The new 2020 BMW X6 – Luxury SUV Coupe

When it first debuted 10 years ago, the BMW X6 was a highly controversial addition to the lineup. Although it was a high-riding crossover SUV like its close sibling, the more traditionally styled X5, the X6 defied convention—and, to many eyes, good taste—with its radically sloping roofline that slashed rear-seat headroom and cargo space, and also resulted in proportions that were highly unusual for an SUV. BMW called it a Sports Activity Coupe and charged a premium versus the more utilitarian X5.

Some 443,000 sales worldwide over the model’s lifespan would seem to be proof of concept—as would the arrival of competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe and the Porsche Cayenne coupe. Now, BMW has introduced the third-generation model, the 2020 X6, which is available as an sDrive40i, xDrive40i, and M50i.

As it has since the beginning, the X6 is priced a fair bit higher than the one-number-lower X5. The 2020 X6 sDrive40i starts at $64,300 (versus $60,700 for the current, 2019-model X5 xDrive40i). And the 2020 X6 M50i opens at $85,650, nearly $10k more than the current X5 M50i. Prices exclude $995 delivery. The latest X6 arrives in showrooms in November.

The X6 trails the redesigned X5 by one model year, but the two SUVs have much in common, including elements of their powertrains, chassis tech, and interior design. Like the X5, the 2020 X6 again is offered with turbocharged 6-cylinder power or with a twin-turbo V8 under the hood. But while the X5 comes only with all-wheel drive, the 6-cylinder version of the X6 can be had in rear-drive or AWD form. The M50i is AWD only.

The turbocharged inline-six that powers the X6 40i variants makes the same 335 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque as it does in the X5, although that does represent an additional 35 ponies compared to the previous X6. BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, however, better fulfills the X6’s mission to be the sportier offering, as it is more potent here than it is in the X5. The 2020 X6 M50i musters 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, bettering the X5 M50i’s 456 horses and 479 lb-ft. The new X6 M50i’s output also represents hefty increases of 78 horsepower and 73 lb-ft over the 2019 model. (That would seem to hardly leave room for the inevitable X6 M version, but we certainly wouldn’t bet against its return.)

Besides the uprated powertrain, the M50i’s mechanical upgrades over the 40i also include M Sport brakes, M Sport rear differential, Adaptive M Suspension, and M Sport exhaust system with switchable exhaust note—all of which are optional on the 40i.

Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic, and BMW estimates their zero-to-60 times as follows: 5.3 seconds for the xDrive40i, 5.2 for the sDrive40i, and 4.1 for the M50i. Those figures are down from 6.0 seconds for the previous X6 40i (both RWD and AWD) and 4.5 for the outgoing M50i. For those eyeing an X6 for work rather than play, know that the model is rated to tow up to 7,200 pounds—same as an X5.

All X6 models come standard with adaptive dampers with selectable Sport and Comfort modes. Active Roll Stabilization is optional, as is 4-wheel steering (BMW’s Integral Active Steering). An available air-spring suspension can raise or lower the vehicle by up to 3.2 inches in total. Lest you think the X6 is some kind of track hound that can’t possibly set a tire off the pavement, BMW has introduced a new Off-Road Package, available on the xDrive40i, which includes the air springs, the M Sport rear differential, skid plates, and special off-road driving modes.
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