The 2021 BMW X6 M only comes in a single trim level, and the ‘Competition’ trim level has been changed to an optional extra for the X6 M. The X6 M’s pricing starts at $109,595, and it offers a lot more for the money than some of its rivals do. It comes equipped with the latest iDrive infotainment system, safety modules as well as some premium quality leather upholstery in the interior along with heated, cooled, and massaging front seats. A plethora of features paired with awe-inspiring driving dynamics and powertrain units make the X6 M an extremely desirable SUV in its segment.

Which Trim should you buy?

Well, as mentioned earlier, the X6 M only comes in a single trim level option. But you do get a list of optional extras as well as a very attractive ‘Competition’ package that adds some power to the engine, some BMW Motorsport parts into the suspension and brake setup along with adding some lightweight components for you to be able to thrash the X6 M around on a race track if you fancy!

BMW has always been heedful towards offering their best of products and services for their ‘M’ badged cars, and the X6 M is no different. Powering the 2021 BMW X6 M is a 4.4 L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. Having a twin-turbocharged engine helps the X6 M deliver all of the available torque at just 2,200 rpm, and that translates to an exhilarating experience every time you put your foot down hard on the throttle pedal. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission unit that delivers crisp shifts and can be adjusted to adapt to the various driving modes that the X6 M comes with. 

The Steptronic sequential shift control helps to shift through gears with the help of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The X6 M comes with an xDrive AWD system with an electro-mechanical limited-slip differential system that makes sure you don’t lose traction and always have enough power and grip in tight turns and instances of off-roading. Adding a ‘Competition’ package will also provide a sports-tuned exhaust system and up to 617 horsepower from the engine. The X6 M can accelerate from 0-60 mph in an exciting 3.7 seconds and can cover a quarter-mile distance from a standstill in 12.2 seconds. The top speed is clocked at 180 mph.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe does seem more powerful and packs more torque compared to the rest of the SUVs in the segment. However, the X6 M, despite having lesser horsepower and torque figure, manages to perform really close to the AMG as it is on the lighter side compared to the AMG. All cars are pretty expensive, but the BMW is the cheapest in comparison whereas the Maserati Levante GTS is the most expensive option.

How well does the 2021 BMW X6 M handle?

The X6 M is one of the best-handling SUVs in the BMWs lineup and comes fitted with some of the best components in the automotive industry. The electro-mechanical limited-slip differential along with the advanced stability and traction control systems on board ensure that the X6 M is a pleasure to drive around your favorite mountain roads and even on the race track. 

The sports-tuned suspension setup along with BMW’s famed steering system make sure that you have an exhilarating and engaging experience whenever you get behind the steering wheel. The wheel offers an adequate amount of feedback, while the suspension is tuned to handle anything that is thrown at it. The ride quality is also excellent.

Braking Performance

With 15.6-inch rotors in the front and 15.2-inch rotors in the rear, the X6 M does seem to have some impressive stopping power. Thanks to the nearly 50-50 weight distribution and clever safety aid and drive modes onboard, the X6 M doesn’t need any bigger brakes as it stops with the right amount of confidence and feels whenever you step on the brakes. The ‘Competition’ package makes it even easier to brake at crucial braking zones on the track, thanks to the lighter components and advanced suspension setup.

Although there is no data available regarding the X6 M’s stopping distance, it does seem to have a stopping distance around the 105 ft. mark, which is an impressive feat for a performance SUV that weighs over 5,000 lbs. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, on the other hand, offers some of the largest brakes in the segment along with an impressive stopping distance of 104 ft. The other rivals also have excellent performance.

Fuel economy and performance are not words that go together, and the 2021 BMW X6 M is no different. The X6 M delivers some of the lowest fuel economy figures in the segment, and that is one of its drawbacks. The X6 M delivers a combined fuel economy of 15 MPG and 13 and 18 MPG in the city and highway driving conditions, respectively. One can select the Economy driving mode onboard to get the maximum fuel economy from the X6 M, but most of the people owning the X6 M won’t be using that mode often. With a fuel tank capacity of 22.4 gallons, the X6 M offers a maximum range of 403.2 miles on the highway, which isn’t the most impressive figure in the segment.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe seems to offer the highest combined fuel economy and range in the segment and offers more than a 300-mile fuel range in the city, while the rest of its counterparts fail to do so. The BMW X6 M barely crosses the 400-mile fuel range mark in highway conditions and hence suffers in this department.

BMW cars offer feature-rich and luxurious interiors, and the X6 M is no exception. Being an ‘M’ product means that the X6 M comes with a plethora of interior features and creature comforts that exude luxury in a performance-oriented design layout. The overall interior layout grabs your attention instantly with the hexagon stitching on the seats and door panels along with the contrasting color combinations inside.

The dashboard looks futuristic and has the modern BMW design cues all around. The dual-tone leather upholstery along with the metal or optional carbon fiber trim inserts make the interior look sportier than ever. The front seats are 14-way power-adjustable bucket seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions. Opting for the ‘Competition’ package will provide you with carbon fiber seats that add to the sportiness of the interior. It has 20.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which can be increased up to 54 cubic feet on folding the second-row seats completely.

