“Take a test drive and decide if leg room is important this car is not made for large passengers leg room but it's very classy and fun to drive.”
2018 BMW X6: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 BMW X6 is a lightly updated late-cycle model rather than a redesign. Its most useful change is a standard rearview camera on both six-cylinder trims.
About the 2018 BMW X6
2nd generation (F16, 2015-2019), fourth year before the 2020 redesign
BMW positioned the X6 as a “Sports Activity Coupe,” blending the higher seating position and SUV practicality of the X5 with a lower, more dramatic fastback roofline. For most shoppers, the X6 is the style-forward choice in BMW’s midsize luxury SUV family: strong turbocharged engines, a premium cabin, and a bold shape that stands out more than a traditional square-roof SUV, even if that shape gives up some rear cargo usefulness versus the X5.
The sDrive35i and xDrive35i pair a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, plus leather, heated front seats, navigation, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. The xDrive50i is the richer, more powerful non-M model, with a 445-hp twin-turbo V8, all-wheel drive, multi-contour front seats, four-zone climate control, and Harman Kardon audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on the sDrive35i and xDrive35i. It was already standard on the xDrive50i.
Styling
The six-cylinder sDrive35i and xDrive35i receive trapezoidal tailpipes.
2018 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| 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 |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.7 cu-ft | 59.7 cu-ft | 59.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| 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 | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| 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 is the biggest change to the 2018 BMW X6?
The biggest change is a standard rearview camera on the six-cylinder sDrive35i and xDrive35i. The V8-powered xDrive50i already had one.
Was the 2018 BMW X6 redesigned?
No, the 2018 BMW X6 was not redesigned. It continued with the same basic body, chassis, engines, eight-speed automatic transmission, and three-trim structure as the 2017 model.
How does the 2018 BMW X6 differ from the 2017 model?
The 2018 model gives both six-cylinder trims a standard rearview camera and trapezoidal tailpipes. Otherwise, the lineup is largely unchanged from 2017.
Did the 2018 BMW X6 receive any engine changes?
No, the 2018 BMW X6 received no engine changes. The 35i trims retain a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i retains a 445-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8.
Is the 2018 BMW X6 worth favoring over the 2017 model?
The 2018 model is mainly worth favoring if a standard rearview camera matters, especially on a six-cylinder X6. Mechanically, the two years are very similar, so condition, history, and equipment remain important when comparing used examples.
2018 BMW X6 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 BMW X6.
4.3
2018 BMW X6
(68 reviews)
“It's incredibly fun to drive, it handles well without being too stiff, it accelerates REALLY well, the seats are very comfortable and the ride is quiet.”
“This is the perfect vehicle if you like an SUV, but not to big and bulky. Plus it has all the bells and whistles. Ultimate driving machine”