2017 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is based on the less controversial X5 which isn't a rakish SUV but more practical midsize crossover SUV. 

With three powertrains available, buyers can choose from the options that the brand provides. Starting from a base range of $62,500 it can go up to $77,450 based on the desired choice of configuration. A 300-hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with an eight-speed automatic can be ordered with either rear- or all-wheel drive.

The 2017 BMW X6 is available in three primary configurations: the rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Unlike the BMW X5, the X6 doesn't have an optional third-row seat but although it has standard four doors and seating for five. Both the rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i and all-wheel-drive xDrive35i are furnished with essentially the same standard equipment like 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive high-intensity xenon headlights, LED fog-lights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming outside mirrors, sunroof, power liftgate, and front and rear parking sensors.

For all the X6 models the standard electronics features include BMW's iDrive interface with a touchpad controller and a new 10.2-inch touchscreen. Other infotainment features are added with the optional packages. Moving up to the xDrive50i would bring you a V8 engine, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry with hands-free hatch opening, four-zone automatic climate control, 20-way multi-contour front seats with adjustments for the shoulder and thigh bolsters, an upgraded 16-speaker Harman Kardon among others. There are also many optional packages available with the X6 such as Driver Assistance Plus, Cold Weather Package, Lighting package, Dynamic Handling package, and the Executive package.

Trim	sDrive35i	xDrive35i	xDrive50i
MSRP	$62,500	$64,800	$77,450
Key   Features	Front And Rear Map Lights   Dakota Leather Upholstery Interior Trim -inc: Genuine Wood/Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Genuine Wood/Metal-Look Door Panel Insert, Genuine Wood/Metal-Look Console Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accent Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning w/Steering Wheel Controls Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation and Weatherband Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity 1 LCD Monitor In The Front	Permanent Locking Hubs   Electro-Mechanical Limited Slip Differential Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets Front Fog Lamps LED Brakelights Radio: AM/FM Stereo Hi-Fi Sound System Bluetooth Wireless Phone Connectivity Audio Theft Deterrent BMW Online Full Service Internet Access Sport Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away	Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering   Electro-Mechanical Limited Slip Differential Speed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Jets Fully Automatic Projector Beam High Intensity Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Directionally Adaptive Headlamps w/Delay-Off Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation and Weatherband SiriusXM Satellite Radio -inc: 1 year All Access subscription 16 Speakers harman/kardon Surround Sound System

"The X6's standard suspension produces an unruffled ride quality even over bad pavement. Dialing up the Comfort mode with the adjustable suspension produces a similar result. - Edmunds"

The 2017 BMW X6 is available in two engine choices. Both the sDrive35i and xDrive35i get a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces healthy 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. SDrive35i has standard rear-wheel drive whereas all-wheel drive (with hill descent control) is standard for the xDrive35i. SDrive35i and xDrive35i uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The other engine option is the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine which comes fitted to the xDrive50i and has a  growling 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. This trim also uses the eight-speed automatic transmission and has standard all-wheel drive.

Just like other BMW models the eight-speed automatic complements the driving experience. The shifts are super smooth and swift when left to itself, and the transmission works its best in the manual mode. Even the ZF sourced automatic is among the best in class which makes it one of the best choices for the luxury SUV segment.

 

Models	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Land rover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
MSRP	$62,500	$49,990	$45,850	$49,000
Engine	3.0L DOHC 24 Valve Inline 6 Turbocharged	3.0L Supercharged V6	3.7L V6	3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5800 rpm	340 hp @ 6500 rpm	325 hp @ 7000 rpm	333 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	300 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm

Acceleration

The X6 xDrive35i with optional summer tires, runs from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, which is a quick time for the segment. The authoritative 300-horsepower six-cylinder engine of the 35i hits the road quickly nicely complemented by the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. For a tall heavy, SUV-like thing weighing 4704 pounds the numbers are quite impressive which adds an element of fun-to-drive vehicle which is quite gratifying. Among the rivals of X6 sDrive35, the Audi Q7 is quicker with some milliseconds of difference.

