VW
- Volvo XC60