2020 BMW X6

When the BMW X6 arrived on American roads more than 10-years ago… many reviewers, including us, wondered if the sloping roofline would prove impractical. Well the style caught fire and it’s been copied by many rivals. Now in its third generation… the 2020 BMW X6 benefits from the upgrades of its X5 sibling… growing a little longer and wider… with added wheelbase.

We headed to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where many of the Bavarian brand’s SUV’s roll off their largest assembly line. The standard X6 gets a bigger boost from its 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. But we chose the X6 M50i with its even more potent twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 rating 523 horsepower. Few midsize vehicles have 8-pistons at work these days… so the X6 stands out in ways beyond its fast profile. All that power is mated with a quick shifting eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

“So in true BMW fashion they've combined both comfort and performance with this new X6 model. This thing can put you back in your seat and what makes it even more surprising is how big it is. This car feels so much smaller than it actually is and that really helps with the performance side.”

The double wishbone front, and five link rear suspension coupled with adaptive dampers keep this luxury ute sturdy and nimble. The refined interior is illuminated by a more expansive panoramic roof… and backed up by a full suite of safety and driver assistance tech.

So, the 2020 BMW X6 continues as a more sophisticated SUV option. It fits those willing to pick style over pure utility…but without any loss of BMW driving dynamics. 

On sale now, the X6 starts at just over $64,000… with the M50i beginning under $86,000.