BMW X6 35i, xDrive40i, M60i & More

sDrive identifies rear-wheel drive, while xDrive identifies all-wheel drive. On older used X6 models, that badge is an easy way to tell the drivetrains apart. Since 2022, the U.S. X6 lineup has used all-wheel drive throughout.

The main difference is traction. Both use a 300-hp turbo six-cylinder engine, but the sDrive35i sends power to the rear wheels and the xDrive35i uses all-wheel drive. Their core comfort, safety, and cabin features are otherwise closely aligned.

The key difference is the drivetrain. The sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive40i adds all-wheel drive. Both are six-cylinder versions of the X6, but the xDrive model is the more natural fit for drivers who regularly face wet or snowy roads.

Broadly, yes. The 35i and 40i names identify the six-cylinder side of the lineup in different eras. Older 35i models make 300 hp, while third-generation 40i models use newer mild-hybrid six-cylinder engines with 335 hp or 375 hp, depending on the model year.

The xDrive35i uses a turbo six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i steps up to a twin-turbo V8 and adds a more upscale equipment mix. Later xDrive50i models also include four-zone climate control, making them the stronger luxury-performance choice of that era.

They fill a similar V8 role in different generations. The xDrive50i was the upscale non-M V8 model through the second generation. The third-generation M50i added more dedicated performance equipment, including adaptive M suspension, a sport exhaust, and an M Sport differential.

Yes. The M50i was the third-generation V8 performance trim before the 2024 refresh. The refreshed lineup renamed that position M60i and paired its 523-hp V8 with mild-hybrid assistance, four-wheel steering, and updated cabin technology.

On refreshed third-generation models, the xDrive40i has a 375-hp turbo six-cylinder, while the M60i has a 523-hp twin-turbo V8. The M60i also adds four-wheel steering, a sport exhaust, and ventilated multi-contour front seats.

No. The M60i is the V8 performance trim within the regular X6 lineup. It adds quicker responses and stronger performance while retaining an everyday comfort focus. The separate X6 M Competition has the more track-focused role.

In recent lineups, the xDrive40i is the balanced everyday choice. It combines a strong six-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, heated sport seats, modern phone integration, and core collision-avoidance features without moving to the V8 M60i.

Look for an xDrive model because that badge means all-wheel drive. In older lineups, that could be an xDrive35i or xDrive50i. Newer choices include the xDrive40i, M50i, and M60i, and every U.S. X6 has all-wheel drive from 2022 onward.

The name depends on the era. Earlier models used 50i or xDrive50i, third-generation pre-refresh models used M50i, and refreshed models use M60i. All are V8 choices positioned above the six-cylinder X6 and below the full X6 M.

The ActiveHybrid is a rare 2010–2011 technology-focused model. It combines a V8 and electric drive for 480 hp, uses all-wheel drive, and can travel on electric power at low speeds. It also includes extended leather, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

On newer X6 models, the M60i includes four-wheel steering, an M Sport exhaust, adaptive sport-tuned suspension, and ventilated multi-contour front seats. It also uses the same wide digital display layout and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as the xDrive40i.

Yes, on refreshed third-generation models. Both use a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen in one curved panel. The bigger trim differences are the M60i's V8, four-wheel steering, sport exhaust, and upgraded front seats.