Models	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Land rover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
0-60 MPH	6.0 sec	6.6 sec	6.1 sec	5.7 sec
Quarter mile	14.4 sec	15.0 sec	14.5 sec	14.3 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.7 L	3.0 L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	9.8	9.3	8.4

Ride and Handling

The xDrive50i model's 445-hp V8 provides enough performance most people could ever want, which is intensified by the exhilarating exhaust note when pushed hard. The standard suspension of the X6 produces an unruffled ride quality even over rough patches. Switching to the Comfort mode with the adjustable suspension doesn't see much change either. Only through the Sport mode there is noticeable improvement in handling thanks to firmer body control. Being a large and heavy vehicle with a higher center of gravity compared to your average sport sedan, the handling is certainly not bad. The steering of the X6 feels precise but doesn't offer as much feedback as many of its peers.

Braking

The BMW X6 has an excellent pedal modulation and its braking performance is strong and fade-free. Surprisingly, its stopping distance is merely so-so. The Audi Q7 takes around 117 feet to come to a halt from 60-0 mph.

Model	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Landrover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
Brake Front (in.)	13.7	14.3	12.6	14.8
Brake Rear (in.)	12.6	13.8	12.1	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4630	4835	4,209	4,938
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	117

For the base trim of BMW X6, the sDrive35i, EPA fuel economy estimates are 18 and 25 mpg for city and highway. Whereas the xDrive35i gets 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway by the EPA. Among its competitors the Land Rover Discovery SE sits at the bottom of the efficiency barrel as EPA rates the SUV at 16 and 21 mpg in city/highway.

 

Model	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Land rover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
MPG (city)	18	16	17	19
MPG (highway)	25	21	24	25
MPG (combined)	21	18	19	21

"BMW owners will feel right at home inside a 2017 X6 SUV. The front seats are a comfortable and rewarding place to be, and the leathers are sublime and padded everywhere, and the trim and controls are all top-notch." - Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

With the available 20-way multicontour seats, the X6 makers assure both comfortability and supportive nature of its seats. The sloping roofline, however, reduces headroom which is distinctly less accommodating and can be uncomfortable for tall passengers sitting in the rear. Even the center portion of the backseat doesn't help much as it is more of an uncomfortable hump between the two deeply contoured outboard seating positions. Neither the rear seats recline nor is the ingress and egress easy as the rear doors don't open particularly wide and a lower roofline requires occupants to duck their heads on the way in and out.

Model	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Landrover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/59.9/40.4	39.4/60.5/39.0	39.3/57.3/44.7	38.4/59.5/41.7
Second   (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/57.0/35.9	39.0/59.5/37.6	38.5/57.4/34.6	38.8/58.5/38.8
Third   (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	N/A	N/A	35.9/49.4/29.2

Infotainment System

The upgraded 5.0 iDrive infotainment system now comes with touchscreen functionality which is quite easy to operate. For the premium package wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot is also available. Other features of the infotainment system include: -

• Bluetooth
• Navigation
• HD Radio
• Head-Up Display
• USB connectivity
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Wireless charging
• TV tuner
• Harman Kardon 600-watt sound system

 

Cargo volume

When it comes to accommodating cargo, the X6 offers only 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Even after folding all three sections of the 40/20/40-split rear seatbacks down you'll only be left with 59.7 cubic feet of total trunk volume which is way less than what its rivals offer. Even the Porsche Cayenne which may not be the best example for practical crossovers offers a total of 62.9 cubic feet of storage space which is better than that of X6.

Model	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Land rover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	N/A	N/A	N/A	14.8
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	26.6	45.0	24.8	37.5
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	59.7	82.7	62.0	71.6

The best crossover SUV which leads by example is the Land Rover Discovery SE which is one of the best vehicles in terms of 'utility' as it offers whooping 82.7 cubic feet of storage area which is quite impressive in its class. Even the Infiniti QX70 fares better than X6 and so does Audi Q7 as they both can take in more items with 62 and 71 cubic feet of trunk space respectively.

