2025 BMW X6

Overview

Going into its sixth year in production, the 2025 BMW X6 continues as a slope-roofed alternative to the traditionally shaped X5 SUV, trading a little cargo capacity and some rear-passenger headroom for a more rakish—if still polarizing—profile. The interior follows the BMW playbook, blending quality, luxury grade materials with fashionable design, and a suite of modern technology features anchored by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. A lively 375-horsepower turbocharged inline-six serves as the base engine in the xDrive40i trim, while a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 steps in for duty in the higher-performance M60i. Both engines deliver power to the pavement via an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. If 523 hp doesn’t quite scratch the itch, the BMW X6 M, which we review separately, is on tap with 617 hp and a razor-sharp chassis. While it’s true that the X6 was instrumental in the emergence of the luxury “crossover coupe” class, it no longer stands alone, with models like the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe vying for the same buyers.

What's New for 2025?

Significantly refreshed for 2024, the 2025 X6 gets some minor tech-based updates. BMW’s Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistant is now available on the X6 as part of the Driving Assistance Professional Package. Starting with vehicles built in March 2024 or later, the system will include Active Lane Change with eye activation that initiates the lane change by looking at the corresponding rear-view mirror. (It will not be available on X6 M.) Once we drive this new system, we'll let you know how well it works in the real world. BMW’s Comfort Access with the BMW Digital Key Plus, which unlocks the doors as you approach and adjusts seating and steering wheel positions for the driver preferences, will be integrated into the My BMW App for keyless functionality. BMW Maps navigation and the My BMW App system also feature several updates, including updated map view and routing. To increase interest and awareness in its EV models among current owners of gas-powered BMWs, the app now also includes an E-mobility Analysis function that scrutinizes the driver’s behavior then proposes the BMW EV model most suited to them should they be ready to trade in for a new EV.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year's model is largely unchanged and you're comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it'll cost less than buying new.

C/D Rating:9/10

2024 BMW X6

Shop for a 2024

C/D Rating:9/10

2023 BMW X6

Shop for a 2023

C/D Rating:9/10

2022 BMW X6

Shop for a 2022

Shop All Used BMW X6

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Despite the burlier sounds and gutsier acceleration of the 523-hp X6 M60i, we don't think it's worth the staggering price gap. BMW has a long history of velvety inline six-cylinder engines that overachieve in performance, and the turbocharged 3.0-liter unit in the X6 xDrive40i provides plenty of go for nearly $20k less. We'd spring for the M Sport package that includes a snazzier body kit and exterior trim, an upgraded exhaust system, a sportified suspension, and a unique steering wheel.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The X6 xDrive40i is powered by a 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The M60i has the same transmission and all-wheel drive, but its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 packs 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. (Even more shocking is that the X6 M, reviewed here, has up to 617 horsepower and is even quicker.) Still, the standard six-cylinder powertrain is plenty zippy and velvety smooth. Both the X6 xDrive40i and M60i also have standard adaptive dampers and wheel sizes that range from 20 to 22 inches. Our test of the V-8-powered X6 revealed its impressive cornering grip and stopping power. Although its suspension is firmer than the setup on the six-cylinder X6 we tested, it was never punishing. We also appreciated its adjustable steering heft and hushed interior at cruising speed.

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0–60-MPH Times

The last X6 xDrive40i we tested back in 2020 hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, a respectable figure for an SUV. Since then this model has gained 40 horses so it should be even quicker. The X6 M60i and its 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 shaved nearly an entire second off that time, hitting the 60-mph mark in just 3.8 seconds.

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Towing and Payload Capacity

The X6 has an impressive towing capacity in a segment where pulling capability is often a low priority. When optioned with the available towing package, the maximum towing capacity for the X6 is 7200 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA's fuel mileage estimates for the X6 don't change for 2025. The X6 xDrive40i has EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to the twin-turbo V-8-powered M60i xDrive drops efficiency to 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The xDrive40i returned a welcome 29 mpg on C/D’s 75-mph highway fuel economy route, beating its EPA estimate by 3 mpg. For more information about the X6's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The X6's interior doesn’t stray far from the look and feel of most of the current BMW lineup. That means upscale materials and soft-touch surfaces abound, and two large 12.3-inch digital displays dominate the dashboard. While the instrument panel looks slick, we'd like it if the gauges were presented in a more conventional manner. Thankfully, the optional head-up display is straightforward. The rest of the switchgear is also smartly laid out. BMW's gesture controls—which enable you to control certain functions such as audio volume by waving your hand in front of the infotainment screen—are included but unnecessary. Plenty of standard amenities are offered, too, including 16-way power-adjustable front seats, customizable ambient lighting, heated front cushions, and passive entry. While the back seat is comfortable for two adults, its legroom and headroom shrink by about two and three inches, respectively, compared with the boxier X5. Likewise, the X6 has less cargo volume behind the rear seats. In our test, it only held nine carry-on suitcases back there; the X5 handled 11.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The company's iDrive interface has crisp graphics and immediate responses, but some of the layered menus can be distracting. BMW offers upgrades such as built-in navigation, enhanced USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The X6 can be upgraded with a premium Harman/Kardon stereo (standard on M60i) or an even more premium Bowers & Wilkins unit.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The BMW X6 is available with a plethora of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. For more information about the X6's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW provides limited and powertrain warranties that align with rival luxury automakers such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. However, BMW offers one of the best complimentary maintenance plans in the industry apart from Jaguar.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED
$72,020 (base price: $67,595)

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in³, 2998 cm³
Power
335 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season Run Flat, 275/45-R20 110H M+S ★

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.1 in
Length: 194.8 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 66.3 in
Passenger volume: 100 ft³
Cargo volume: 27 ft³
Curb weight: 4713 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec
60 mph: 4.7 sec
100 mph: 12.7 sec
130 mph: 25.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 131 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 29 mpg
Highway range: 630 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 22/20/26 mpg

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