The line-up for the 2013 BMW X6 is rather to the point with only two available trims - xDrive35i and the xDrive 50i. The base trim carries a price tag of $59,800 and comes with plenty of features to make its hefty price tag worthy. The top-tier trim xDrive50i carries an expensive price tag of $70,400. Its most distinctive feature is the powerful 4.4L V8 engine. It gets all the features that are standard on the base trim and unlocks a few more. It adds 14-way “multicontour” front seats with adjustable bolsters, a navigation system, voice controls, etc.

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The base trim xDrive35i satisfies almost everything that a buyer looks for, in terms of being a complete package with a very well-equipped features list. If one wants more power, the M Performance package helps in increasing the power and reducing the weight for a more dynamic handling package. Apart from this, the available options provide more than enough in terms of additional features, to not miss the xDrive50i’s list. 

The 2013 BMW X6 comes with two engine options - the xDrive35i is fitted with a turbocharged 3.0L Inline-6 which puts out 300 hp and has a peak torque of 300 lb-ft. These numbers seem like the engine produces enough power, but not enough to maneuver this bulky crossover. The top-tier trim xDrive50i is fitted with a more powerful and grunty turbocharged 4.4L V8 that produces 400 hp and has a max torque of 450 lb-ft, making the engine the most suitable for a hefty SUV like this.

Both these engines are paired to an 8-speed adaptive automatic transmission. It is intelligent enough to understand when to upshift and downshift without any eagerness. The power is delivered to all four wheels which helps this big SUV reach the 60mph mark in just 6.3 seconds. The V8 however, is quicker, taking only 5.2 seconds. The ride quality is exceptional regardless of the engine. There’s surprisingly minimal body roll around corners and with a light-weighted steering wheel, it is fairly easy to drive around in cities or crowded areas.

A variety of standard engines are seen when the 2013 BMW X6 is taken up for comparison with its rivals, with the Range Rover Sport offering the biggest as well the most powerful engine of all - a 5.0L V8. The 2013 BMW X6 is, however, the fastest car to reach both 60 MPH and the quarter-mile while also maintaining the most traction off-the-line kudos to the excellent xDrive system. 

Big SUVs with big engines seldom provide good fuel economy but despite their big size, the 2013 BMW X6 manages to deliver slightly better fuel economy than its rivals. The EPA rates the X6’s fuel economy at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, for a combined mileage of 19 MPG. This, however, is for the base engine which is a V6. The 4.4L Turbocharged V8 doesn’t do so well and the ratings stand at 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway, for a combined fuel economy of 16 MPG. 

The M Class not only delivers the best fuel economy but also has the biggest fuel tank among the 4 SUVs that puts its driving range well over 600 miles on the highway. With a capacity of 27.7 gallons, the M Class provides an overall range of a whopping 554 miles which remains the highest of all. The BMW and the Porsche manage the range well unlike the Range Rover, which suffers a lot due to its powerplant. 

The 2013 BMW X6 takes its inspiration from the X5 but carries a sportier flair which sets it apart. The interior is carefully designed and organized to give the driver and passengers a superior level of comfort, a thing which the manufacturer is good at. The dashboard and center console design is not too flashy but has sleek metal touches and a modern-looking design. The materials used are of top-notch quality better than most of its rivals.

The leather upholstered seats are of great comfort and quality. The front seats are 10-way power-adjustable and come with heating functionality and memory functions. Opting for the top tier trim xDrive50i would unlock 14-way “multicontour” front seats with adjustable bolsters. The Luxury package will add ventilated and massaging seats increasing the comfort level even further. The back seats are where it seems a bit different from that of the X5. Due to the sloping roofline of the X6, the backseat passengers lose a bit of headroom and legroom. The roofline also cuts into the cargo space. 

As far as interior dimensions and cargo space go, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class, leads the segment with the best headroom which is consistent even on the rear seats as well, unlike the X6. Porsche’s dimensions haven’t been revealed yet, but the article will be updated as and when the numbers are out. The Range Rover Sport offers the most spacious front row but the rear legroom is a bit compromised. That said, the BMW’s cabin does hold a top-notch appeal and appearance along with a lot of amenities to keep the occupants comfy, some of the highlighting ones being:

• Heated 10-way power-adjustable front seats 
• Front-seat memory settings
• 4-way adjustable power lumbar support for front seats
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• Keyless ignition

How intuitive is the 2013 BMW X6’s infotainment unit?

The base trim of the BMW X6 - xDrive35i - comes with the basic version of the iDrive infotainment system which is a small, square screen. It comes with features like a 10-speaker audio system, HD radio, voice recognition, CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, AUX input, and USB port. The xDrive50i gets a wider screen with music storage and back-up, a navigation system, etc. Overall, this is one of the finest infotainment systems in the market. The iDrive has improved drastically over the years and now, its vastly better menu and numerous buttons give it a luxurious feel as well. Some of the standout infotainment features include:

• HD radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Navigation 
• 10-speaker audio system
• Voice controls
• CD player
• iPod and USB adapter
• Optional 16-speaker sound system

The unorthodox exterior styling of the 2013 BMW X6 has a wow factor about it which would appeal to most buyers. The dramatic, steep sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like body style despite having 4 doors. It looks more like a sporty coupe than a rugged crossover SUV. The front fascia has the signature BMW look. Traditional twin, horizontally slotted grille with aggressive-looking adaptive xenon headlights and halo running lights, fog lights, a huge front bumper, and a contoured hood complete the front look of the car.

The side profile is where it gets interesting. The X6 is a big crossover and with its sloping roofline it gets more personality and hence it’s an attention-grabber. Its big 19-inch wheels, body-colored heated power adjusting and folding side-view mirrors, a sunroof, and a relatively high ground clearance of 7.4 inches characterize the side profile of the car. The rear end of the car has a tall profile. The rear fascia comprises the newly introduced LED tail lights, shark fin antenna, power tailgate, body-colored rear bumper, and dual exhaust outlets. The exterior styling might be out of the box but it manages to turn heads. 

The 2013 BMW X6 dominates the exterior dimensions section with its class-leading wheelbase, length, and ground clearance. Surprisingly it is one of the lightest SUVs. It also looks the most distinguishing given the coupe-like shape and also due to a muscular stance that also gives it a very strong road presence. That said, some of the standout exterior features include:

• Power-adjustable, power-folding, heated side-view mirrors
• Halogen fog lights
• Power glass moonroof
• Auto On/Off Adaptive Xenon headlights 
• Halo running lights
• LED taillights
• 19-inch wheels
• Power tailgate

Unfortunately, NHTSA and IIHS have not crash-tested the 2013 BMW X6. The X6 is based on the core of X5 which has been tested by the IIHS. Since the X5 scored an overall score of “Good” in 2012, it's safe to say that the X6 will also perform on similar lines as the basic architecture of both the SUVs is the same. That said, there are a lot of safety features on offer as standard, or as options, to ensure that the drive is safe. Some of the safety features on offer are: 

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rearview and top-view parking camera
• Dynamic cruise control
• Automatic brake drying
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Lane Departure Warning System (Optional)

The 2013 BMW X6’s unconventional looks might not appeal to some buyers who are looking for rugged SUVs but it has created a fan base of its own. The 2013 BMW X6 offers 2 different engines where one is an economy-focused Inline-6 and the other is a performance-oriented V8. Barring the cramped rear seats, it has one the finest interiors and offers a bucket load of features. If you are looking for an out-of-the-box crossover SUV, then the X6 just might be the right choice.