Used 2020 BMW X6

A trend-setting vehicle that spawned an entire segment of SUV coupes, the redesigned, 3rd-generation 2020 BMW X6 is better than ever. It remains based on the BMW X5, but the more expensive BMW X6 includes a fastback roofline that sacrifices passenger and cargo space in the name of style. It comes in sDrive40i, xDrive40i, M50i, and X6 M model series, and we cover the high-performance X6 M in a separate review.

With improved driving dynamics both on and off the pavement, as well as a long list of safety, infotainment and convenience technology upgrades, the latest BMW X6 is ready to take on the Audi Q8, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Maserati Levante, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe. If you like the way it looks and drives, and you don’t mind the compromises you’ll make for the sake of style, you’ll enjoy owning the new BMW X6.

Every version of the all-new 2020 BMW X6 makes more horsepower and torque than before, and BMW quotes significant improvement in acceleration times to 60 mph. Add a lower center of gravity than the old X6 and the test vehicle’s larger 22-inch wheels, and you won’t even notice the SUV’s slight weight gain.

We tested the X6 M50i on the winding roads near the South Carolina factory that builds the SUV, and found it gratifying to drive. Feeling sportier from behind the wheel than the X5 on which it is based, in part thanks to superior weight distribution, the new X6 no longer feels ponderous in the way the previous-generation version could.

Especially in the Sport or Sport+ driving modes, the X6 M50i supplies robust acceleration and passing power. These modes also noticeably stiffen the suspension, tighten the steering and quicken throttle response. If you’d prefer to try to match the EPA’s fuel-economy numbers, choose the Eco mode, which also transforms the X6 M50i into a calmer and more relaxed luxury SUV.

Like other recently redesigned BMWs, the 2020 X6’s interior features a geometric theme rendered in quality materials. Leather upholstery is standard, and simulated leather on the dashboard enhances the luxurious yet technical look and feel.

Controls and displays remain oriented toward the driver, with minimalistic switchgear and digital instrumentation that replaces BMW’s traditional round gauges with a bar-graph tachometer and speedometer more appropriate for a video game. The iDrive touch-screen infotainment system is cleanly integrated and located within easy reach.

Five people can fit into the X6, but four will be happier. This SUV offers less headroom than the BMW X5, and the back seat has less leg and shoulder space. Cargo volume is reduced in comparison to the X5, too, with 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 59.6 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split rear seat folded down.

Historically, the BMW X6 has always looked a little awkward. The redesigned 3rd-generation X6 is better proportioned, though, because it boasts a longer wheelbase, a wider track, a lower roofline and wheel selections sized up to 22 inches in diameter.

Two different trim treatments are available. The xLine version features lots of pearl-effect chrome exterior trim and rugged-looking lower styling elements, while the M Sport variant has a more aggressive look with body-color trim and blue brake calipers.

Both versions of the X6 have an enormous grille, and the entire thing is optionally illuminated. It flashes to confirm remote locking and unlocking functions, and the driver can activate it in conjunction with the daytime running lights. It does not work at night when you’re using the standard adaptive LED headlights.

In sDrive40i and xDrive40i guise, the X6 features a generous 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The X6 M50i is even better, with 8.5 inches. That’s plenty for snowstorms and off-roading.

PANORAMIC SKY LOUNGE LIGHTING
This gee-whiz-bang option transforms the BMW X6’s standard panoramic glass roof into a display mimicking the look of a starlit sky. It works at night, illuminating 15,000 individual points on the glass in your choice of six different colors. It’s included in the Executive Package.

BOWERS & WILKINS DIAMOND SURROUND-SOUND AUDIO
For thundering bass and crystalline highs, look no further than the BMW X6’s optional 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound audio system. With 1,500 watts of power, exclusive Diamond Dome tweeter speakers, QuantumLogic Surround/Dynamic Sound Equalizing, and more, it will make your ears bleed in the very best of ways.

The BMW X6 is more expensive than the BMW X5 on which it is based, partially because it has more standard equipment.

