2020 BMW X6 first drive review: Few(er) compromises

An entire lot has occurred since BMW first unveiled the X6, the rakish relative of the long-roof X5. Namely, almost each one of many automaker’s rivals has launched their very own “coupe-overs,” saturating a market that also lags properly behind gross sales figures of extra conventionally formed utility autos.With an ever-thickening crowd round it, the 2020 BMW X6 borrows lots of the similar updates that apply to the most recent era of X5, however with a trendy twist that sacrifices a few of its every day utility for the sake of stuntin’.Like-or-loathe looksFor what it is value, I believe the 2020 BMW X6 is well its most engaging iteration but — though that is a low bar; the primary two generations had been awkward and bulbous. Now, its sharp physique traces give it a much more futuristic look, particularly out again, the place at a distance it will probably bear greater than a passing resemblance to a Lamborghini Urus.There’s a brand new light-up grille on supply, which you’ll both fall in love with or need to throw via a plate glass window — it is a surprisingly polarizing ingredient, at the very least in accordance with my hasty unscientific ballot of associates and colleagues. Illuminating the perimeters of the grille when the lights are on or when the automobile is unlocked, it presents a little bit extra character — and retains up with the Joneses, as Mercedes-Benz has seen first rate success with its personal light-up star. Unlike the Merc, although, the X6 can nonetheless be outfitted with the automaker’s full suite of lively driver-assistance methods when the additional lights are optioned.Removing a number of the roofline for the sake of trend does eat into cargo house a bit, however not by a lot. The X6’s real-world usability continues to be excessive, with loads of depth for dealing with golf baggage, suitcases or an entire bunch of groceries. Most of its misplaced house is in peak, and until you are transporting child timber round, that misplaced quantity will not at all times make itself recognized.
The coupe-over rear finish has a surprisingly small impact contained in the automobile, too. At six toes tall, I discovered each ample headroom and legroom within the X6’s second row, with about an inch and a half of open air between my head and the roof. The door sill is a little bit excessive within the again, although, so it is a little bit extra claustrophobic again there than I’d choose.The solely actual challenge stemming from the X6’s aesthetics is rearward visibility from the motive force’s seat, which stays as dangerous as ever. Other quibbles embrace the facet mirrors, which appear awfully small, and the entrance solar visors, every of that are concerning the measurement of two packs of cigarettes, so they do not do a lot.Otherwise, the X5 and X6 are fairly related by way of inside appointment. The engaging, uncluttered dashboard is accounted for, however there are some slight variations within the middle console and door panels, which rise a bit increased on the fashion-forward X6. Storage is ample, however there is a unusual seize deal with on the door that, for the motive force, makes it type of clunky to make use of the window and mirror-adjustment switches.Bat out of hellFor this check, I’m driving the brand new X6 M50i, probably the most highly effective iteration of this SUV except for the actually bonkers X6 M. The M50i makes use of a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That all mates to an eight-speed computerized transmission and customary all-wheel drive.If you do not want or need a V8, there are two decrease trims on supply, too. The rear-wheel-drive X6 sDrive40i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive40i make the most of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 335 hp and 330 lb-ft, which is shipped to the wheels via an eight-speed computerized. Soon sufficient, we’ll meet one thing even beefier, when the monstrously highly effective X6 M makes its debut.There’s an entire lot of character within the X6 M50i. The V8 burbles to life, offering a pleasing observe to each occupants and folks standing close by, and that orchestra solely will get higher (and louder) because the engine works its means up the tachometer, accompanied by a slight whistle from the snails tucked underneath the hood.The X6 M50i is a hoot to drive, and fortunately, it is not an annoying performance-forward mess while you need to take it simple on the throttle.
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It’s not simply noise, both. The X6 M50i will get transferring in a rush, with greater than sufficient torque making itself out there at a second’s discover, freed from any turbo lag or different forced-induction annoyances. The transmission is clean with out feeling sloppy; in its extra aggressive modes, the gearbox will rattle off quick shifts which might be solely barely jarring, and at low speeds, the whole lot coalesces properly and comfortably. In any mode, although, the M50i powertrain is ready to hustle.On the only-sort-of-okay roads round BMW’s manufacturing dwelling in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the X6 impresses with its smoothness. It nonetheless has a stiff trip, do not get me unsuitable, however the car feels composed it doesn’t matter what mode the adaptive suspension is in. Some of that comes all the way down to my tester’s honkin’ 22-inch wheels, an non-compulsory improve over the staggered customary setup of 20-inch fronts and 21-inch rears that might possible confer some additional consolation. The broad, upgraded rubber (275 millimeters up entrance, 315 mm out again) additionally introduces a little bit extra street noise than I’d like, however the cabin is comparatively properly insulated towards undesirable clamor.Solid customary tech, after which someIt should not come as a shock that the X6 is fairly properly stocked with tech from the get-go. This features a dual-screen setup that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch middle touchscreen show. The digital cluster is sort of the identical as the remainder of BMW’s new lineup, save for a brand new font, and it is able to displaying turn-by-turn instructions along with the standard swath of auto data.The newest model of BMW’s iDrive system is loaded on the middle display screen, and it is fairly fabulous. It’s nonetheless very dense, with menus and choices tucked away in numerous corners, but it surely’s simple to get used to, and the onboard digital assistant has no drawback understanding natural-language instructions if you wish to skip the touchscreen altogether. Gesture management is included, as properly, however as with different BMW autos, it looks like extra of a gimmick than something — utilizing the switches on the wheel or dashboard is much much less distracting. When it comes time to cost, I hope you convey a USB-C cable, as a result of there are not any USB-A ports within the X6. Thankfully, a wi-fi gadget charger is on the market that will help you ditch the cable altogether, particularly if you happen to’re utilizing Apple CarPlay wirelessly.The solely quasi-frustration with the telematics is that iDrive’s digital assistant will awake from its slumber with nearly any iteration of the phrase “BMW.”
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Safety tools abounds, with customary package together with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, adaptive cruise management and parking sensors. My tester one-ups that bundle with the $1,700 Drivers Assistance Pro possibility, which mixes the aforementioned methods to maintain the car centered in its lane whereas cruising down the freeway. It’s a hands-on system for probably the most half, however with the Pro bundle, it makes use of an eye-tracking digital camera to allow precise hands-off use underneath 37 mph — it is actually solely meant for freeway site visitors jams, although, and as soon as the pace rises sufficient, it’s going to ask you to place your fingers again on the wheel.Down to brass tacksAll three trims of 2020 X6 are, as anticipated, on the upper finish of the SUV-price spectrum. The I6 variants aren’t too costly, beginning at $64,300 and $66,600 (respectively, earlier than vacation spot), however the M50i is a bitter tablet to swallow at $85,650. With a couple of aesthetic and creature-comfort upgrades, my tester rings in at a yikes-worthy $99,645.Nevertheless, there is a nook of the market that may proceed to eat the X6 up, and people consumers can be rewarded with a fascinating trip, distinctive aesthetics and only a few compromises alongside the way in which.Editors’ observe: Travel prices associated to this story had been lined by the producer, which is frequent within the auto trade. The judgments and opinions of Roadshow’s workers are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.