AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING9/10
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Safety9/10
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PRACTICALITY7/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS9/10
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FEATURES9/10
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POWER10/10
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COMFORT9/10
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DRIVING FEEL8/10
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FUEL ECONOMY7/10
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VALUE7/10
BMWs have been full of surprises lately.
The performance-focused models I expected would blow my mind ended up missing the mark, and the more mundane ones were very impressive. The X6 has never been a standout for me, but this overhauled SUV proved itself a very pleasant surprise.
Styling: 9/10
The 2024 BMW X6 gets some visual upgrades and tweaks that help it look less gaudy than it used to be by making everything a bit sleeker and more polished. The sportback style isn’t for everyone, but the X6 gets a lot of attention wherever it goes. Especially in this tester’s vibrant Isle of Man Green Metallic paint, black 22-inch wheels, and matte black grille, it comes together well and gives off new money vibes. The cabin is quite dark, but customizable ambient lighting, quilted leather, available carbon-fibre trim, and the optional glass controls all add the opulence I expect from a six-figure vehicle.
Power: 10/10
For 2024, all X6 models are now mild hybrids. All-wheel drive is standard, and the eight-speed automatic transmission now comes with its own electric motor, and combined with the M60i’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8, the X6’s powertrain is a paragon of smoothness and refinement. The V8 on its own is a triumph and is one of my favourite engines ever. With 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, it’s incredible on its own, but adding the mild hybrid system makes the SUV smoother and more powerful.
The mild hybrid system enables the X6 to coast on electric power when driven in eco mode, it smooths out shifts from the transmission so you can barely feel them, it makes the ignition stop-start system barely perceptible, it enables the climate control system to continue running while the engine is off, and it adds an electric boost for acceleration. The powertrain and all supporting elements work together seamlessly and do not miss a single beat, delivering seamless and punchy performance whenever called for.
Fuel Economy: 7/10
It’s important to note that mild hybrid systems don’t add up to significant fuel savings. The one here helps the X6 operate more efficiently, but only marginally so. The X6 M60i is officially rated to burn 13.8 L/100 km of premium fuel in the city, 10.5 on the highway, and 12.3 combined. Last year’s model was rated for 13.0 L/100 km combined, so this model is more efficient, but only slightly. During my 660 km of testing, it went through 12.1 L/100 km combined.
Driving Feel: 8/10
The 2024 BMW X6 now gets four-wheel steering as standard equipment, which helps it feel more nimble and easier to manoeuvre. When hustled through back roads, the rear wheels turn a few degrees to help the X6 feel much smaller than it actually is, allowing the big, heavy SUV to dive into corners and blast out of them with seemingly unlimited confidence and stability.
While parking, this new setup makes it easier to navigate around tight confines and it does wonders to shrink the X6’s turning radius so its large size isn’t as stressful to manage.
What struck me about how the X6 drives is how well it balances luxury and performance, so it feels like there’s no major compromise to either. In comfort mode, the X6 can be as mellow and relaxed as your right foot can manage. It becomes more animated in sport mode, with a more aggressive exhaust note and more urgency to how it responds to driver inputs. The ambient lighting even changes in sport mode, making the cabin glow red to add some drama.
I wish there was more feedback in the steering, but that’s tough to find these days. Some drivers also might find that the M60i rides a bit stiff due to the large wheels and low-profile run-flat tires, but if you prefer a cushier ride, the adaptive air suspension is an available upgrade that works wonders to make the SUV feel like it’s gliding. I don’t mind the standard suspension because it pays off in how well the X6 handles, but when I sampled the air suspension in the X5, it worked eerily well.
Practicality: 7/10
The BMW X6’s “SUV coupe” profile and sloping roofline makes it less practical than the X5 it shares a platform with, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. The X6 has less cargo room than the X5, but not everyone needs all that space. The X6 still offers 580 L in the trunk, with a large underfloor storage compartment, and 1,530 L with the 40/20/40 split rear seats folded. The seats must be folded manually, which is a bit annoying at this price point, but it’s not a dealbreaker. There’s plenty of space in the cabin for small item storage, and the door pockets are big enough to fit a large water bottle and even my handbag.
