2019 BMW X6 Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
byJames Riswickzzdcar ContributorJames Riswick is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.
What's new
More advanced driver safety aids are now standardApple CarPlay is now standard (subscription-based)Part of the second X6 generation introduced for 2015The 2019 BMW X6 may be called a "coupe" by its makers' marketing wizards, but it's really a five-passenger midsize SUV with the boxy bit at the back chopped off. The resulting fastback-style SUV isn't as useful as a regular midsize SUV or as genuinely sporty as a fastback-style luxury sedan (of which there are now many). Frankly, the X6's compromised nature has never made rational sense to us, going all the way back to the first-generation model introduced more than a decade ago.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota$228/mo for X6 sDrive35i
X6 sDrive35i
sDrive35i 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $63,550 MSRPxDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $65,850 MSRPxDrive50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $78,300 MSRP
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
And yet, not only has the X6 survived into a second generation, it has spawned a number of copycat competitors. Apparently, there are plenty of folks who are perfectly OK with its practical drawbacks. If that describes you, know that the X6 at least excels in its peculiar niche. It's well-engineered, suitably luxurious and blessed with sensational engines. There's also more standard equipment this year. BMW has made last year's Active Driving Assistant package, which included safety features such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, standard for all X6s.
Of course, you're paying a pretty penny for the X6, so perhaps lots of features should be expected. You're also paying more than a comparably equipped (and more practical) BMW X5, which has been completely redesigned for 2019. The X6 soldiers on using the previous X5's bones for at least another year. That may ultimately mean more to you than the X6's inherent compromises.
zzdcar' Expert Rating
6.9 / 10
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the BMW X6 xDrive35i (turbo 3.0L inline-6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current X6 has only changed in regards to features availability. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's X6.
Scorecard
Overall | 6.9 / 10 |
Driving | 7.0 |
Comfort | 8.5 |
Interior | 6.0 |
Utility | 6.5 |
Driving
7.0Engine and transmission performance are big positives for the X6. It's pretty quick for the class, and the engine and transmission are smooth operators. Unfortunately, the steering communicates little back to the driver.
Acceleration
8.0Smooth shifts and a strong-performing engine are what you get with the xDrive35i. In our testing, it covered 0-60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds.
Braking
8.5The brakes felt good around town, with linear action requiring minimal force to engage. They're plenty capable of stopping this hefty SUV. In our simulated-panic stop, the X6 needed just 108 feet from 60 mph, but there was some minor pedal fade after repeated stops.
Steering
5.5The X6 goes where you point it, yes, but there's minimal communication to the steering wheel of what the front tires are up to. The effort is too light in Comfort mode, better in Sport. It can feel numb just off-center.
Handling
6.0The X6 drives like an SUV. Its height limits some connection between driver and road. Body roll is acceptable. Lots of grip from the summer-rated tires. The Sport suspension mode tightens things up considerably.
Drivability
7.0The automatic engine stop-start requires a change in driving style to perfect smooth acceleration from a stoplight. With this feature disengaged, though, the X6 is easy to drive.
Off-road
7.0All-wheel drive and 8.3 inches of ground clearance give this BMW some off-road capability. It can handle gravel and fire roads but isn't designed to venture much deeper off the path than that.
Comfort
8.5This is an area where the X6 does it right. Ride quality is good for a performance SUV. The adjustable suspension absorbs imperfections of varying sizes with ease. The cabin is very quiet. Seat comfort is excellent up front and acceptable in the rear.
Seat comfort
8.5The front seats are firm yet supportive and quite comfy for the long haul. Thigh support could be better. The rear seats are flat and a bit vertical, though they are acceptably comfortable. The armrests are reasonably soft for all seating positions.
Ride comfort
8.0The X6 does an excellent job soaking up bumps, be they large or small, especially when the suspension is in the Comfort setting. The ride is noticeably firmer and less forgiving in Sport mode.
