2023 BMW X6

Although it didn’t truly invent the idea, the BMW X6 is the vehicle that helped popularize the “crossover coupe” idea. It swaps the X5’s traditional SUV wagon shape for a fastback roof and aggressive, sporty looks, and it’s currently having a real moment. Introduced into the teeth of the Great Recession in late 2007, the X6 has been redesigned twice since then and 2022 was its best-selling year ever. According to Motor Intelligence data, BMW sold 13,676 of them last year, up 42% from 2021, itself a record year of 9,591 X6 deliveries.

A major refresh will arrive this summer as a 2024 model, but after such a bonanza in 2022, BMW has made only minor changes to the 2023 X6 lineup. Last year the automaker made all-wheel drive (AWD) standard, the finicky optional gesture controls for the audio system are gone, as is the optional Vernasca leather, but much larger changes (including powertrain updates) loom for next year. The basic third-generation X6 package remains much as it has since 2019, with four levels of power from 335 to 617 horsepower and a host of performance options.

In 2008, the X6 and the old Infiniti FX (the first “coupe SUV”) were really the only vehicles in this class but as sales have climbed, fastback SUVs have proliferated. Most are smaller, in the X4’s compact class, but Mercedes-Benz offers a GLE Coupe (though only in AMG form now), Porsche has a Cayenne Coupe and Audi offers the Q8. But part of the X6’s appeal is outrageousness and performance, and BMW has two newer SUVs of roughly the same size that are faster and wilder, the electric iX and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) XM.

BMWs are all about performance, and the X6 is self-consciously sportier looking than its upright X5 sibling. The two are almost identical mechanically, but model-for-model the X6 weighs a little less, making it the faster of the pair. Their powertrain offerings are also a little different. The X6 offers the 335-horsepower M40i 3.0-liter inline six, the 4.4-liter V8, 526-hp M50i and the M versions, which boost the V8 to 600 (M) or 617 hp (M Competition). The X5’s PHEV isn’t offered, but the X6’s performance and handling are electrifying in other ways.

The downside, of course, is that the X6 loses much of the X5’s practicality. The back seat is considerably smaller than the X5’s already below-average aft quarters, and so is the cargo hold. Gone is the X5’s handy split tailgate, replaced with a hatch that doesn’t have as large a load area and further eats into cargo room. For this, you pay $3,700 to $6,200 more than the equivalent X5, model-for-model. These tradeoffs, however, are also present in the X6’s opposite numbers from Porsche and Mercedes. You’re paying for style.

As on the X5, BMW prioritizes driving dynamics and style here, and that’s what most buyers want. The SUV’s lengthy options list includes some features we think should be standard, but so do the other Germans, and more value-oriented, same-size competitors really aren’t here yet. Genesis will soon launch a GV80 Coupe, but it won’t arrive until late 2024. There is some internal competition, however from the iX. The X6 is meant to be outrageous and fast, and the iX is even more outrageous and faster for a little less money. Try before you buy.

Performance: 14/15

Mechanically, the X6 is basically the same vehicle as the X5, but it’s a little lighter (100 to 150 pounds), a little more aerodynamic and 1.9 inches lower, which also means a lower center of gravity. All that means a modest performance advantage over the equivalent X5 model. It’s only one- or two-tenths of a second when comparing zero-to-60 times and handling nuance detectable only to serious track day veterans, but it is there.

The X6 uses the same basic engines and running gear as the X5, except for not offering the PHEV version. BMW also dropped the rear-wheel drive base model last year, so all X6s are AWD now, and all use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are four levels of power starting with the 40i, which uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged, 48 volt mild-hybrid assisted inline-six making 335 hp and 331 pound-feet of torque. It’s good for zero-to-60 runs of 5.3 seconds, according to BMW. Above that is the M50i, with a 4.4-liter V8 cranking out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft, good for a very rapid 4.1-second zero-to-60 sprint. Both of the regular X6s have well-damped suspensions, direct steering and capable handling. Ride quality is on the firm side, but not as harsh as the X6 M versions.

On the M, a tuned-up version of the same 4.4-liter V8 delivers 600 horsepower, and the Competition package adds 17 more, but both get the same 553 lb-ft torque figure. The M will rocket to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, slightly faster than the X5 M, and it comes with a variety of performance enhancements. An adaptive suspension and selectable driving modes (including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus) are standard. Not enough? The Competition adds a thundering sport exhaust, unique Track mode, 22-inch alloy wheels and more.

The X6M is a fire-breathing Godzilla with Hulk-like tire grip and immensely strong brakes in addition to its fundamental agility. It’s loud though, and rides pretty harshly.

While the X6 has up to 8.5 inches of ground clearance and a capable AWD system, on its stock tires it’s not much of an off-road adventurer. It will, however, tow up to 7,200 pounds, which is quite good for the class.

Fuel Economy: 10/15 

Without the rear-drive base model or PHEV option of the X5, the X6’s line-wide fuel economy average is appreciably lower than its more upright sibling. It’s not awful, but it’s not spectacular either. The base X6 40i is rated at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 25 highway), and no doubt helped by the mild-hybrid system. This is pretty good by midsize performance SUV standards, and way ahead of the Audi Q8 (20 mpg combined) and six-cylinder Cayenne (19 mpg) and Cayenne S Coupe (18 mpg combined).

It’s different for the V8s though. The X6 M50i earns only 18 mpg combined (16 city, 22 highway), and the X6 M is a bona fide guzzler at just 15 mpg combined (13 city, 18 highway). The M50i rates worse than the Genesis GV80 3.5T or the Mercedes-AMG GLE43, but a little better than the Audi SQ8 (17 mpg combined). The M versions fall short of the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo or Jaguar’s V8 F-Pace SVR.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

The BMW X6 has not been tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). However, since it is structurally very similar, and mechanically almost identical, to the X5, we rate it the same way we do that SUV. NHTSA gives the X5 four stars overall. IIHS named the X5 a Top Safety Pick in 2022, its second-highest honor, but the stricter standards mean the 2023 model doesn’t get that designation.

