Overview
The BMW X6 M is a sloping-back brute-ute that packs a powerful punch. It balances its high-octane antics with an interior that wraps its occupants in rich materials and a host of standard features. The X6 M offers much of the same content as its conventional sibling, the X5 M SUV, but thanks to its snappy roofline, it does so with slightly less cargo space and slightly more style. Power is generated by a twin-turbo V-8 equipped with a hybrid system, producing 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. We praised the X6 M for its effortless speed and aggressive handling, and BMW claims it smoothed the edge of its notoriously rocky ride this year. We will see. At least we feel confident that the X6 M still has the chops to stay competitive against the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
What’s new for 2024?
BMW gave the X6 M a facelift for the 2024 model year, complete with revised sheet metal that creates a more chiseled look, sharp exterior lighting elements, a revamped interior with a new curved center fender, and a new V-8 engine and eight-speed transmission equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. In addition, the X6 M is now offered exclusively as a competition model with 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The German marque also equipped the high-performance fastback SUV with other improvements, including new carbon skid plates, more standard safety tech, an M-specific version of iDrive, and more. There are also three new colors: Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Isle of Man Green Metallic, and Frozen Pure Gray Metallic.
Prices and which one to buy
It is hard to fathom how less practical could command a higher price. Still, the 2023 X6 M costs more than its square-backed counterpart, the X5 M. We prefer the cheaper body style, but the X6 certainly commands more attention. Every X6 M built for the 2024 model year will be a competition model, as the package contents are now standard. That means every model gets the same 617 horsepower from the hybrid twin-turbo V-8 engine along with an adaptive M suspension, 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels, a panoramic roof, Harman Kardon sound system, a drive recorder and a host of safety technology. We’d be inclined to spec our X6 M in the brilliant Isle Of Man Green Metallic and tick the box for the Executive Package, which adds luxury features such as soft-close automatic doors, LED lighting for the panoramic roof, heated and cooled cup holders, front ventilated massaging seats, front and rear heated seats, and manual rear side window guards.
Engine, transmission and performance
The X6 M is motivated by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which includes an electric motor mounted in the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is the same 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque generated by earlier, non-hybrid competition models. We haven’t gotten behind the wheel of the new hybrid version yet, which means we haven’t put it through our instrumented testing regime either. That said, we expect the performance to at least match or surpass pre-facelift models. During our previous drive in the X6 M competition, we praised its lightning-quick acceleration, startling cornering grip and strong, fade-free brakes. While it rode smoothly and steadily on the highway, its big wheels and stiff springs contributed to a rocky ride on uneven roads. We appreciate the fact that this drivetrain can be told to distribute power to all four wheels for maximum traction or send most of it to the rear for sharper handling. In addition to its selectable drive modes, including adaptive settings activated by buttons on the steering wheel, the X6 M even features adjustable brake pedal feedback. The BMW also has standard adaptive dampers and a set of staggered wheels that measure 21 inches in front and, but a few 22 inches in back.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The government has yet to release fuel economy ratings for the 2024 X6 M, which represents the first model year for the SUV’s mild hybrid system. As such, we expect ratings to differ from last year. For reference, the 2023 BMW X6 M is rated at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. These ratings are identical to the X5 M. Since we haven’t been able to test Bimmer on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regime, we cannot evaluate their actual effectiveness. For more information on the X6 M’s fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Sportiness and luxury collide inside the X6 M, which boasts carbon fiber accents and standard leather upholstery. There’s also no shortage of high-tech features thanks to a curved center screen that seamlessly bridges the digital gauge cluster with the infotainment system’s touchscreen. It comes with goodies like ambient interior lighting, available massaging front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, heated/cooled cup holders, and much more. Interior cube storage is highlighted by a coverable bin under the center stack and a useful center console bin. While its coupe-like profile doesn’t affect how comfortable it is for either front or rear seat passengers, the sloping roofline does reduce outward visibility as well as cargo space. The traditional X5 M offers 34 cubic feet behind the rear row while the X6 M only has 27 cubes.
Infotainment and connectivity
The centerpiece of the X6 M’s interior is the curved display that consists of a digital screen for the driver that extends to a touchscreen for the infotainment system. It uses BMW’s latest iDrive software and can also be controlled with hand gestures, voice commands and a center console-mounted rotary controller. Standout standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Harman Kardon sound system. Looking for an even more powerful stereo? A Bowers & Wilkins setup can be had for extra coin.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Every X6 M has abundant driver assistance technology such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as well as additional options. The X6 M also offers standard Maneuver Assistant, which can store and reproduce movements even in reverse; drivers can also perform this function on their smartphones. For more information on the BMW’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 automatic emergency braking
- Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Cover
BMW’s limited and powertrain warranty is identical to alternatives from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It also offers better complimentary scheduled maintenance compared to both brands, but it’s still not as good as Jaguar’s coverage.
- 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