Noise & vibration
9.0Interior noise is held to a minimum almost regardless of surface. One exception is the exhaust bark on full-throttle upshifts, but we rather enjoy that. It's just enough to remind you of the turbocharged six-cylinder under the hood.
Interior
6.0Interior space suffers because of the X6's stylized exterior. The sloping roof limits headroom and rear-seat access. Rearward blind spots are also prominent. Cargo and storage space are merely average, and the rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat.
Ease of use
7.0The centrally located iDrive controller resides at the driver's fingertips. The climate control layout is functional but has too many buttons.
Getting in/getting out
5.5Front-seat access benefits from the X6's height and a wide-opening door. Rear-seat entry is an exercise in flexibility. The door does not open far enough, the opening is too sloped at the roof, and the wheel hump is a hip bruiser.
Roominess
6.5Most drivers up to 6 feet tall will find plenty of headroom up front. Elbows and knees will be similarly comfy. The back seat offers suitable legroom for adults, but the seat is lower than in an X5 and the roof design limits headroom for taller passengers.
Visibility
5.5Forward views benefit from lots of glass and the tall ride height. Over-the-shoulder views are limited significantly by thick rear pillars, and the rear window is small.
Quality
9.0Build quality is excellent inside and out with no squeaks or rattles. Interior surfaces are soft-touch where they ought to be. The leather is of high quality.
Utility
6.5The rear hatch opening is low. The smallish cargo area is aided by underfloor storage. The rear bench seat folds 40/20/40 but not fully flat. The door pockets are usefully large, but the door bottle holders are angled dramatically.
Technology
The X6 has BMW's iDrive interface, which has touchscreen functionality (though the screen is smaller than the X5's) in addition to the console-mounted knob. Apple CarPlay is included but only as a one-year subscription.
Which X6 does zzdcar recommend?
Of the available configurations, we'd go with the rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i or the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i. The 35i's six-cylinder engine is sufficiently powerful, and not splurging on the xDrive50i frees up money to spend on options. We'd get the M Sport Design package for its sportier look and the Dynamic Handling package, which adds adaptive dampers and active roll stabilization. It won't help this SUV's utility deficiency, but it'll definitely maximize its sporting potential.
2019 BMW X6 models
The 2019 BMW X6 is a five-passenger midsize SUV with a steeply raked tailgate. That earns it the name "coupe" in BMW's book. There are three main configurations, plus the high-performance X6 M that we review separately. The X6 sDrive35i has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 300 pound-feet of torque) and rear-wheel drive. The xDrive35i has the same engine and equipment but gains all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive xDrive50i has a turbocharged V8 (445 hp, 480 lb-ft).
Standard equipment for the most basic 35i versions (BMW attaches the name xLine Design to them) includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat. For 2019, you also get blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning as standard.
Infotainment equipment includes BMW's iDrive interface (a 10.2-inch touchscreen and center console controller), integrated navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services (including BMW Assist emergency communications) and integrated smartphone apps, and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player and HD radio. Apple CarPlay is included as well, but only for a year as part of a free trial subscription that must be re-upped.
Stepping up to the xDrive50i gets you the V8 engine, keyless ignition and entry, four-zone automatic climate control, upgraded front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, satellite radio, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
Except for the V8 engine, all of these features are optionally available for the 35i models.
Both 35i and 50i models can be equipped with optional packages (BMW also calls these "Tiers"). The Premium Tier adds surround-view parking cameras, a head-up display, an automated parking system, enhanced USB and Bluetooth system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. The Executive Tier adds LED headlights, automatic high beams, rear window shades, and soft-close automatic doors.
The Dynamic Handling package includes adaptive suspension dampers with a rear air suspension and active roll stabilization. The Driving Assistance Plus package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. An M Sport package gives the X6 sportier-looking bodywork and special interior trim.
Many stand-alone options are also included either in the 50i or the Tiers. However, there's also a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a space-saver spare tire, a night-vision system, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
2019 X6 Highlights
Trim: sDrive35ixDrive35ixDrive50isDrive35i
Base MSRP | $63,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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