Used 2022 BMW X6

The BMW X6 range is the company’s sleekest and most powerful line of SUVs. The X6 is basically a BMW X5 with a sloped roofline to provide a sleeker, more “coupe-like” profile. Although the mechanical underpinnings and tuning are nearly identical to the X5, to some buyers, the X6 design reads as a sportier look. The drawback of this design? Some cargo space and rear-seat room is lost due to that fastback roof.

The X6 is for buyers who don’t necessarily need maximum practicality in their SUV. Instead, they value power, poise, and standout looks. Those that do need more room should shop the X5 instead. The X6 comes in three models with powertrain levels that culminate with the insanely quick and expensive X6 M with over 600 horsepower on some models.

BMW was a pioneer when it came to the coupe-like SUV aesthetic, launching the very first generation X6 more than a decade ago. Since then, the competition has grown fierce with entries like the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Despite the competitive onslaught, the X6 remains a potent, agile, and luxurious choice with the unique design and visual cache only BMW can offer.

BMW is known for producing vehicles with sporty and responsive handling. And the X6 is no exception. Bend any version of the X6 into a set of switchbacks and the driver is rewarded with crisp, precise steering and little body roll. This is an SUV that makes driving on a curvy road fun.

The X6 xDrive40i might be the base model, but it’s no slouch when it comes to covering ground quickly. For 2022, every X6 has all-wheel drive and thanks to the standard 335 hp turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, this BMW will haul itself to 60 mph in well under 5 seconds. That’s plenty quick for most drivers.

The X6 M50i pumps even more adrenaline into the mix with a V8 that generates 523 horsepower. Think of this one as a very happy compromise for those that want acceleration that comes close to the X6 M but without the drawbacks of the full-tilt X6 M. In other words, the X6 M50i has a smoother ride so it’s quick but also somewhat cushy for around-town driving. Downside? The M50i delivers significantly worse fuel economy than the xDrive40i

The X6 M is the top machine in the range and as such, has 600 horsepower at the driver’s command — or 617 with the optional Competition package. This is a BMW that accelerates and handles more like a sports car than an SUV. After all, it will hit 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and does so bellowing a thunderous exhaust note.

The X6 M will dominate any twisty road. That said, the taut suspension and massive 21-inch (or optional 22-inch) tires can conspire to produce a firm ride, especially on rough roads. So, make sure the extra power and poise is worth the tradeoff. And like the M50i, the incredible performance returns so-so fuel economy.

Even in its least expensive guise, the X6 offers an interior fitted with soft-touch materials as well as switches and knobs that feel expensive and carry a nice weighting to them. Every X6 model utilizes twin 12.3-inch screens — one for infotainment and another as the gauge cluster and information center.

Big screens certainly make any vehicle feel upscale and of the moment, tech-wise. BMW’s choice for the virtual gauges is forward-looking to be sure, but a little fussy in their design. We prefer a more traditional layout for the gauges. Choose the Executive Package and BMW includes a great head-up display as well as a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, side window shades, and gesture control for the infotainment system that translates finger motions into real commands.

The X6 M50i offers upgraded features that boost the luxury vibe, including a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System as well as materials like a leather dashboard and special trims.

Comfort is easy to find in the X6. Leather is of course standard. And an upgraded Merino leather interior (the best BMW offers) is optional. We might skip that but instead opt for the Luxury Seating Package. It’s $1,600 well spent and includes front ventilated and massaging multi-contour seats. We might also select the new Climate Comfort package that includes 4-zone climate control as well as heated seats, armrests, and steering wheel.

The X6’s design means reduced outward visibility. The windows in key areas like the rear side glass and back window are smaller and cut down on the view. Good thing the backup camera is standard.

Rear seat passengers won’t suffer for comfort in the X6, to be sure. However, with less headroom and legroom than the X5, it might be worth having tall passengers sit in an X6 at the dealership to see if the fit works.

And speaking of fitting stuff, the X6 can handle less of it than the boxier but similar-sized X5. In fact, with all seats in place, there’s 6.5 cubic feet less room in the cargo hold in an X6. And with the back seat folded, the X6 has 12.7 cubic feet less space. To put that number into perspective, when you choose an X6 over an X5, you’re giving up space equal to the trunk of an average compact sedan. That’s significant. So, if having enough room for everyone’s suitcase is important, consider the roomier X5. The X5 is also available with a small third row, while the X6 is solely made with two rows of seats.