The X6 comes standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts (extra useful given this SUV’s huge blind spots). For an additional $1,700, the Driving Assistance Professional package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic evasive steering assist and emergency stop assist, a feature that brings the vehicle to a stop if the system determines the driver is unresponsive.

This array of features is comparable to other German luxury SUVs, but automakers from other countries like Acura (on the MDX) and Genesis (GV80) offer more standard gear.

Comfort & Room: 9/15

The X6 is a firm riding machine, being optimized for on-road dynamics rather than soft luxury, but it’s no worse than the X5. The real difference is room—there’s just less of it. Up front, things don’t shrink that much, but the X6 has 1.4 inches less headroom, so very tall drivers might prefer the X5. The front seats are well-contoured and decently cushioned for long-distance comfort. The available Luxury Seating Package adds ventilation and massage functions, making it a smart addition for those who anticipate long road trips. 

In back, however, even more space is lost. There are 37.5 inches of aft headroom and only 35.7 inches of rear legroom (down 1.2 and 1.7 inches from the X5). Given that the X5’s rear seat is fairly small by the standards of this class, the X6 comes out way below average back here. Audi’s Q8 has almost 5 inches more legroom (40.2) and Genesis 3 inches more (38.7). Porsche and Mercedes are coy about their rear legroom measurements, but only the Cayenne coupe is similar.

Unlike the X5, there’s no optional third row in the X6, which is just as well.

Infotainment: 11/15

All BMW X6s are equipped with a large 12.3-inch infotainment display, and like Mercedes-Benz, BMW offers multiple control interfaces via the steering wheel and the round click wheel on the console. Chip shortages played havoc with BMW’s touchscreen availability last year but those problems seem to have resolved in 2023. A substantial change will arrive next year, with BMW’s new curved display and iDrive 8 software, but for now, the X6 uses the older iDrive 7 system.

This setup is packed with features, but its multitude of menus can be daunting to BMW newbies. Hard buttons for climate control allow for look-free adjustments and a row of programmable shortcut buttons also reduces screen reliance. iDrive 8 has helpful voice commands but is, in our experience, even more complex than version 7, so we don’t consider iDrive 7 to be a negative for 2023.

A configurable digital instrument panel is also standard and can display several different types of instrument and information layouts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included, but require cables. 

Cargo Space & Storage: 9/15

The biggest difference, apart from the looks, between the X5 and X6 is the cargo hold. While the X5 is only an average midsize SUV in cargo volume, it also has a handy split tailgate that makes loading easier and adds flexibility. The X6 loses a whole bunch of cargo volume and that tailgate, which is replaced with a conventional hatchback lid. The load area is narrower as a result, and the hatch eats into the space just as on the smaller X4.

The X5 can house 33.9 cubic-feet of cargo behind its rear seats and 72.3 with them folded, but the X6 can hold just 27.4 and 59.6, which is less than BMW’s one-size-smaller X3 and about equal to the much smaller X1. Porsche’s Cayenne Coupe and the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe are similarly restrictive or worse, but most other midsize SUVs have more. Even the Audi Q8 can hold 30.5 cubic-feet behind the rear seats, and the Genesis GV80 and Acura MDX much more.

Small item storage in the X6 is about average for the class.

Style & Design: 7/10

Undeniably more aggressive than the X5, the BMW X6 still stands out visually even if the smaller X4 might look more rakish and the iX is more outrageous. Unlike some newer BMW designs, iX included, this X6 isn’t saddled with a Gigantor-like grille, but it also isn’t quite as distinctive as the original X6 was 15 years ago. It also looks busier and fussier in its details than alternatives from Mercedes-Benz and especially Porsche. Style updates are coming for 2024, so keep that in mind.

The X6’s interior is standard BMW, understated and high-tech, but with design treatments and materials that meet luxury standards assembled with reassuring solidity. If you spring for the high-performance V8s, you’ll also get a sport steering wheel and more aggressive sports seats, which look cool and definitely keep you from sliding around. The X6’s interior isn’t as posh as Mercedes, but it does look a little nicer than the Cayenne’s and lacks some of the distracting screens seen on the iX and Audi Q8.

Is the 2023 BMW X6 Worth it? Which X6 is the Best Value? 

If you’re in love with the X6’s looks, then there’s a good case to be made, but that’s really what this machine is all about. An increasing number of buyers seem to really like this recipe, but the X5 offers much the same driving experience with more room and for less money. 

The X6 40i starts at $71,095 (including a $995 destination charge), which is $6,200 more than an equivalent X5 xDrive40i, while the V8 X6 M50i starts at $90,095 ($3,700 over the X5 M50i). The best value of the lot is probably the base X6 40i, but for serious performance fans, the M50i offers power to match the racy looks. It’s also a less raucous and harsh daily driver than the X6 M. That’s where we think the best value lies.

The X6 M rings in at $114,695, which is $4,800 more than the X5 M or the iX M60. The latter requires making the leap to electric power and dealing with many more complicated screens, but it’s faster and more luxurious than the X6 M, and far more spacious than either gas-powered alternative. The slightly less powerful iX xDrive50 also undercuts the X6 M50i while outpowering it.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the BMW X6?

The X6 isn’t cheap to insure. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an average annual premium of $3,302 for the X6 40i, $4,275 for the M50i and $4,582 for the X6 M. A similar Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige would run to $2,744, an Audi SQ8 Prestige $3,798 and a Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo $3,938. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.