2013 BMW X6: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 BMW X6 gets a light styling refresh rather than a full redesign. The main change is an updated exterior, led by a larger grille and revised headlight detailing.
About the 2013 BMW X6
1st generation X6 (E71, 2008-2014), late-cycle refresh year.
BMW positioned the X6 as a “Sports Activity Coupe,” meaning a high-riding luxury vehicle that mixed coupe-like shape and road manners with SUV seating position, hatchback utility, and standard all-wheel drive. In plain terms, the X6 was aimed at shoppers who liked the X5’s premium BMW feel but wanted something more style-forward and more aggressively sporty, even if that meant less rear-seat and cargo practicality than a traditional midsize luxury SUV.
The xDrive35i is the core X6, pairing a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, heated leather front seats, a moonroof, and parking sensors. The more upscale xDrive50i has a 400-hp twin-turbo V8, navigation, and multi-contour front seats; both trims use an eight-speed automatic.
What changed, by category
2013 BMW X6 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Spt & Stptrnc | Auto, 8-Spd Spt & Stptrnc |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 450 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2013 BMW X6 fully redesigned?
No. The 2013 BMW X6 received a light late-cycle refresh and remained part of the first X6 generation.
What exterior changes did the 2013 BMW X6 receive?
The 2013 BMW X6 received larger kidney grilles, revised headlight detailing, relocated fog lights, and small rear-end revisions that included reshaped exhaust-tip treatment.
Did the 2013 BMW X6 engines change from 2012?
No. The 2013 lineup kept the same basic engine structure: a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine in the xDrive35i and a 400-hp twin-turbo V8 in the xDrive50i. Both retained all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic.
How many people does the 2013 BMW X6 seat?
The 2013 BMW X6 seats five in both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i, compared with four seats in 2012.
What is the difference between the 2013 BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i?
The 2013 xDrive35i uses a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i has a 400-hp twin-turbo V8 plus navigation and multi-contour front seats as standard equipment.