2021 BMW X6
2021 BMW X6 Review
- Strong acceleration from both engines
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- High-quality interior
- Sloping roofline cuts down on cargo space
- Rear visibility is less than ideal
- Limited rear headroom
- Minor changes to feature availability and option packages
- Part of the third X6 generation introduced for 2020
How strong is the demand for luxury SUVs? So strong that it has branched off into a collection of fastback-style "coupe" SUVs to provide a stylish — yet less practical — alternative to standard versions. The BMW X6 is the originator of the trend, and more than a decade after it debuted, the X6 is still a standout choice among competition from Audi, Porsche and, of course, Mercedes.
One can never accuse the X6 of getting lost in a crowd. It has one of the most rakish rooflines of all the coupe SUVs, and compared with the X5 on which it is based, the X6's styling cues seem to shout rather than whisper. Fortunately, BMW backs it up with two powerful engine options and a wide array of available performance upgrades. Inside, the X6 is more conservative and emphasizes high-end materials and numerous standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Should you get an X6? Logic says you should get an X5 instead; it's less expensive and more practical. But the whole point of the X6 is to appeal to your emotions, and on that front it's certainly a success.
Which X6 does Edmunds recommend?
BMW X6 models
The BMW X6 is a four-door coupe-style SUV, meaning it has a sporty sloping roofline on a midsize crossover SUV body. It is available in three trims: sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i. All models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2021 BMW X6 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 BMW X6 SUV Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $66,045
- MPG & Fuel
- 21 City / 26 Hwy / 23 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 335 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 331 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 194.8 in. / Height: 66.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 87.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 78.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 4758 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 27.4 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite X6 safety features:
- Active Blind-Spot Detection
- Warns drivers of vehicles or other objects in the X6's blind spot with illuminated lights and audible alerts.
- Frontal Collision Warning
- Warns the driver about an imminent collision and can automatically brake the vehicle to prevent a crash or reduce the speed of an impact.
- Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Automatically maintains a set distance between the X6 and the vehicle ahead. Can slow the X6 to a stop, restarting again when traffic moves.
BMW X6 vs. the competition
2021 BMW X6
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
BMW X6 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
The GLE Coupe is the closest direct competitor to the X6, but it's positioned a little differently. The only version is called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. It has about 100 horsepower more than the X6 sDrive40i and about 100 hp less than the M50i. The GLE Coupe is very comfortable in this middle ground, with more focus on luxury than performance.
BMW X6 vs. Audi Q8
Speaking of style, the Audi Q8 is another fastback luxury crossover that trades some practicality in the name of appearances. It's fun to drive, although the engine came off surprisingly unresponsive in our testing. There are lots of standard features included, such as all-wheel drive, with new ones added for 2021. The Q8 is more practical and comfortable than its looks suggest too.
BMW X6 vs. Porsche Cayenne Coupe
Here's the good: The Cayenne Coupe is the best performer in its class, and it's available in five different trims with distinct personalities. Here's the bad: Base versions don't come with much standard equipment, and higher trims quickly become exorbitantly expensive. The Cayenne Coupe is great behind the wheel, but unless sporty driving is a priority, we recommend another choice.
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FAQ
Is the BMW X6 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 BMW X6?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW X6:
- Minor changes to feature availability and option packages
- Part of the third X6 generation introduced for 2020
Is the BMW X6 reliable?
Is the 2021 BMW X6 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW X6?
The least-expensive 2021 BMW X6 is the 2021 BMW X6 sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $65,050.
Other versions include:
- M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $86,250
- sDrive40i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $65,050
- xDrive40i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $67,350
