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BMW X6: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW X6 is a five-seat midsize luxury SUV with a sloping, coupe-like roof. It is known for bold styling, strong engines, and sporty road manners, trading some cargo space for a more dramatic shape than a conventional SUV.
The X6 has always been BMW’s style-focused alternative to a traditional midsize luxury SUV. Across three generations, its low roof, wide stance, driver-centered cabin, and performance emphasis have remained central to its character. Newer versions add more advanced displays and mild-hybrid engine assistance, but the basic idea has stayed the same: SUV usefulness with a sportier look and feel.
Strengths
- Its coupe-like roof and wide stance give it a distinct look without giving up five-seat SUV practicality.
- Strong six-cylinder and V8 engines have been a consistent part of the X6’s performance-focused character.
- The X6 feels more road-focused than a traditional luxury SUV, with handling and a driver-centered cabin at the heart of its design.
- Recent models combine standard all-wheel drive with mild-hybrid gas engines for confident year-round daily use.
- The cabin has the upscale materials and modern display technology expected in a premium BMW.
- For 2027, the X6 is rated to tow as much as 7,200 pounds.
Who it's for
The X6 suits someone who wants the higher seating position and everyday usefulness of an SUV but cares more about design and driving feel than maximum cargo room. It also fits buyers who want strong performance and an upscale cabin without moving to a traditional luxury sedan.
BMW X6 lineup
In recent years, the xDrive40i has been the sensible starting point, pairing a strong six-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive and lower fuel use than the V8 model. Pick it if you want the X6’s styling and everyday performance without paying for the quickest version. Step up to the M60i if the V8, sharper performance focus, and higher output are central to the appeal. Earlier generations used names such as xDrive50i and M50i for a similar V8-powered step above the six-cylinder models.
BMW X6 generations
From 2009 to 2027, the X6 spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation — G06 arrived for 2020, following the 2nd Generation — F16 (2015–2019).
3rd Generation — G06 (2020–Present)
The third-generation X6 has a longer wheelbase, updated six-cylinder and V8 engines, a roomier new body, and a more digital dashboard. A substantial 2024 refresh brought revised styling, a curved dual-screen display, and mild-hybrid power across the core lineup.
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2027
The xDrive40i and M60i carry over with all-wheel drive, mild-hybrid engines, and the curved dual-screen dashboard.
2026
The post-refresh design, two-model lineup, mild-hybrid engines, and curved dual-screen dashboard carry over.
2025
LED headlights with cornering lights became standard across the lineup.
2024Mid-cycle update
Revised styling, a curved dual-screen dashboard, updated software, and mild-hybrid engines arrived. The V8 model was renamed M60i.
2023
Synthetic upholstery became standard across the lineup; the design and engines otherwise carried over.
2022Trim changes
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i left the U.S. lineup, making all-wheel drive standard on every X6.
2021
Six-cylinder 40i models gained mild-hybrid assistance, and Android Auto became standard.
2020New generation
A full redesign brought a new body, longer wheelbase, updated engines, dual dashboard screens, more standard safety technology, and the new V8-powered M50i.
2nd Generation — F16 (2015–2019)
The second-generation X6 kept the sloped-roof SUV shape but moved to a new, lighter body with more flexible cargo space and a larger center display. It also introduced the first rear-wheel-drive X6 and a more powerful V8 model.
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2019
Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward-collision warning with city braking, speed-limit information, and Apple CarPlay became standard.
2018
Six-cylinder models gained a standard rearview camera and trapezoidal tailpipes.
2017
The touchscreen-based iDrive 5.0 system became standard, along with updated exterior trim details.
2016
Improved USB and Bluetooth phone integration became standard; the V8 model gained more standard comfort equipment.
2015New generation
A full redesign brought a new body, lighter structure, more cargo flexibility, a 10.2-inch center screen, digital gauges, and the first rear-wheel-drive X6.
1st Generation — E71 (2008–2014)
The first-generation X6 established BMW's low-roof SUV formula with standard all-wheel drive and a choice of six-cylinder or V8 power. Its later years brought an eight-speed automatic, a short-lived hybrid model, more standard comfort equipment, and a light styling refresh.
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2014
The V8-powered xDrive50i gained a garage-door opener and an interior-mirror compass; the rest of the lineup was effectively unchanged.
2013Mid-cycle update
A light styling refresh revised the grille, headlights, fog-light placement, and exhaust-tip design.
2012Trim changes
Both trims gained more standard comfort features, and a rear center seat expanded capacity from four people to five.
2011
Gas-powered models gained an eight-speed automatic, while the xDrive35i received a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine.
2010Trim changes
The ActiveHybrid X6 joined the lineup, while gas models gained a power tailgate and HD Radio as standard.
2009
The engines, all-wheel-drive system, body, and main equipment carried over with only minor option changes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW X6.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW X6 an SUV or a coupe?
The X6 is a four-door luxury SUV with a coupe-like roof. It sits higher than a car and has SUV utility, but its sloping rear roof favors style and road-focused handling over maximum cargo space.
How is the X6 different from a traditional midsize SUV?
The X6 puts more emphasis on design and sporty road manners. Its low, sloping roof gives it a distinctive shape, but a conventional midsize SUV is usually the better fit when rear headroom and maximum cargo room matter most.
Does the BMW X6 come as a hybrid?
Yes, but the type depends on the era. The 2010–2011 ActiveHybrid was a 480-hp full hybrid that could move on electric power at low speeds. Recent X6 engines use 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, but they remain gas powertrains.
Does every BMW X6 have all-wheel drive?
No. Most X6 models have all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel-drive sDrive versions were sold from the second generation into the early third generation. All-wheel drive became standard across the U.S. lineup for 2022.
Is the BMW X6 practical for a family?
It can be, especially for a family that values style and performance. Newer X6 models seat five, and the latest version has up to 59.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The sloping roof makes it less space-focused than a conventional SUV.
How many generations of the BMW X6 are there?
There are three generations in this history. The first ran from 2008–2014, the second from 2015–2019, and the third arrived for 2020. The third generation received a major styling, dashboard, and powertrain refresh for 2024.
BMW X6 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW X6.
4.4
BMW X6
(1,599 reviews)
“My new of a BMW X6 M50i xDrive is the best vehicle purchased by far. I love it. It has so versatility, rides very nice and has a lot of upgrades to make this a great vehicle.”
“Amazing vehicle. Handles great, great seating space. Does everything an suv will need to do along with the sporty fast aspect. Smooth drives on comfort mode and insanely fast on sports m mode”
“This car is great if you're looking for something that looks sporty, drives and handles well, and makes you feel comfortable when you sit inside. I get so many compliments daily about the car, it was a great decision.”
“Sporty, aggressive style, great performance/handling but still have comfort for 4 or 5 adults and be usable in all types of weather.”
“The X6 M50i is a stylish well built vehicle that excels in performance and quality workmanship.”