2021 BMW X6

Pros: High-quality interior trim; smooth, powerful drivetrains; comfortable ride

Cons: Price premium over more-practical X5; sloped roofline compromises cargo capacity and intrudes slightly on rear-seat headroom

CG Says: The 2021 BMW X6 gains standard satellite radio and Android Auto functionality. The M50i model gets standard ventilated front seats and remote engine start, while the 40i powertrain gains a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, but its horsepower is unchanged. Also, the X6 M Competition switches from separate model to option package. The BMW X6 is a sloped-roof “fastback” version of BMW’s midsize X5 SUV. The X6 was redesigned for 2020, following in the footsteps of its X5 sibling, which was redesigned for 2019. The X6’s base engine is a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in the 40i. The M50i has a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Topping the line is the high-performance X6 M, which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that develops 600 hp—or 617 hp with the Competition Package. BMW says the Competition accelerates 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and, properly equipped, can reach 177 mph. All X6 engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; the 6-cylinder is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the V8s are exclusively AWD. Unusual features include an illuminated grille; heated/cooled cupholders; 4-wheel steering; and Sky Lounge, a panoramic glass roof with 15,000 illuminated points to mimic a starlit sky. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. An available Driving Assistant Professional package includes lane-keep assist; Active Side-Collision protection; and Extended Traffic Jam Assist, which provides partially automated driving support on limited-access highways. The X6 trades rear-passenger space and cargo room for style and costs more than the X5 to boot. For those who like the X6’s fastback style and don’t need the room, the X6 makes sense. However, most will be better served by the X5.