2023 BMW X6 M50i

　　

2023 BMW X6 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　The 2023 BMW X6 is all about form over function. Its low-slung, sloping roofline paved the way for an entire genre of coupe-like SUVs, and though some competitors do the swoopy sport ute thing slightly better, they owe their existence to the X6.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW X6 M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl 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

　　$253/mo  for X6 M50i

　　X6 M50i

　　M50i 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $89,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Based on the midsize X5 SUV, the X6 essentially takes that design and carves out a portion of the roof to form a fastback rear end. The design grants it a sleeker profile but also cuts into rear  headroom and cargo space. It also hurts visibility since the rear windows are smaller. Still, there are buyers who love the look enough to sacrifice those things in the name of fashion.

　　Though the BMW had a healthy head start on its coupe-like SUV competition, its rivals are now catching up to the original and in some cases surpassing it. Raked-roofline SUVs such as the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Coupe give the X6 a run for its money, though the BMW is able to stay in the fight thanks to a high-quality interior, comfortable ride and sporty driving dynamics.

　　

Which X6 does zzdcar recommend?

Of the X6's two trim levels, we think the base xDrive40i is the one to get. Its six-cylinder engine produces plenty of power and it comes with a solid list of standard features out of the box. The additional performance of the M50i is appealing, but probably not what most buyers in this class are looking for.

　　

BMW X6 models

The 2023 X6 comes in only two trims: the xDrive40i and the M50i (we cover the crazy X6 M separately). The xDrive40i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the M50i packs a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard. Feature highlights include:

　　xDrive40i

　　Standard features on the base model include:

　　Adaptive LED headlights 20-inch wheels 12.3-inch touchscreen 12.3-inch display screen Navigation system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Front and rear parking sensors Power-folding and heated exterior mirrors Simulated leather upholstery Heated front sport seats Rain-sensing wipers 10-speaker audio system USB-C port Adjustable ambient lighting Panoramic sunroofStandard safety equipment includes:

　　Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)M50i

　　A performance version of the X6 that adds:

　　Upgraded brakes Sport steering wheel Ventilated front seats Four-zone automatic climate control 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Adaptive sport suspension Unique interior and exterior trim Simulated suede headliner Sport differential Sport exhaust systemFrom here you can add a variety of options. Key packages to look out for include:

　　M Sport package (xDrive40i only)

　　Unique exterior trim Unique 20-inch wheels BMW M steering wheelPremium package

　　Wireless charging pad Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield, also available as a stand-alone option) Remote engine startExecutive package

　　Features of the Premium package Glass-trimmed gear selector Upgraded LED headlights Manual rear side window shades Panoramic LED starlight glass roofDriving Assistance Professional package

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance) Forward cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is about to cross your path)Parking Assistance package

　　Front and rear automatic braking (while parking) Drive video recorder 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the X6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)Climate Comfort package

　　Heated steering wheel and armrests Rear heated seats Four-zone climate controlDynamic Handling package

　　Adaptive steering system that includes rear-wheel steering (enhances the X6's agility) Performance-tuned suspension

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