2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i Review

This week I bring you the 2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i, that is in its 3rd-generation this year and was redesigned, making it an inch longer and an inch wider than previous models.

The X6 sits on the same platform at the popular X5 and is designed to be an alternative to those who do not want the “boxy” SUV look. BMW describes it as a Sport Activity Coupe, but in spite of what BMW and Mercedes say, coupes don’t have 4-doors in my head.

Exterior

In years past, I have not loved the looks of the X6, but the styling changes for 2020 have changed that for me. I love the traditional front grill with air dams all around and the sculpted hood looks great. BMW avoided chrome on the sides, and the 20” wheels look fantastic. An understated rear spoiler and dual exhaust set out to the corners complete the rear view. I will also add that the Mineral White color looks fantastic and very pearlescent.

Powertrain

Under the hood, you’ll find a 3-liter inline six cylinder with a pair of turbos that will put out 335-horses and 330 pound-feet of torque. The big six is hooked to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that you can shift manually from steering wheel paddles. My tester is all-wheel drive, something BMW does very well, hence the xDrive40i designation. 0-to-60 happens in a rapid 5.2 seconds.

Interior

Perhaps the best part is the pure luxury of the interior. This one has a coffee colored interior that is just lighter than a chocolate brown and friends, it’s a refreshing change from the black interiors that automakers seem to be cramming down my throat. Sorry, I digress.

As you sit down behind the large comfy steering wheel with controls, you notice how large the windshield is. This makes visibility fantastic. A colorful head-up display greets you and you can choose the info you want to see there.

Your eyes can’t help but go to two 12.3” screens, one right in front of you, the other high on the center dash. The driver screen is configurable and easy to read and tells you everything you need to know, with a navigation map in the middle.

Credit: BMW

The other screen operates from the center console or by touch, and controls the audio system, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, car settings, and the apps.

On the center console to the left are the traction lock button, camera control switch, park assist, and the start/stop disable button. Just under that is the push button start, and under that are the drive modes. There is my favorite-Sport mode, then Comfort, Eco Pro, Adaptive so you can pick and choose, and finally the Auto Hold button which I love. There is a built-in wireless cell charger in front of a pair of ample cupholders.

To the right of the shifter is the round controller for the center screen, which allows you to scroll through everything. Under it are the ride height control and hill descent. The iDrive 7.0 works quickly and is not hard to learn.

The door panels are just beautiful, there is a large center glove compartment for storage that also houses USB ports. I wish it were a little softer, but that is minor. Stitching is abundant in the Bimmer interior and it looks great.

Utility

Moving to the back seat was a nice surprise. There is still plenty of head and leg room in spite of the sloping roofline. There is a nice pulldown center console with cupholders, and rear seat occupants can control their own temperature, there is a power port, and smartly, there are USB ports built into the front seat headrests.

Another nice surprise was the cargo area. There is 27.6 cubic feet of area and a massive area underneath that. Fold down the second-row seat, and the area grows to 58 cubic feet. The only knock is the load height is pretty high.

Standard Equipment and Options

As you might expect with a BMW, it is fully loaded with standard equipment like a panoramic moonroof, keyless entry, power liftgate, power heated seats, Harmon Kardon sound system, and a lot more.

It has all the safety features you could want including LED headlights and taillights, active driving assistance, 360-degree camera, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and cross traffic alert.

My tester has the Premium Package for $2,300 which is remote start, 4-zone climate control, the head-up display, a year of SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Ride and Drive

Acceleration is determined and strong, the X6 is quiet inside and rides great. The interior is spectacular. The exhaust sound is mesmerizing.

Fuel economy is 20 in the city and 26 on the way highway for a combined 22 miles per gallon, which is good for an SUV approaching 5,000 pounds.

What You’ll Pay

MSRP is $72,020 which for me is a good value as compared to many of the luxury SUVs out there today.