Dimension and Weight

The exterior of the X6 is much talked about as its appearance doesn't suit every palate. People may find it too big and imposing to pull off the coupe roofline but its sister X5 clearly gets away with it. However, the second generation is nicer to behold than the original version which debuted in 2008. X6 tries to make the car look more fluid giving it a sleeker appearance than the SUV. Its side gills look over the top as they appear to be on the garish side according to some.

As expected from the X6, it carries its weight SUV-high which significantly affects its body motion in quick maneuvers. Only by switching to the Sport mode you can feel its improvement but the impression still persists.

Model	BMW X6 sDrive35i	Landrover Discovery SE V6 supercharged	Infiniti QX70	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium
Curb weight (lbs.)	4630	4835	4,209	4,938
Length(in)	192.0	195.7	191.3	199.6
Width(in)	78.1	78.7	75.9	77.5
Height(in)	66.5	72.7	65.0	68.5
Ground clearance (in)	7.8	8.7	7.4	9.3
Wheelbase (in)	115.5	115.0	113.6	117.9
Track width (in) F/R	64.7/67.2	66.6/66.6	64.4/64.6	66.1/66.6

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have crash tested the BMW X6. The only standard advanced safety feature that comes with the X6 are front and rear parking sensors. Despite having a high price tag, it is surprising that the X6 doesn't include common standard equipment like a rearview camera and automatic emergency braking in its model. However, it offers optional equipment features which you can choose with your desired trim.

Safety Features

• Dsc-X Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• BMW Assist eCall Emergency Sos
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Side Impact Beams
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center
• 3 Point and Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

NHTSA and IIHS have not rated this vehicle yet.

Land rover Discovery SE V6 supercharged vs BMW X6

The Discovery SE V6 of the Land Rover has smooth driving manners on the road and you'll enjoy chauffeuring the car around your friends and family. It also boasts of incredible capabilities for off road driving. Its interior is finely crafted and is impressively luxurious with excellent materials used for showing off its craftsmanship. The Discovery SE V6 has clever features in terms of utility and technology. Buyers who opt for the diesel engine would have an added advantage over its standard gasoline engine. But on the downside, the touchscreen interface of the Discovery SE isn't much user friendly and the driver may have a hard time operating it. The car's ride quality stands a bit compromised as it isn't as smooth as that of top competitors. It also lacks front-seat comforting which can be bad news for long-distance drives.

Infiniti QX70 vs BMW X6

Having a complete redesign for the year 2017 the Q7 is a top-notch blend of luxury and performance however its real charm lies in its sharp handling which makes it feel more like a sport sedan than a tall SUV. The latest variant also flaunts its well-trimmed interior and elegant materials throughout. It's standard V6 engine produces plenty of passing power making the vehicle very efficient. However, the Infiniti QX70 offers only one engine option unlike the X5 which has a host of engines variants to choose from. The infotainment technology interface is quite dated when put in comparison to its rivals. The SUV doesn\u2019t have enough cargo space to fit in more items even with its rear seats down. Compromised rear seats can also be annoying for passengers. The QX70 is also less forgiving in rough terrains unlike most of its competitors.

Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium vs BMW X6

The interior of Audi Q7 is supremely quiet and offers first-class cabin comfort. It has plenty of safety features and also scores excellent in IIHS safety tests. With a multitude of driving aids, the Audi Q7 also boasts of the powerful supercharged V6 engine which is extremely efficient. But the SUV, just like some of its peers suffers from limited cargo space which considerably drops its score on utility factor.

The BMW X6 is based on the less controversial X5 which isn't a rakish SUV but more practical midsize crossover SUV. However, some people might have apprehensions before purchasing the coupe-styled SUV but people who sign up for this idea adore the X6 and thus it sells brilliantly. Being a highly relevant and capable SUV the BMW X6 can be considered for its strong engines, a classy interior, excellent refinement, a shedload of toys, impressive safety equipment, and a chassis that puts in a maximum effort to disguise the massive bulk of the vehicle. It is certain that you'll have a blast to drive the car but if you factor in additional passenger and cargo space then the X6 lags behind. If you are vying for an SUV that doesn't lose all-important "utility" aspect then you can consider other performance-minded SUVs that can also cost much less compared to the X6.