Where the practicality begins to fall apart is that the liftover height for the trunk is quite high, and the rocker panels are abnormally bulky, making it harder for a shorter person to enter and exit gracefully, not to mention they will be annoying in the winter when they’re covered in salt and slush just waiting to ruin your pant legs.
The X6’s obstructed outward visibility also creates big blind spots, so drivers must be extra vigilant. Rearward visibility is blocked by small windows and chunky side pillars, and frontward visibility is limited by the small windshield, thick A-pillars, and the placement of the side mirrors.
Safety: 9/10
Luckily, the X6 is packed with useful safety features that help mitigate the potential issues that big blind spots could cause. Blind-spot monitoring is now standard on the X6 M60i, along with rear-cross traffic alert, lane-departure warning, pedestrian and vehicle detection, and more, but drivers will have to pay extra for the Advanced Driver Assistance package. At just $2,500, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Included in that package is a new advanced adaptive cruise control system that allows hands-free driving on certain divided highways at speeds of up to 130 km/h. The system communicates clearly to a driver when it’s working and what it “sees” happening around the vehicle, increasing confidence on the road. Using this system doesn’t mean you can scroll on your phone or take a nap – drivers must continue to pay full attention and be ready to take over at all times – but it helps alleviate fatigue during long drives or ones plagued by traffic. The system works smoothly, reacting naturally and predictably to changing conditions without inducing panic in the driver.
Features: 9/10
The new X6 comes standard with a bright and info-packed head-up display (HUD), augmented reality navigation, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, customizable ambient lighting, welcome lights, the ability to use your phone or smart watch as a key, passive locking and unlocking, and is available with a host of parking assistance features that can automate certain parking tasks (like parallel parking, for example), and retrace your steps to get you out of spots that are more complicated to navigate like a narrow winding driveway or parking garage.
User-Friendliness: 9/10
One of the biggest upgrades to the X6 is the new infotainment system. The digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen are housed under a single piece of curved glass, creating an upscale, high-tech look. The new system is also much more user-friendly than the one it replaces. Users can interact with the system using voice commands, the touchscreen, or the rotary controller on the centre console. While most physical buttons have been sacrificed for a cleaner look, it wasn’t to the detriment of user-friendliness. Physical and touchscreen shortcut buttons and a home button ensure a driver isn’t distracted by completing simple tasks like changing the radio station or making adjustments to the climate control. The fact that Google Maps navigation instructions can be shown in the instrument cluster and HUD make it even less necessary to toggle between screens, creating less distraction. BMW’s infotainment system has become one of the industry’s most intuitive and user-friendly.
Comfort: 9/10
The seats are plush yet supportive, and even rear-seat passengers still have decent head- and legroom despite the sloping roofline. The heated front seats have four levels and when activated, the armrests are also heated. Seat ventilation and massage for the front seats and heated rear seats are available.
Value: 7/10
The 2024 BMW X6 M60i starts at $108,000 plus a $2,480 destination fee. This tester includes nearly $20,000 in options, bringing the as-tested price to $130,080. At this price, it doesn’t feel like the X6 M60i is missing anything, and the lovely, balanced powertrain and opulent details make it feel worth the asking price.
The Verdict
If you need more cargo room, then the X5 is the one to pick between these BMW siblings; but if you’d rather have a stronger visual punch and don’t mind slightly less practicality, then the 2024 BMW X6 is the one for you. This overachieving SUV hits all the right notes and balances performance and luxury in a way few can, all while being user-friendly, comfortable, packed with useful features, and easy to live with.
| Engine Displacement | 4.4L |
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| Engine Cylinders | Twin-turbo V8 + 48V mild hybrid |
| Peak Horsepower | 523 hp @ 5,500–6,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 553 lb-ft @ 1,800–4,600 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 13.8 / 10.5 / 12.3 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 580 / 1,530 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 BMW X6 M60i xDrive |
| Base Price | $108,000 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,480 |
| Price as Tested | $130,080 |
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Optional Equipment
$19,500 – Premium Excellence Package, $13,500; M Sport Package, $1,500; Advanced Driver Assistance Package, $2,500; Carbon Fibre Trim, $1,000; 22-inch Jet Black Wheels, $1,000
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