The BMW X6 is a polarizing SUV. Some find the vehicle’s proportions awkward. Yet others are drawn to its presence. And there’s no denying — it has presence on the road.

Take a long slow walk around the outside of an X6, and it looks lower and more muscular than the X5. The windshield is laid back at a greater angle, combined with the sleeker roofline, giving the X6 a unique look. The fender gills are cut forward at a steeper angle than the X5. And on the whole, the X6 looks a bit like it’s lunging forward, eager to gobble up some curvy roads.

Unfortunately, the rear of the X6 can tend to look a little thick and heavy. And to our eye loses a bit of that sporting look.

The X6 design translates best in the more powerful and capable X6 M50i and X6 M models because these are the ones that wear the largest wheels and brakes.

Adaptive M Suspension
The adaptive suspension, which comes standard on the X6 M50i, offers Comfort and Sport modes that take the ride quality from smooth and supple to firm and dynamic. Most of the time, the Comfort setting provides the perfect blend of ride and handling. And some X6 models have an additional track mode. The optional Adaptive M Suspension Professional adds active roll stabilization, too. That system will counteract body roll through computer-controlled anti-roll bars. It’s an impressive system.

M Sport Differential
This computer-controlled rear differential is standard on the M50i. This advanced diff can take in many variables from different vehicle systems and determine how much torque to send to each rear wheel in precise increments. It’s an intelligent system that can not only boost handling on a fun road but adds a measure of safety and control when the terrain is slippery.

The X6 occupies a spot near the top of BMW’s SUV lineup, so the list of standard features for the base xDrive40i is long and includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system, all-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, ambient lighting, and adaptive full LED lighting with auto high beams.

When it comes to connectivity, all X6 models have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, enhanced Bluetooth, connected drive services, digital instrument cluster, and more. On top of that, the M50i receives a Wi-Fi hotspot with a free 3-month/3GB trial.

On the safety front, every X6 has lane-departure warning, frontal-collision warning w/ city collision mitigation, park distance control, and active blind-spot detection.

The M50i offers an even more comprehensive list of standard features, as it should for the increased base price. This model includes an M Sport exhaust, M Sport brakes, M Sport differential, adaptive suspension, panoramic moonroof, M steering wheel, and more.

Step up the X6 M and 21-inch double-spoke bi-color wheels are standard, as is the adaptive M Suspension Professional, heated seats, leather dashboard, dynamic cruise control, adaptive LED lights, head-up display, Harmon Kardon surround-sound system, and more.

Expensive luxury carmakers are known for saving many of the most desirable features as extra-cost options. And that’s the case with the BMW X6, too. Options for the xDrive40i include stand-alone choices like the 2-axle air suspension, M Sport brakes, and 21-inch wheels as well as options grouped together.

The Luxury Seating package brings front ventilated multi-contour massaging seats. The Driving Assistance Professional package bundles tech like Active Driving Assistant Pro, extended traffic jam assistant, active cruise control w/stop and go, lane-keeping assistant, and more. The Parking Assistant package is particularly helpful because it includes active park distance control and a surround-view monitor with 3D view.

The M50i offers many of the same packages as the standard xDrive 40i but adds even more options like 22-inch wheels and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system. There’s also the Dynamic Handling package, which includes integral active steering, adaptive M suspension professional, and active roll stabilization. And like many BMWs, there’s a vast choice of interior trim materials from carbon fiber to aluminum to brown metallic ash grain wood.

The X6 M comes very well equipped, even without adding options. But upgrades make the experience even better, especially the Competition package with an additional 17 horsepower, full Merino leather and Alcantara interior, forged wheels, M track mode, and M-specific design elements. The X6 M also offers the Driving Assistance Professional package and Executive package. Individual options include M compound brakes, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, interior trim choices, and unique wheels.

The xDrive40i is equipped with a turbocharged, 335 horesepower 6-cylinder engine augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system to help save fuel. Like all X6s, this model is paired to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The M50i ratchets up the performance significantly with a twin-turbo V8 that generates 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X6 M offers 600 hp or an astounding 617 hp when optioned with the Competition package.

X6 xDrive 40i
3.0-liter turbo inline-6 with hybrid assist
335 hp at 5,500 rpm
331 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg

X6 M50i
4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
523 hp at 6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg

X6 M

4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
600 hp at 6,000 rpm (617 hp w/ competition package)
553 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg