2016 BMW X6

The 2016 BMW X6 comes in two trim configurations, sDrive35i and xDrive50i. The sDrive35i (RWD) and xDrive35i (AWD) come with a V6 powertrain while the top variant comes with a V8 powertrain. All of the powertrains come mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The price for the base trim starts at $60,600 and the top end xDrive50i trim comes in at $75,300.

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The base sDrive 35i is the best option out of all these trims. Offroad capabilities are similarly restricted for all these cars and on-road performance of the 2-wheel drive is fine for urban utility.

As per the EPA estimates the base model of the X6 has a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. With the xDrive AWD setup, there is a drop of 1 mpg in the city mileage. While the much powerful xDrive50i with a twin-turbo V6 returns a rather conservative 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. As standard, the X6 gets a 22.4-gallon fuel tank capacity which is the lowest among the rivals.

Among the rivals, only the Porsche Cayenne manages to beat the BMW X6 in this comparison. The Cayenne returns 19/24/21 mpg in the city/highway/combined respectively that is 1 mpg more in the city and combined compared to the X6. The Cayenne also gets the biggest fuel tank of 26.4-gallon and manages 500 miles plus range in the city and 630 miles plus range on the highway. 

Elegant, sophisticated, and driver-focussed are some words that can be used to describe the insides of the 2016 BMW X6. The cabin has remained unchanged since last year as this is a carryover model. So you can expect a nice blend of metal and wood trim around the dash with soft-touch material and plastics used throughout the cabin. The overall layout gives priority to the driver and BMW has ensured all the controls are within the driver’s easy reach. Moving to the seats, the front seats are the real showrunner here as they are spacious and comfortable. While the rear seats are best avoided as they lack headroom and are not the best place to be seated.

The cabin space of the BMX X6 isn’t the best in the business but that’s the case with all other coupes too. The sloping roofline eats up into the precious cargo and rear headroom. The reason why they are never known for being accommodative or practical. Although the BMW X6 manages the biggest 26.6 cubic feet of boot space. As for the rivals, the closest is the Infiniti QX70 with 24.8 cubic feet of boot space. Key interior features include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Power-adjustable steering column
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Driver’s seat memory function

How intuitive is BMW X6’s infotainment system?

The BMW’s iDrive infotainment is the best among the luxury brands. The X6 gets a full 10.2-inch command screen infotainment system that runs on the latest iDrive interface. The setup is used to control almost all the functions of the car so it takes time to get accustomed to the menus and options. Standard features include a 9-speaker sound system, USB port, navigation, etc. While available features include a 16-speaker Harman & Kardon sound system. Key infotainment features include:

• 10.2-inch screen w/ iDrive interface
• Bluetooth 
• AM/FM/CD player
• Navigation
• 9-speaker sound system
• Available Harman & Kardon sound system

The BMW X6 is slightly redesigned for this year and the trademark kidney grille is flatter with more edgy headlights around it, rather than being round but these changes are barely noticeable to the unsuspecting eyes. The high riding stance and coupe-like roofline contribute to a completely new niche and BMW calls it SAV(Sports Activity Coupe). You can think of an X6 as a larger BMW X4 in terms of dimensions although it shares its underpinnings from the BMW X5 which is much more practical and spacious being an SUV and not a coupe.

Dimension wise the BMW X6 is a pretty big coupe SUV yet it misses out on being the widest and the tallest among all. Although it has the highest ground clearance of 8.3-inches and the longest wheelbase of 115.5-inches. Weighing more than 4,894 lbs the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class remains the heaviest among all. Key exterior features include:

• Power tailgate
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Moonroof
• Adaptive xenon headlights
• Available adaptive LED headlights w/ automatic high beam control
• Available adaptive suspension
• LED foglights
• Front and rear parking sensors

Being a niche product neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 2016 BMW X6. Although BMW as a brand is known for its safe cars and there shouldn’t be an iota of doubt that it won’t make the X6 a safe car. As standard, you get host safety features and a few of the highlights have been listed in the table below. For those who want to go a step further, BMW offers a Driver assist package which can be had to gain access to a slew of driver-assist features. Key safety features include:

• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all seat belts
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS) w/ front side-impact airbags
• Available Adaptive cruise control
• Available Blind-spot monitoring
• Available Front collision warning and mitigation system
• Available Lane departure warning
• Rollover sensor 
• Adaptive Brakelights
• Impact sensor

The oddball BMW X6 has and will continue to be a niche product. It has all the virtues of a big and powerful BMW vehicle but lacks on the practicality and daily usability part. As a driver’s car it is a delight but as a family SUV, you are better off with its siblings like the X5 and X4 or even the rivals like the GLE-Class and the Porsche Cayenne. So you should weigh your priorities well before taking a plunge for the BMW X6.