“X6 is very fun to drive. The styling is wonderful and unique. Like all BMW products, the engineering is impressive.”
2016 BMW X6: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 BMW X6 is a light equipment update following its 2015 redesign. The main change is standard Enhanced USB and Bluetooth across the lineup, with the xDrive50i also gaining more standard luxury equipment.
About the 2016 BMW X6
2nd generation X6 (F16), introduced for 2015; 2016 is the second year of that generation, before the 2017 tech update.
BMW sells the X6 as a Sports Activity Coupe: a midsize luxury SUV that trades some everyday practicality for a lower roofline, stronger style, and a more performance-focused feel. The core appeal is the mix of high seating position, quick turbocharged power, and a driver-focused cabin, wrapped in a body that looks more like a coupe than a conventional SUV. Compared with more traditional rivals, the X6 stands out for its bold shape and sportier road manners.
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i and all-wheel-drive xDrive35i use a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the more luxurious xDrive50i has a 445-hp twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel drive. Every version has an eight-speed automatic transmission, navigation with a 10.2-inch screen, heated front seats, and a power tailgate.
What changed, by category
Tech
Enhanced USB and Bluetooth became standard across the lineup, adding office-style phone functions, a second microphone, syncing for a second phone, and Bluetooth music-library browsing. Climate control also became standard across the lineup. The xDrive50i gained standard four-zone climate control, satellite radio, and Harman Kardon audio.
2016 BMW X6 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Spt Manual | Auto, 8-Spd Spt Manual | Auto, 8-Spd Spt Manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 445 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 BMW X6 compared with the 2015 model?
The main change for 2016 is that Enhanced USB and Bluetooth became standard on every X6. Climate control also became standard across the lineup, while the xDrive50i gained four-zone climate control, satellite radio, and Harman Kardon audio as standard equipment.
Was the 2016 BMW X6 redesigned?
No. The X6 was redesigned for 2015, so the 2016 model is the second year of that generation and receives only a light equipment update.
Did the 2016 BMW X6 get new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2016 X6 carries over the same core engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions from 2015, with no confirmed mechanical changes.
Which 2016 BMW X6 received the most added standard equipment?
The xDrive50i received the most added standard equipment for 2016. In addition to the lineup-wide phone-connectivity upgrade, it gained standard four-zone climate control, satellite radio, and Harman Kardon surround sound.
Is the 2016 BMW X6 meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
No, the differences are modest. The 2016 model mainly adds standard phone-connectivity features, climate control across the lineup, and extra standard luxury equipment on the xDrive50i; its styling, structure, and core powertrains are essentially unchanged.
2016 BMW X6 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW X6.
4.4
2016 BMW X6
(97 reviews)
“The X6 is the absolute perfect luxury vehicle that combines the handling of a sports car and the extra space and AWD capabilities of an SUV. BMW hands down has the best handling, style and technology in their vehicles and the X6 was no exception. I opted to go with the 50i m-sport package and have NO regrets! I'm absolutely thrilled to drive it every day!”
“This is the car for you if you want to have a higher off the road experience but not sacrifice performance and handling”