There isn’t any data available on the X6 M’s interior volume, but it certainly seems to be similar to what the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe has on offer. The AMG, on the other hand, has the largest standard cargo capacity in the segment at 31.7 cubic feet. The interior of all cars in the segment is adequately spacious and will not attract any complaints. Some of the notable interior features are:

• 14-way power-adjustable front seats 
• Heating, cooling, and massage options for the front seats
• Extended Merino leather upholstery with signature hexagon stitching
• Metal and carbon-fiber trim inserts
• Power panoramic sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control unit for the front and rear rows with steering wheel controls
• Proximity remote access for the doors and trunk

What’s there to keep you entertained?

When it comes to infotainment features, BMW cars never seem to disappoint. The 2021 BMW X6 M comes with the latest iDrive infotainment system along with a plethora of other infotainment and convenience features. A 12.3-inch multi-information touchscreen display unit adorns the dashboard’s center console, and it comes with gesture control and 360-degree camera view features. 

The standard sound system on offer is a Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 10 speakers, a subwoofer, and an audio equalizer. A Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system is also available as an optional extra. The X6 M comes with a wireless charging pad, heads-up display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, WiFi Hotspot Internet access, and a list of other features as well. In short, the X6 M comes fully equipped with some of the best infotainment features in the market today. Some of the notable infotainment features are:

• Harman/Kardon surround sound system with 10 speakers, audio equalizer, and a subwoofer
• Latest iDrive infotainment unit
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• 4G internet access WiFi hotspot
• Wireless charging pad
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with voice and gesture control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Heads-up display

The X6 M’s beauty has also been a thing of a debate between critics and enthusiasts. The X6 M has a tall ‘coupe’ look with its stance and a sloping roofline that looked weird when it first came out. But then, there was a surprising response from potential buyers which led to the increase in sales figures of the X6. The X6 M comes with 21-inch alloy wheels as standard. 

Its sloping roofline and a massive front fascia with aggressive ‘M’ inspired design cues around the vents give it an unmistakable look, and that exactly is the reason for a ton of potential customers to go for the X6 M as it grabs attention wherever it goes. Its adaptive projector LED headlamps with cornering lights and sharp daytime running LED lights along with the eccentric LED tail lamps give it an edgy yet futuristic look. Being an ‘M’ car, it comes with blacked-out chrome bits that add to its performance-oriented persona.

The X6 M has one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, and with the right width and suspension tuning, BMW has ensured that there won’t be much body roll or lack of confidence while going through tight corners. The X6 M also doesn’t feel heavy to handle compared to its rivals like the Audi SQ8 that weighs over 6,500 lbs. Some of the notable exterior features are:

• 21-inch standard alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• LED projector headlights with cornering lights and LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Heated and powered side mirrors
• Lip spoiler
• Blacked out elements around the exterior
• Dual stainless steel exhaust with blacked-out chrome exhaust tips

The 2021 BMW X6 M hasn’t yet been rated by agencies like the NHTSA or IIHS for safety, but we can certainly be assured that the X6 M is one of the safest SUVs around due to BMW’s engineering prowess in designing and engineering some of the safest and reliable SUVs in the industry. As far as safety features go, it comes equipped with the latest and best of safety features that BMW has on offer such as Front and Rear Park Distance Control, Active Blind Spot Detection, Front Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Some of the notable safety features are:

• Front and Rear Park Distance Control
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Front Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• 3D Surround View

2021 BMW X6 M vs. 2021 Audi RSQ8 

The Audi RSQ8 is one of the most crucial rivals to the X6 M as it offers similar performance and features for a similar price range. The Audi RSQ8 offers Audi’s latest infotainment system, but the BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is much easier and intuitive to use. The RSQ8 also is a heavy vehicle when compared to the X6 M, and that brings a slight disadvantage to the Audi when it comes to handling.

2021 BMW X6 M vs. 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe strives to be the BMW X6 M’s arch-rival as it comes in a similar body styling and offers similar performance figures. But the BMW has a clear advantage when it comes to its pricing as it costs around $8,000 cheaper than the AMG. Opting for the ‘Competition’ package on the X6 M will prove to be a great alternative to the AMG as it will match the AMG’s performance level with a lesser price tag.

2021 BMW X6 M vs.  2021 Maserati Levante GTS

The 2021 Maserati Levante GTS is a very impressive SUV as it looks great, feels great, performs excellently, and has the best exhaust note in the segment (thanks to the engine developed jointly with Ferrari). The Levante GTS offers an immaculate interior with a flair of Italian design and showcases the manufacturer’s designing prowess. And due to these exact reasons, the Maserati proves to be costlier than the X6 M by a good twelve to thirteen thousand dollars.

The BMW X6 M is an extremely important SUV for the brand as it has had a really impressive sales history in the past few years, and the 2021 model year version is no exception. It proves to be a great value for money possession for people who desire some serious performance capabilities along with the practicality and utilitarian qualities of an SUV. All in all, the 2021 BMW X6 M comes out to be a great option in the segment, and we recommend it fully.