In addition to 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the new BMW X6 includes a standard panoramic glass sunroof and exterior welcome ground lighting. Leather seats and automatic climate control are also standard, along with ambient cabin lighting and Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with a 12.3-inch display.

Several advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS) are standard. They include forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

On the infotainment front, the 2020 X6 includes BMW’s latest system, called iDrive7. It has new haptic controls, voice controls and a 12.3-inch touch-screen display. You can even get gesture control as an option. Additionally, the system features navigation, cloud-based BMW Connected services, and Apple CarPlay. BMW has announced that Android Auto will be available starting in mid-2020.

When you upgrade to a BMW X6 M50i, the standard-equipment list adds an M Sport aerodynamic body kit, darkened Shadowline trim, and M Sport-tuned brake, suspension, exhaust and drivetrain components. The M50i also features multi-contour front seats, 4-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio and a Wi-Fi connection.

From the M50i’s standard features, those unrelated to vehicle performance are available on the 40i models. Both versions can be fitted with premium leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and front armrests, and heated and cooled cup holders. Remote engine starting is another upgrade that’s particularly useful in cold and hot climates.

Indulgences include glass interior controls, acoustic-glass windows, Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof lighting, a Bowers & Wilkins premium surround-sound system with 20 speakers, and special BMW Individual paint and interior color upgrades. The X6 is also available with a 360-degree surround, panoramic and 3D-view camera system; a drive recording system; a rear-seat entertainment system; and Night Vision with pedestrian detection.

The Driving Assistance Professional Package adds several useful driving aids. They include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and automatic lane-change capabilities, lane-keeping assist with Active Side Collision Protection to prevent unintentional contact during lane wander, and front cross-traffic alert. The Extended Traffic Jam Assistant with Steering works at speeds up to 40 mph, while the Evasion Assistant steering support technology includes pedestrian detection.

A new Off-Road Package is available for the xDrive40i, equipping the SUV with an air suspension that can adjust ride height by a total of 3.2 inches depending on the driving situation or to balance uneven loads. The package also includes an M Sport rear differential, front and rear under-body guards, and four additional driving modes for off-roading situations.

Backup Assistant is new to the 2020 X6, and can retrace the car’s previous 50 yards of travel in reverse, matching steering inputs to back up along the exact same path most recently traveled. This is especially helpful when you’ve nosed the SUV into tight quarters. A larger head-up display is also offered for the new X6, showing more information than before, all projected into the driver’s field of view rather than onto the windshield.

BMW identifies rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles with sDrive in the name, while versions with all-wheel drive (AWD) are called xDrive. In the X6, xDrive powers the rear wheels exclusively unless traction conditions warrant use of the front wheels.

Choose the sDrive40i or xDrive40i, and the 2020 BMW X6 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine underneath its hood. Making an extra 35 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous model’s standard engine, this new powerplant features a twin-scroll single turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and the latest version of BMW’s Valvetronic fully variable-valve timing.

According to BMW, it makes the X6 more than a half-second faster to 60 mph, arriving at that speed in 5.2 seconds (sDrive40i) or 5.3 seconds (xDrive40i). The top speed is governed to 130 mph on the standard all-season rubber, or 155 mph with a performance tire upgrade. It tows up to 7,200 pounds.

In the X6 M50i, a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 4.4-liter V8 engine delivers 78 extra horsepower and 74 lb-ft of extra torque for 2020. Highlights include two twin-scroll turbochargers, a more precise fuel-injection system, Valvetronic, BMW’s Double VANOS variable-camshaft timing, and an M Sport exhaust system with driver-selected sound modes. This model includes standard xDrive and an M Sport rear differential.

Naturally, the X6 M50i is faster than the standard models. BMW says that 60 mph arrives in 4.1 seconds, a half-second quicker than the previous X6 xDrive50i.

Both engines are bolted to an 8-speed sport automatic that uses navigation data to predict the right gear for the right time. Several driver-selected driving modes are also available. Depending on equipment, they maximize efficiency, comfort, performance and off-roading capability.

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
335 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (sDrive), 20/26 mpg (xDrive)

4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8
523 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 mpg