" The 6-cylinder models can do 0-60 mph in a commendable six seconds flat. Step up to the V8-powered xDrive50i, and you can hit that number in 4.6 seconds -- right up there with high-powered sports cars." - KelleyBlueBook
2018 BMW X6 Engine and Transmission
The 2018 BMW X6 gets two engine options. The X6 35i configuration is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 engine that pumps out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled via an 8-speed automatic transmission either to the rear wheels or all four wheels.
Going for the X6 50i configuration get you the bigger 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that churns out 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also mated to the sweet 8-speed automatic transmission but the V8 monster is only available with xDrive or AWD.
Models |
2018 BMW X6 |
2018 Porsche Cayenne |
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 Coupe |
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport |
MSRP |
$62,950 |
$60,600 |
$70,500 |
$66,750 |
Engine |
3.0-liter Turbo Inline-6 |
3.6-liter V6 |
3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
3.0-liter Supercharged V6 |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
300 hp @ 5800 rpm |
300 hp @ 6300 rpm |
385 hp @ 6100 rpm |
340 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Torque |
300 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm |
295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
384 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
332 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
The cheapest among all the SUVs here is the Porsche Cayenne and it is also the only one to be powered by a naturally-aspirated V6 engine. Among the competitors, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 is the most powerful thanks to its twin-turbo V6 that puts out a beastly 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque which is 85 hp and 84 lb-ft more than what the BMW X6 puts out from its turbo V6.
2018 BMW X6 Acceleration
The 2018 BMW X6 sDrive35i can go from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds. The X6 xDrive35i is quicker in 0-60 mph by two-tenths of a second. While the 445 hp twin-turbo V8 powered X6 xDrive50i sprints from 60-0 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Models |
2018 BMW X6 |
2018 Porsche Cayenne |
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 Coupe |
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport |
0-60 MPH |
6.0 sec |
7.3 sec |
5.4 sec |
6.9 sec |
Quarter mile |
14.4 sec |
N/A |
14.1 sec |
15.3 sec |
Engine |
3.0-liter Turbo Inline-6 |
3.6-liter V6 |
3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 |
3.0-liter Supercharged V6 |
Among the rivals, the 385 hp, twin-turbo V6 powered AMG GLE 43 sprints ahead of the competition by going from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds. It was 0.6 seconds faster in 0-60 mph and 0.3. seconds after in quarter-mile compared to the BMW X6.
2018 BMW X6 Ride and Handling
The sporty demeanor of the 2018 BMW X6 may conjure an image of Porsche-like handling and driving dynamics. But the BMW X6 is still not there yet, the steering provides a good feel but lacks feedback and most of the time feels disconnected from the wheels. The BMW X6 is inherently a bulky SUV and that shows when you try to take sharp corners at high speed although putting it in the Sports mode stiffens things up and the X6 regains its composure to a certain extent.
The ride quality of the X6 on the other hand is agreeable and remains comfortable especially in the Comfort mode. Nothing major filters inside the cabin even if you go over bigger bumps or unpaved roads. Speaking of unpaved roads, the X6 with the AWD system and an above-average 8.3-inches of ground clearance gives you slight leverage to venture into mild off-road trails but going in for some serious off-roading isn't advisable.
2018 BMW X6 Braking
The 2018 BMW X6 took 119 feet to stop from 60-0 mph. The BMW gives the X6 a 13.7-inch disc at the front and a 12.6-inch disc at the rear to rein this 4,585 lbs heavy beast. The brake power feels reassuring and there was minimal brake fade on repeated brakings.
Model |
2018 BMW X6 |
2018 Porsche Cayenne |
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 Coupe |
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport |
Brake Front(in) |
13.7 |
13.8 |
13.8 |
14.3 |
Brake Rear(in) |
12.6 |
13.0 |
13.0 |
13.8 |
Curb weight(lbs) |
4,585 |
N/A |
4,987 |
4,839 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
119 |
N/A |
172 (70-0 MPH) |
118 |
Compared to the X6, the heftier Range Rover Sport courtesy of its bigger brake setup took 1 foot less to stop from 60-0 mph.
2018 BMW X6 Towing Capacity
The 2018 BMW X6 boasts a 6,000 lbs of towing capacity which is decent enough to pull a small trailer or a boat.
Model |
2018 BMW X6 |
2018 Porsche Cayenne |
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 Coupe |
2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport |
Towing Capacity (lbs) |
6,000 |
7,716 |
7,200 |
7,716 |
All the rival SUVs tow more than the X6 with the Cayenne and Range Rover Sport boasting the highest, 1,716 lbs more than the X6, towing capacity.