2020 BMW X6

The 2020 BMW X6 is available in three different trims. All variants are more or less similar to each other in certain aspects, while they are also set apart by other factors. The various trims of the 2020 BMW X6 are: sDrive40i; xDrive40i; xDrive M50i.

The base variant, sDrive40i is not at all basic. It starts at a price of a shade over $64,000 and is a bit on the expensive side of things. It comes well-equipped with several features. This variant features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a rear wheel drivetrain.

Trim	sDrive40i	xDrive40i	xDrive M50i
MSRP RWD	$64,300	--	--
MSRP AWD	--	$66,600	$85,650
Key Features	20-inch wheels	Same as base	Same as base
	Leather upholstery
	12.3-inch touchscreen
	Apple CarPlay
	Heated front seats
	12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
	Parking sensors
	LED headlights
	Bluetooth
	Automatic emergency braking
	Blind-spot monitoring

The other xDrive40i version of the X6 is a lot similar to the sDrive40i. The xDrive40i also derives power from the same turbocharged engine and at 335 hp it also makes the same amount of power as the sDrive40i. Separating the xDrive40i from the sDrive40i is its all-wheel drivetrain. Other than that all basic features also remain the same in both variants.

Lastly, at the top of the X6 lineup is the xDrive M50i. This variant gets an all-wheel drivetrain like the xDrive40i. But what separates this variant from the rest of the lineup is its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 powertrain, a first in the X6 lineup, that makes 526 hp.

We recommend:

In the entire X6 lineup, the xDrive40i makes the most sense. It is adequately powerful and practical at the same time. Plus with the rear-biased all-wheel drive system it combines the best of BMW’s driving dynamics, and costs only about a $2000 over the base model. However, the beefed up xDrive M50i with its massive twin-turbocharged V8 is the way to go if you could care a little less about practicality.

The 2020 BMW X6 lets you choose from a couple of drivetrain and two powertrain options. Standard on the BMW X6 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 335 hp and 330 lb.-ft. torque. This engine can be paired to both a rear-wheel drive system and an all-wheel drive system.

The base sDrive40i uses the rear wheel drivetrain and is mated to the same 3.0-liter engine as the xDrive40i. However, the latter is powered by an all-wheel drivetrain. Power can be manipulated via an eight-speed automatic transmission in both variants.

Models	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
MSRP	$63,550	$55,700	$59,950	$63,905
Engine	3.0-liter I-6 premium	3.0-liter V6	3.0-liter V6 premium	4.6 liter V8 premium
Transmission	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	9-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	6-speed automatic w/OD
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5,500 rpm	329 hp @ 5,250 rpm	329 hp @ 5,300 rpm	301 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	330 lb.-ft. @ 1,500 rpm	354 lb.-ft. @ 1,600 rpm	325 lb.-ft. @ 2,900 rpm	329 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm

The other engine option can be had with the xDrive M50i variant only. This version derives power from a bigger and more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes 526 hp and 553 lb.-ft. torque. Identical on this variant is the all-wheel drivetrain and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

How fast is the BMW X6?

BMW claims that the 2020 X6 with the rear-wheel drive system can accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds. While the all-wheel drive variant is only slightly slower in making it to that mark at 5.3 seconds.

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
0-60 MPH	5.2	--	--	--
Quarter Mile	--	--	--	--
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L	4.6L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	7.6	8.8	8.4	11.1

The V8 powered X6 can do 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130 miles per hour when clad in all-season tyres. Switching to summer tyres increases it to 155 miles per hour.

What about the braking performance of the BMW X6?

Official information regarding the brakes on the 2020 BMW X6 is yet to be made public. So far all that is known is that this Beamer comes loaded with an array of driver assisting tech to aid the driver. Feature like automatic emergency braking is standard. There’s no doubt that the big coupe SUV from BMW will be adorned with brakes to match. 

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
Brake front (in.)	--	--	--	--
Brake Rear (in.)	--	--	--	--
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4585	4751	4927	5199
60-0 MPH (ft.)	--	--	--	--

What about its driving dynamics?

The 2020 BMW X6 is based on the X5 and X7. It combines the comfortable and athletic driving demeanor of its siblings. This Beamer allows you to equip it with rear-axle steering. What that does is, virtually shorten the wheelbase so this coupe SUV can take on those tight corners.

Also all X6 models will use adaptive dampers to adjust the stiffness of the suspension according to varying driving scenarios. Some models can also be equipped with air suspension that can raise or lower this X6 by three inches either for more ground clearance or better handling.

Another noticeable handling feature is the Back-Up Assistant. This feature helps the driver in reversing out of tight spaces by duplicating the way it drove into one. The rear-axle steering system is a part of an optional Dynamic Handling Package, while the adaptive dampers are standard as part of the Dynamic Damper Package. As is the M Sport rear differential.

Despite the 2020 X6’s proportions and performance, this Beamer’s MPG ratings are well at par with the rest of the competition. At an estimated combined fuel rating of 20 miles to a gallon, the new X6 looks promising to say the least.

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
MPG (city)	18	17	19	15
MPG (highway)	24	23	25	18
MPG (combined)	20	20	21	16

In the all-wheel drive X6s, when there is no need to send power to all the wheels, the xDrive sends all the power to the rear wheels. This feature not only makes up for a more sportier feel but also enhances this Beamer’s fuel economy numbers.

The 2020 BMW X6 now has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, and its width has also increased by about half an inch. As a result this X6 is now more roomy on the inside. In fact, the layout on the inside is a lot like the X5 and X7. So in a way it combines the best of both worlds.

The instrument cluster and the center-mounted infotainment system have been replaced by not one but two 12.3-inch touchscreens. The cup holders and glass controls can be heated or cooled, but that feature comes at a cost. Although ambient lighting is now standard.

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.3/60.5/40.3	38.9/58.5/40.3	39.9/59.5/41.7	38.0/55.4/41.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.9/57.9/35.6	38.5/58.4/38.4	38.8/58.5/38.8	40.4/57.3/34.1

Even the panoramic sunroof is now 83% bigger. But the new X6 is also less taller by 0.7-inch. So headroom in the second row is slightly compromised. Otherwise the seats are very accommodating and comfortable for all-round driving.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

The 2020 BMW X6 does away with most knobs and buttons with the help of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard. This infotainment runs the latest version of BMW’s iDrive system. The infotainment features systems like:

• HD radio
• Bluetooth connection
• Hard disk drive media storage
• Premium sound system
• Satellite radio
• Smart device integration
• WiFi hotspot
• Auxiliary audio input
• Entertainment system
• MP3 player

Other cool tech features include:

• Back-up camera
• Cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Automated emergency braking
• Stability control
• Traction control

Creature comforts on offer in the BMW X6

The host of features that make this SUV a comfortable driving car include:

• Navigation system
• Steering wheel audio control
• Cruise control
• Cooled
• Power liftgate
• Power mirrors
• A/C
• Climate control
• Keyless entry
• Multi-zone A/C
• Power driver/passenger seat
• Remote trunk release
• Keyless start

What about utility?

The BMW X6 is big not just in appearance, but it is also big on utility. As a family SUV this beamer strives to be as practical as possible. At 27.6 cubic feet, the X6 boasts a fairly big boot. It is relatively bigger than most other competitors in this segment.

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	27.6	38.2	14.8	11.6

The new BMW X6 is all about appearances. Be it on the inside or on the outside, this Beamer is one hell of a looker. Speaking of things on the outside, one can easily see BMW’s obsession with bigger grilles. The large kidney-styled grille on the X6 are just too in your face. Also there’s the option to get those grilles illuminated if the stock grille just doesn’t seem too appealing.

The headlights are more angular, complete with LED light in the shape of a partial hexagon. The air intakes have been placed directly beneath the headlights. The new hood features deeper creases and the appears more chiseled from the sides.

Model	BMW X6	Mercedes-Benz GLE 400	Audi Q7	Lexus GX 460
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4585	4751	4927	5199
Length (in.)	193.8	189.1	199.6	192.1
Width (in.)	78.3	78.9	77.5	74.2
Height (in.)	67.0	70.7	68.5	73.8
Ground Clearance (in.)	8.3	7.1	9.4	8.1
Wheelbase (in.)	115.5	114.8	117.9	109.8
Track Width (in.) F/R	64.7/67.2	65.6/66.4	66.1/66.6	62.4/62.4

At the side, the roofline gradually descends to meet a small window towards the back. The sharper creases at the bottom of the doors do a great job of hiding this Beamer’s actual heftiness. The side profile is complete with tall and thick 20-inch wheels that come in as standard.

The rear-end of the new X6 features tail lights with L-shaped LED a lot similar to the ones on the 8-Series. The big, dark diffuser and the relocated license plate also come together to make the X6’s rather stubby and tall butt look a lot more sleek. The quad exhaust tips at the back make this Beamer look a lot more appealing than ever before.

What are those eye catching features?

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Bigger kidney-grille
• Front air vents
• Coupe like design
• Quad-tip exhausts
• Bottom liftgate

Engineers at BMW have left no stone unturned to make the new X6 as safe as possible for the driver and the passengers inside this SUV. The list of safety equipment features:

• Back-up camera
• Rear parking aid
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• ABS
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Brake assist
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Airbags

BMW X6 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE 400

The rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz has been going on for as long as people can remember. Both companies aim at providing their customers with the best products at fairly affordable prices. Same is the case with the GLE 400 and the X6. Both SUVs are very well-rounded packages and offer great value for money. But the Merc with its cheaper and more practical GLE 400 seems like a better overall SUV.

BMW X6 vs. Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 is hardly any match for the X6. The X6 outperforms the Lexus in every considerable aspect. The Lexus’s bigger 4.6-liter base engine is no match to X6’s base 3.0-liter engine. Then the Beamer also has the optional V8 which just shatter the Gx 460’s dream to dominate this segment. Even the cargo space of the X6 is way more practical than the GX 460. Then to top it all off, the base X6 is also a few hundred dollars cheaper.

The 2020 BMW X6 is undoubtedly a little expensive as compared to the rest of the comparison in this lineup. However, with the kind of overall package that this SUV is, it is easily worth all the money you will have to spend on it. Be it performance, be it practicality or simply its unique driving experience, the 2020 X6 is a force to be reckoned with.