The third-generation BMW X6 debuts for 2020 and follows the same basic formula as its two predecessors: Take the BMW X5 — an upright and traditional luxury SUV — and slice off a bit of the roof to create a fastback coupe-like profile. It's a successful, if controversial, formula and one of the most influential in automotive history. Since the original X6 debuted, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and more have released coupe variants of more staid SUVs to varying degrees of success.
Roofline aside, the new X6 mirrors the X5 in just about every way. You can pick from three models that are distinguished primarily by engine. The base trim is the X6 sDrive40i that comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque). It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The next step up is the X6 xDrive40i, which adds all-wheel drive.
At least for the time being, the X6 M50i is the top dog, sporting a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that increases output to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. In the spring, it will be surpassed by the high-performance X6 M that will set itself apart from the rest with 600 hp.
As always, it's difficult to justify a purchase of this ilk. One of the most important reasons for getting an SUV is to transport more passengers and their things. Going with the X6 reduces that advantage, and you'll pay more for the privilege to boot. But the X6 does boast a sleeker silhouette, and that definitely counts for something on the emotional side of the car-purchasing ledger.
The 2020 BMW X6 is offered in three basic trims: the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i, the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i and the sporty, V8-powered M50i. There's also the high-performance X6 M, which is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Standard and optional features are similar for all three trims, so the main difference is what's resting under the hood.
2020 BMW X6
2020 BMW X5
The BMW X6 is basically a more expensive X5 with a sloping roofline and compromised utility. That fastback roof hurts the X6's cargo capacity and cuts down on headroom, especially for rear passengers. Outside of the roof, the two SUVs are essentially the same. Both share the same engines, interior design and features. It really comes down to whether you dig the X6's design.
Think of the X4 as a scaled-down X6. BMW applies the same basic formula — chop the roof for a fastback profile — to the X3 that it does to the X5 to create the X6. Like the X6, the X4 has less cargo space and headroom than its more traditional sibling. The X4 is smaller in just about every metric than the X6, but it's also more affordable and fuel-efficient.
The Porsche Cayenne has been around for a while, but the sleek Cayenne Coupe is new for the latest generation. Like the X6, the Cayenne Coupe compromises cargo and headroom, but that's the price you pay for style in this class. The Cayenne is sportier and more engaging to drive than the X6, but it can't match the BMW when it comes to luxury and features.
The 2020 BMW X6 has been completely redesigned, starting its third generation. Like its predecessors, it is based on the more conventionally styled X5 but features a tapering roofline instead of a typically boxy SUV shape. The result is a sportier look. But in the past, it also ended up limiting rear-seat headroom and reducing cargo capacity compared to the X5. Will this new X6 suffer the same fate? Probably.
Frankly, it's difficult to justify SUVs of this ilk. One of the most important reasons for getting an SUV is to transport more passengers and their stuff. These coupe-like SUVs reduce those advantages. But the X6 does boast a sleeker silhouette. It largely comes down to what you want.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe puts greater emphasis on traditional luxury and mixes it with a lot of technology. Audi's Q8 also makes a big push for technology and has a more modern look and feel. The newcomer is the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which prioritizes performance but costs more and comes with fewer standard features. Of this group, the X6 perhaps has the best blend of luxury, technology and performance, even though it doesn't excel as much in each category.
In many ways, the BMW X6 drives like a big luxury SUV that is pretending to be sportier than it really is. The V8 engine emits a pleasing low rumble and gets this sizable SUV moving with authority. Selecting the Sport drive modes adds more auditory theater, along with some racy crackles from the exhaust. BMW claims it will reach 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds. The six-cylinder-powered models are about a second slower, which still isn't slow.
From the front seats forward, there's little difference between the X5 and the X6. The broad horizontal dash is understated and classy, with the infotainment screen mounted on top to reduce distraction while operating the various systems. The wide center console retains the familiar iDrive dial controller placed right where your hand rests. It's definitely one of the better infotainment systems out there.
With relatively accommodating rear seats, the measure of practicality is decent, but cargo space remains a weak point. Capacity is 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. It's a wide space that stretches far into the interior before stopping at the rear seatbacks, but the roofline won't allow for bulky objects. The X6 also has a tall load floor height, and that means you'll have to hoist items rather high to get them in.
Edmunds saysIf the "U" in SUV is paramount to your needs, get the X5. If you wished the "S" in SUV also stood for stylish, maybe the 2020 BMW X6 would be a better fit. While its limitations compared to the X5 aren't huge, they will be ever present if you regularly need to shuttle people and gear.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 BMW X6:
The least-expensive 2020 BMW X6 is the 2020 BMW X6 M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $85,650.
Other versions include:
