2022 BMW X6

The BMW X6 may have started life out as an awkward and rather unsightly coupe-styled SUV, but it has since become a popular offering from the Bavarian brand and has seen many try to imitate its arresting looks. It's still not outright pretty, but it's not the hideous monstrosity it started out as either. For those seeking something a little less conventional than the X5, the X6 offers athletic design and sporty driving chops, too. Considered separately to the X6 M, there's still lots to love about the regular X6, from its base six-cylinder variant to its range-topping X6 M50i model, which produces more than enough power to make the X6 M seem a little irrelevant. However, despite being one of the first to do it, is the SUV-coupe niche better represented by competitors like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport?

The exterior of the BMW X6 is still rather polarising, with a love-it-or-hate-it look that is certainly unique. The front is rather normal, with large kidney grilles framed by adaptive LED headlights and LED fog lights, while the hood is straked as usual. The top of the car features a panoramic sunroof while the slope of that roof is complemented by meaty fenders that house 20-inch wheels as standard, with 21s or 22s available. At the rear, a subtle double roof spoiler is visible along with a hatch spoiler, elongated adaptive LED brake lights, a faux diffuser, and a dual-exit exhaust system. For the M50i model, a special M Sport body kit is fitted that adds a little more aggression.

The dimensions of the BMW X6 are rather typical for the class. Length measures 194.8 inches with a wheelbase of 117.1 inches while the width is measured at 78.9 inches excluding mirrors. Height starts at 66.3 inches with the M50i model at 66.8 inches. The base model's curb weight is rated at 4,855 pounds while the M50i model increases in heft to 5,115 lbs. Ground clearance, although likely insignificant to most buyers, is 8.1 inches for the regular models and 8.5 inches for the M50i.

As is typical with BMW, the only standard colors on offer are Alpine White and Jet Black. If you'd prefer a metallic finish, you'll have to fork out an extra $550, which gives you access to Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Dark Graphite, Mineral White, Flamenco Red, Arctic Grey, Manhattan Green, Phytonic Blue, and Sparkling Brown - the latter new for 2022. On the M50i variant, Jet Black is not available, and nor is Dark Graphite. However, all the charged metallic finishes on the base model are free here and you get access to the stunning Tanzanite Blue II, Ametrin, and Dravit Grey metallic finishes, the latter new for 2022, at $1,950 each.

Performance is a big part of BMW's DNA, and that's especially true with a vehicle that is intended to evoke a sporty feeling. Even without the top M50i model, the stats on the regular X6 are impressive. The xDrive40i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that produces a total of 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. This helps it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 mph, but that can be upped to 151 mph with the right tires and an increased top speed limiter.

If you really want to go fast though, the X6 M50i variant is the one to pick. This model features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, much like the X6 M, albeit with less power. There's still plenty of motivation though, as you get 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 with performance tires. We have no doubt that the M50i is capable of higher speeds, but that would cause it to step on the toes of the X6 M. Despite this impressive performance ability, you can spec a trailer package and lug up to 7,200 pounds behind you, too. Not bad for a sporty SUV.

The standard engine in the BMW X6 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six that generates 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission helps manage the power. Thanks to the twin-scroll design of the turbocharger, lag is nonexistent and the delivery of power throughout the rev range is strong and smooth. It's not a huge fan of revving all the way to the red line, but it is responsive and powerful, and the short ratios of the sharp and smooth automatic are a perfect companion. Acceleration from the line or on the freeway is good, which helps one forget just how heavy this SUV is.

On the X6 M50i, there's a stunning 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood. It is also paired with the same eight-speed automatic from ZF and generates 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine is just incredible, and although you rarely want for more in the base X6 variants, driving the M50i model makes that lesser version seem almost lethargic. Acceleration and power at any engine speed are brilliant, and the X6 M50i feels like a properly sporty machine. As we mentioned earlier, the existence of this variant, which is both comfortable and powerful, makes one question why the need for an X6 M exists at all.

Despite its sporty styling and performance-minded deposition, the X6 is remarkably compliant and comfortable. The suspension helps smooth over small bumps and big undulations with ease, but those more accustomed to the lavish ride of your typical Mercedes-Benz offering will note a hint of harshness that may not suit everyone. For this reason, we recommend a test drive before signing on the dotted line, as some of the X6's competition may offer a softer feel. Or opt for the optional adaptive air suspension. However, we must also mention that going on such a drive may just make you fall in love with the way this large machine handles, as the steering is sharp and the nose goes exactly where you place it. Sure, there are occasions where some common sense will need to be applied to avoid dangerous understeer, but for the most part, the overall experience is simply mesmerizing.

This hefty SUV handles a lot better than it should, and its rivals from Ingolstadt and Affalterbach are less engaging in the corners. Overall, the blend of grip, steering accuracy, and minimal body roll makes the X6 a brilliant vehicle to play with. The Dynamic Handling package that adds active roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering is no longer available for the xDrive40i from this year, but only for the M50i, sharpening up the handling significantly. For an electrically-assisted steering setup, this is brilliant. Two-axle air suspension can further enhance the comfort and performance characteristics of the vehicle, but the X6 M50i is the ultimate in the range with the availability of optional M Sport brakes, but last year's electronic M Sport rear differential is sadly no longer offered. Regardless of which model you opt for, braking is good and easy to modulate, with the mild-hybrid system's brake regeneration system failing to disrupt the experience in any noticeable way.

Gas mileage is rarely a concern for the premium luxury SUV buyer, but it's still good to know what to expect. On the base X6, the EPA estimates that the SUV is capable of 21/25/23 mpg city/highway/combined. With a 21.9-gallon gas tank, it will achieve around 504 miles of mixed driving range. However, the M50i variant is a lot less economical, with figures of 16/22/18 mpg and an average range of around 394 miles.

The interior of the X6 is quite spacious and attractive, although those in the rear seats would certainly appreciate rather being in an X5 due to diminished headroom from the sloping roofline. Nevertheless, there's plenty of legroom and the mix of Vernasca leather on the seats and door panels combined with SensaTec faux leather on the dash makes this a very luxurious place to be. Dual 12.3-inch screens for driver info and infotainment mix well with the aesthetic of the cabin and add a high-tech look to it, while 16-way power front seats with heating ensure that journeys are comfortable and relaxing.

The BMW X6 coupe seats five in relative comfort, but six-footers will not appreciate being consigned to the second row on longer journeys. There's enough legroom back there, but the sloping roofline does take its toll. In front, there's plenty of space for passengers of any size, and the standard 16-way power front seats ensure that anyone can find a comfortable and commanding driving position. Getting in and out is easy too, but the roofline once again has a negative impact. Visibility is also impacted as looking out the back or checking blind spots is a little tricky, but otherwise, sitting in the X6 is an enjoyable experience.

Vernasca leather is standard in the 2022 BMW X6 SUV, with SensaTec faux leather adorning the dash and wood or aluminum accents adding contrast. There's quite a bit of choice on offer, with six colors available as standard. These include Ivory White, Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Coffee, Cognac, and Black. Premium Merino leather is also available for $1,000, with a choice of Ivory White/Night Blue, plain Ivory White, Black, Coffee, and Tartufo. Trim elements available include Brown-Metallic Ash Grain Wood, Aluminum Dark Mesh, and Aluminum Tetragon. The X6 M50i also has access to carbon fiber at $300, and Individual Piano Black or BMW Individual Fineline Black at $1,080 each. However, some of the more premium options will require the addition of other packages too, so the real price can be much higher.

Cargo space is part of the reasoning behind choosing an SUV over a sedan or hatchback. However, the X5 is a better choice here, with 6.5 cubic feet more volume than the X6's 27.4 cubic feet. Although that's still enough for weekend luggage for each occupant and a little more, you may prefer to fold the 40/20/40 rear seats to open up a space of 59.6 cubic feet for larger items.

In the cabin, both rows get a pair of cupholders, while those up front also get center armrest storage and a spot in the center console along with a glovebox. Each door also has large door pockets.

All new X6 models are well-equipped with standard features, including launch control, power-folding heated wing mirrors, dynamic cruise control, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, keyless entry with push-button start, a hands-free power tailgate with remote release, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, configurable multicolor ambient lighting, 16-way power adjustable and heated front seats, parking sensors front and rear, a rearview camera, and adaptive LED headlights and brake lights. You also get forward collision detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a crash preparation system. The X6 M50i model adds to this with 18-way front seats, and quad-zone climate control. Available packages will add combinations of features such as remote start, a head-up display, gesture control, LED headlights with laser light, a panoramic LED roof lighting system, massaging front seats, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, and an evasion aid. You can also spec a parking assistant, and surround-view camera, heated rear seats, heated front armrests, and a heated steering wheel.

Infotainment on the new BMW X6 is handled through a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with voice control and the iDrive 7.0 operating system. It includes HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You also get Bluetooth and two USB ports, and navigation. A ten-speaker sound system is standard and last year's 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is no longer available for the xDrive40i, but at least it's standard on the M50i. The M50i's optional Bowers & Wilkins 20-speaker setup has also been dropped. As usual, the infotainment system's graphics are clean and sharp and display vibrant images, and the interface is easy to adapt to and understand.

Reliability is an important part of our research, and in review of the BMW X6's time on the market thus far, there are indications that things aren't quite perfect. The 2021 variant was subject to six recalls, for problems such as headlights with non-conforming lenses, a potential loss in tire pressure due to inner tire layers failing, misassembled 48-volt batteries, loss of ABS and/or braking assistance, backup camera malfunctions, and loose steering-column shafts. So far, there have been no recalls for the 2022 model. Still, J.D. Power awarded the 2021 variant a superb quality and reliability rating of 90 out of 100 but there's no 2022 rating yet.

In terms of warranty coverage, the X6 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance. Maintenance is covered for the first three years or 36,000 miles.

Thus far, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has yet rated the safety of the X6 in the USA, but the very similar X5 has performed very well in reviews conducted by both agencies.

As standard, the X6 comes with a multitude of safety features that include adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams, adaptive LED brake lights, rain-sensing wipers, dynamic cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, forward collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. You also get a collision preparation system that closes windows and tightens seatbelts if a crash is imminent. You also get frontal, side-impact, and overhead airbags to tally six, while options include park assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist.

The BMW X6 series of vehicles, which comprises only a six-cylinder variant and a V8 M-fettled model, is more compelling than ever before. However, these SUVs are also inherently flawed, with that swooping roofline detracting from the practicality for which SUVs are usually chosen. Nevertheless, its popularity highlights that some people want coupe styling in a big, brutish package. However, while others may be mostly show and little go, the X6 backs up its sporty styling with brilliant handling and a truly engaging drive. In addition, it comes with a long list of standard features and plenty of customization options, especially when it comes to color schemes, both inside and out. We would recommend visiting a dealer to see the upholstery options in person as pics don't quite do them justice. But, no matter what you opt for, the X6 is luxurious, powerful, and exciting. The infotainment system is brilliant too, but is the cost of the BMW X6 worth it over that of the X5 while getting less out of the experience? On paper, the answer is no, but if you want something that looks unlike anything else on the road, the X6 is very tough to pass on.

The X6 is available in two configurations in the US, with the base model being the cheapest. It starts at a base price of $67,350 before a $995 destination charge. The price of a BMW X6 M50i is $86,250, but depending on how much you're willing to spend, that can be inflated considerably. A fully loaded model will carry a price in excess of $107,000.

With the loss of last year's rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i base model, the 2022 BMW X6 range has now been pared down to two models, both all-wheel drive, namely the xDrive40i and the M50i. We review the X6 M separately.

The xDrive40 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, sending the power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes Icon adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive brake lights, power-folding and heated exterior rear-view mirrors, a hands-free power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade. Inside, Vernasca leather upholstery is standard, as well as power-adjustable and heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The infotainment system consists of dual 12.3-inch screens and it incorporates enhanced Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ten-speaker audio system.

The M50i additionally receives the M Sport body kit, adaptive M suspension, blacked-out Shadowline exterior trim, and M Sport brakes with blue calipers, besides its 523-hp V8 engine. Inside, 18-way electrically adjustable and ventilated multi-contour front seats are added, as well as quad-zone climate control. The audio system is upgraded to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon setup. This model has access to more interior and exterior finishes too, as well as additional extras.

Although the M50i variant gets an M Sport body kit as standard, it is available on the lesser models too at a cost of $3,450. For the xDrive40i, there is a Premium Package that can be had for $1,250, which equips remote engine start, gesture control, and a head-up display; this is $1,000 on the M50i, which already has remote engine start. The available Executive Package adds these features as well as a LED-lit Panoramic Sky Lounge roof, rear side-window shades, glass controls for the iDrive controller, gear shift, and start/stop button, and Icon adaptive LED headlights for $3,550 to the lower trim. This again costs less - $3,300 - on the M50i that already has remote engine start. Other options for the xDrive40i include a Driving Assistance Package ($1,700), Luxury Seating ($1,600), a Shadowline Package ($600) that blacks out the exterior trim, and Parking Assistance ($800), while standalone add-ons include heated armrests and steering wheel for $250, an Anthracite Alcantara headliner for $650, four-zone climate control for $500, glass controls for $650, air suspension for $1,000, and M Sport brakes with either red or blue calipers for $650.

And, if you've decided on the M50i model already, upgrades for this model include the exclusive Dynamic Handling Package for $2,600, front massaging seats for $1,000, and a leather dashboard for $850.

Although the lesser-powered xDrive40i is highly impressive, we're tempted to go with the thirstier M50i variant. The added performance that this model offers is simply exhilarating and makes the X6 M seem almost redundant. In addition, you get a number of features thrown in, including an M Sport body kit, adaptive M suspension, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, quad-zone climate control, and better front seats. The only option that we deem truly necessary is the parking assistant system, as looking out that letterbox of a rear window is a problem. Adding this option costs only $800.

The BMW X5 is the biggest problem that the X6 has to deal with. Not only does it offer broadly the same features as the X6 while also providing more cargo volume behind the rear seats, but it's also cheaper. While the 2022 X6 starts at over $67,000, the X5 is sold for a starting price of $59,400. It comes in more configurations as the X6 - also a RWD base model and a hybrid - but offers more practicality and better headroom for rear passengers. It also has an arguably more appealing overall aesthetic, although some will still prefer the oddball looks of the X6. Ultimately, there's no real difference beyond the obvious of the body style and the price with even fuel consumption figures being similar, so the choice will come down to personal preference.

If you're dead set on an SUV with coupe styling but can't quite look past that $67,000 price tag that accompanies the X6, you may be tempted by the X4, which starts at $51,800. However, those savings have their downsides. The X4's base variant is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Like the X6, handling is brilliant and practicality is low, but the styling is a little better resolved in our opinion and the X4 looks much bigger than it feels on the road. The cabin is very much like a scaled-down X6, with a pair of digital screens and numerous options. It's a great vehicle and there's plenty to love about it, but we suspect the additional space and power of the X6 will be worth the added investment.