BMW X6
By prioritizing sporty looks over practicality, the BMW X6 created quite a stir when it debuted back in 2008. But its distinctive shape was a hit with buyers, encouraging other automakers to follow suit with their own fastback SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Despite the added competition, the X6 remains a top choice in its segment. Owners give it high marks for its upscale interior, smooth ride, refined power, and athletic handling. On the downside, the X6’s sloping rear roofline compromises rear-seat headroom, cargo space, and rearward visibility. Additionally, some find its real-world fuel economy disappointing.
By prioritizing sporty looks over practicality, the BMW X6 created quite a stir when it debuted back in 2008. But its distinctive shape was a hit with buyers, encouraging other automakers to follow suit with their own fastback SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Despite the added competition, the X6 remains a top choice in its segment. Owners give it high marks for its upscale interior, smooth ride, refined power, and athletic handling. On the downside, the X6’s sloping rear roofline compromises rear-seat headroom, cargo space, and rearward visibility. Additionally, some find its real-world fuel economy disappointing.
BMW X6 Model Lineup
The X6 is a midsize crossover SUV with coupe-like styling. With room for up to five people, it’s BMW’s largest fastback SUV, measuring some eight inches longer than the compact X4. The X6 shares a platform and some components with the X5, the luxury automaker’s more traditionally shaped midsize sport-ute. BMW also makes a high-performance variant, the X6 M, which is reviewed separately.
The X6 is available with either six- or eight-cylinder power. Most common is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. In 2019 and earlier examples, it’s known as the 35i and produces 300 horsepower. It was upgraded to 335 hp in 2020, at which time it was renamed the 40i. It also added a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in 2021 for improved performance and refinement. For greater performance, BMW offers a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, known as the 50i. With the launch of the second-generation X6 in 2015, its output grew from 400 to 445 hp, and in 2020, it morphed into the even sportier M50i, which boasts 523 hp and a host of other performance-related upgrades, such as a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes.
Since 2011, all versions of the X6 come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (which BMW calls xDrive) is also included on all versions except for the entry-level 35i and 40i, which come standard with rear-wheel drive (known as sDrive). In 2019, the X5 gained a standard suite of active safety features and driving aids, which includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Apple CarPlay also became standard that year, while Android Auto followed in 2021. Adaptive cruise control is optional on the X6.
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BMW X6 Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.5
43 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Bruce W. from TX
Verified Owner · Aug, 2016
2015 BMW X6 xDrive50i
Good comfortable dependable ride. Great responsive handling.
Michael H. from AZ
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW X6 M
Great vehicle! Very distinctive- glad I bought it!
Johann H. from PA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW X6 M
Don't get me wrong - I love my car. So all the "complaints" here are on a high level... - Why can the car not shut off when I press Start/Stop once? - The trunk is very high - The sport seats are great, but you cannot adjust the headrest, and it has a bump in the middle - The leather on the middle console has great stitching, but it's not comfy to rest your arm on it - This is my first BMW that has a holder for my glasses! It feels a bit cheap though - Moving the central lock key from the middle into the doors was not a good idea - The buttons for operating the power windows in the driver door are a bit too far away - Not sure why the keys need to get bigger and bigger, the car has no spot where to put it anyways.
Ralph D. from VA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
Most reviews in the automotive magazines are negative: poor rear view, limited storage, entry/exit rear seating, unusual styling, etc. The rear view was adjusted to in about a week of driving; a larger trunk is not needed; rear seating is okay for 6'3" person. The X6 is not the attention getter of the Infiniti FX when it came out in 2003. Anyone wanting the X6 should buy it and not be swayed by the less than lukewarm reviews.
Eginhard P. from AZ
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
One of the least intuitive navigation systems to program that I have used and programming it by voice only works about one in 5 times.
Philip F. from CA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
For $80+ thousand dollars, I should have a reliable vehicle. I feel seriously let down by BMW. I'm not sure that I would buy another BMW again.
Alex C. from CA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 BMW X6 M
Put a touch screen in the future BMW. The current iDrive is totally OUTDATED!! Simplify the UI design on the future iDrive. Instead all text interface, put some icons on the main screen. Icons somehow are more visible and focus than text when vehicle is moving. Fade the colors on the inactive icons and selections to make the active section stands out. Get rid of unnecessary background colors and lines between the selections. Using simple transition animation between the screen selections. Currently iDrive interface is way too ugly and outdated! (Again!) Reduce the buttons on Air Condition System. Please refer to current Acura TLX, just one option to turn on and off the AC system, instead of current BMW's system has 3 options. Also syncs the ac temperature with seat cooler and heater with one step, not two steps.
Joseph E. from IN
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
I like this vehicle
Veronica G. from TX
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
I purchased this car because nothing else looks like it in the market and of course BMW is a great car
Kyle L. from WA
Verified Owner · May, 2015
2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i
The car is perfect!