Our Opinion - 2026 BMW X6 Review The X6, with its sloped roof, is BMW’s most stylish mid-size SUV, offering a sleek alternative to the more traditional BMW X5. The X6’s elegant look comes at the cost of cargo space and headroom for rear passengers, but almost every other part of the car is the same as its mid-size SUV cousin. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, two very smooth and powerful powertrains as options, quick handling, and a beautiful and well-built interior. Form over function is a trade-off that some buyers are willing to make. The X6 is a high-end vehicle that combines luxury with a distinctly sporty character, whether you choose the base xDrive 40i model or the more powerful M60i version. What's New? The BMW X6 will stay the same through 2026, with the sole update being the introduction of a new Tanzanite Blue metallic paint option for the xDrive 40i trim. Pros and Cons Pros: Include interesting ways to drive. Although the roof is low, there is still sufficient space. Powerful engines that look good. Cons: Although they are mechanically the same, the X5 is less expensive. There is no way to get a plug-in hybrid. It’s challenging to access the window settings. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The X6 xDrive40i features a 48-volt hybrid system and a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produces 375 horsepower. The gearbox has eight speeds, and all four wheels are driven. It features the same all-wheel-drive system and 4.4-liter V-8 twin-turbo engine as the M60i, which produces 523 horsepower. It gets even faster in the performance version of the X6 M, which we review elsewhere. It has up to 617 horsepower. This car features a six-cylinder engine that is both smooth and responsive. The X6 xDrive40i and M60i both feature 20- to 22-inch wheels and adjustable dampers. The V-8-powered X6 had great stopping power and turning grip during our test. Although it was firmer than the six-cylinder X6 type we tried, the suspension was never a hindrance. We really appreciated how quiet the cabin was at cruising speeds and how the steering weight could be adjusted. Safety The BMW X6 comes equipped with a range of standard and optional technologies that enhance the driving experience. The following are important safety features: Automatic emergency brakes and forward collision warning are built in. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard. You can drive in two different modes: hands-free and adaptive cruise control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The interior of the X6 resembles and feels similar to that of other new BMWs. So many things have soft-touch surfaces and are made of high-quality materials. A large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen occupy most of the dashboard. The instrument display looks nice, but the shapes of the gauges and how they work are harder to understand at first glance than we’d like. Luckily, the extra heads-up display is easy to use. The setup of the other hardware is also very good. Although BMW offers gesture controls, they are not necessary and don’t function properly. By moving your hand in front of the infotainment screen, you can adjust various settings, such as the volume of the music. The vehicle features numerous basic amenities, including passive entry, heated front seats, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, and customizable ambient lighting. The back seat can fit two adults, but there is about two to three inches less headroom and legroom than in the X5. The X6 also has less cargo space behind the rear seats. It could only hold nine carry-on bags during our test, while the X5 could hold eleven. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA hasn’t announced the fuel economy of the 2026 X6 yet, but the xDrive40i from the previous year was expected to achieve 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. When the twin-turbo V-8-powered M60i xDrive was switched to gas, mileage dropped to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Infotainment and Connectivity The standard infotainment setup includes a 14.9-inch touchscreen and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the company produces beautiful graphics and responds quickly, some of the iDrive interface’s choices can be frustrating. BMW cars feature built-in navigation, Wi-Fi hotspots, wireless charging, and improved USB ports. On the M60i, the X6 comes with a high-end Harman/Kardon audio system. On the X6, you can get a more expensive Bowers & Wilkins system. Range, Charging, and Battery Life BMW claims that the X6 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. BMW claims that the M60i’s twin-turbo V-8 engine reduces that time to 4.2 seconds. Even though the newest models haven’t been tested yet, the X6 xDrive40i and X6 M60i achieved 0-60 mph times of 4.7 and 3.8 seconds, respectively, in 2020, with less horsepower than they have today. They should be able to reach 60 mph even faster if they have more speed. Towing and Payload Capacity Towing power isn’t always given enough credit in this market, but the X6 can tow a significant amount. With the extra tow kit, the X6 can pull up to 7200 pounds. Price and How to Choose Numerous models and options can affect the 2026 BMW X6’s price. Although it produces louder noises and accelerates faster, the 523-hp X6 M60i’s twin-turbo V-8 and sports car-like speed are not worth the significant price premium over the base model. The X6 xDrive40i’s 3.0-liter turbocharged engine is one of many smooth inline-six-cylinder engines from BMW that work better than expected, providing a lot of power for about $20,000 less. We would choose the M Sport package, which comes with a sportier suspension, a better sound system, a unique steering wheel, and a body kit and design that is thinner on the outside.
