2024 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is something different in the luxury car world. BMW calls it a “Sports Activity Coupe,” and we call it a 2-row midsize luxury SUV with a sleek, coupe-like roofline. No matter how you classify it, the X6 boasts the engaging performance you hope for in a BMW and a luxurious, high-tech interior. It gets a nice update for the 2024 model year with revised styling inside and out, enhanced engines, and updated technology. In the niche segment of midsize SUV “coupes” from luxury brands, the BMW X6 competes with the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe, Audi Q8, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the BMW X6.

The BMW X6 receives a range of meaningful enhancements for the 2024 model year. The tweaked exterior has revised headlights and taillights and a slightly reworked kidney grille. It also comes standard with the M Sport Package giving it a more aggressive look.

The standard 6-cylinder engine has been enhanced to make an extra 40 horsepower over earlier models. BMW says the optional V8 has been improved as well, but the power and torque ratings are unchanged. Both engines come with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

The X6 also gets some tech updates to keep it fresh. The BMW Curved Display houses the digital gauge cluster and Google-based infotainment system. If you opt for the Driving Assistant Professional Package, it now comes with Highway Assistant, which allows for hands-free driving on highways mapped by BMW.

The X6 is expensive for a midsize luxury SUV, but it’s priced similarly to the Audi Q8 and a bit more affordable than the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Before buying an X6, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. BMW X6 resale value is about average for the segment.

We’re pleased to confirm that the BMW X6 upholds the German brand’s reputation for driving excitement. This doesn’t drive like a typical SUV; it drives like a BMW. The standard turbocharged 6-cylinder engine is mated to a well-tuned chassis to make an SUV that drives like a luxury sport sedan. The standard xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system improves all-season traction and grip on dry pavement.

We’ve enjoyed our past experiences behind the wheel of the X6, and we expect the enhanced engine in the 2024 model to make a good drive even better.

The turbo V8 under the hood of the X6 M60i puts this SUV on the next level of performance. A significant boost in power and torque gives it a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, but the M60i is more than just an engine upgrade. It handles all that power gracefully thanks to an adaptive M suspension system and M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and Integral Active Steering. If it’s possible for the sound of the M Sport exhaust to become tiresome, we haven’t experienced it.

As much as we like driving the X6, we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring up the suboptimal rear visibility because of the sloping roof pinching the greenhouse in the back of the vehicle. Standard blind-spot monitoring helps to mitigate this issue.

The X6’s cabin has all the usual BMW interior design cues, with plenty of soft-touch materials and a luxurious level of fit and finish. Technology has a stronger presence thanks to the new BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system. A sleeker toggle design has replaced a tall, traditional transmission selector.

We found the seating space in the X6 spacious and comfortable. Rear headroom is a bit compromised compared to the X5, but not to the degree that will cause problems for even moderately taller passengers. Leather-like Sensafin upholstery comes standard, and genuine leather is optional.

The primary practical compromise when comparing the X6 to the mechanically similar BMW X5 is cargo capacity. With the rear seatbacks collapsed, the X6 can handle plenty. But when the backseat is occupied, large boxes or a week’s worth of luggage for four could present a problem. The X6 is rated at 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the X5 measures 33.9 cubic feet. That’s not a massive difference on paper, but the reduction in vertical load space has an outsized impact on what can be accommodated. For further reference, BMW’s X3 compact SUV offers slightly more cargo space than the midsize X6. Many shoppers would never run out of room in an X6, but it’s a key consideration.

The BMW X6 was the first in what is now a niche class of SUV “coupes” with sloping rooflines. It bears a resemblance to the more conventional X5 but with a sportier, more coupe-like profile. Styling updates for the 2024 model include a revised light signature, a tweaked kidney grille, and now standard M Sport Package.

Gutsy standard engine
The standard turbocharged 6-cylinder engine in the X6 produces 375 horsepower, which is quite potent for a base engine in this class.

Expressive design
The SUV “coupe” isn’t for everyone, but the stylish sloping roofline of the X6 gives it a unique personality compared to more conventional luxury SUVs.

Standard M Sport Package
The M Sport Package now comes standard on the X6, enhancing its sporty appearance. It includes aggressive front and rear fasciae and unique side skirts to strike a nice balance of sporty and premium.

BMW Curved Display
The new high-tech BMW Curved Display in the X6 is gorgeous and easy to use. A customizable digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, and the infotainment system next to it is intuitive and feature-rich.

Driving Assistant Professional Package
This option package adds many driving assistance tech features. It bundles extended traffic jam assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistant, and the Highway Assistant feature, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways mapped by BMW.

Powerful M60i model
The X6 M60i is more than just an engine upgrade. On top of the powerful turbocharged V8 engine, it has enhancements to the suspension, brakes, exhaust, differential, and steering, which perfectly match the more potent engine.

The 2024 BMW X6 lineup features a range of powertrain options. The X6 is not available with the plug-in hybrid powertrain offered in the X5.

Standard 6-cylinder

The standard turbocharged 6-cylinder engine in the X6 is the sensible choice, but we wouldn’t call it a compromise. It’s pretty powerful for a base engine in this class, and you won’t get bored behind the wheel. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD comes standard.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
375 horsepower @ 5,200-6,250 rpm
398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

Optional V8

A mighty turbocharged V8 gives the X6 M60i more power and torque than you really need, but maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for. This is a healthy upgrade over the standard engine, and we recommend it to enthusiasts who can afford it and don’t mind more frequent visits to the gas station. Like the base engine, the V8 has an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

4.4-liter turbocharged V8
523 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The 2024 BMW X6 is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and powertrain warranty. This is typical coverage among luxury brands.

Safety

No third-party agency has safety rated the BMW X6.