~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

The 2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i has achieved maturity with its fully realized persona as a luxury, high-performance crossover sport utility vehicle, which BMW prefers to call a “sport activity vehicle.”

No surprise there. The Bavarian manufacturer, from its inception in the U.S. market back in the 1960s, has always sought to deliver vehicles that earn its slogan of “ultimate driving machine.”

The U.S.-built midsize X6 made its debut in the 2008 model year with a new four-door fastback coupe-like design. To some observers, including this reviewer, it had an awkward look, appearing a bit too tall for its length. Over the years since, its styling has been incrementally ironed and stretched out.

For 2024, the X6 emerges as a desirable, stylish five-passenger SUV with a brawny demeanor, complete with BMW infused performance and handling that give it the demeanor of a sports sedan. This column resists the cliché appellation of “fun to drive” in favor of a judgment of abundant overall competence.

Unfortunately for the most of us, this sort of capability and artistry doesn’t come cheap. The tested X6 xDrive40i came with a base price of $74,895, including the destination charge. With a list of desirable options, the as tested price soared to $87,545.

This slick machine has been so beautifully honed for silence, power and smooth operation that anyone driving it could be forgiven for thinking it is a high-zoot 100% electric. There’s just a bit of muted engine noise during acceleration, which features that leap off the line common to many electrics. The X6 hits 60 miles an hour from rest in less than five seconds, with a top speed of 131 miles an hour. City/highway/combined gasoline consumption is reasonable at 23/26/24 miles to the gallon.

Motivating all this is a mild hybrid system that uses a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine boosted by a 48-horsepower electric motor. The system delivers 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Along with ground clearance enhanced by 22-inch alloy wheels it suggests that the X6 could have some off-road credentials, though it’s so classy it’s doubtful many owners would choose to bash around in the backwoods.

However, the X6’s all-wheel drive system should be up to some off-road tasks, as well as delivering confidence and security in nasty weather. It distributes torque, or twisting force, not only between the rear and front wheels but also side to side at the rear, usually referred to as torque vectoring.

In daily driving, the X6 handles easily and delivers a comfortable ride with the exception of occasional jolts from bumps and highway holes—no doubt coming from the M Sport active suspension system, shock absorbers and tires tuned for handling and performance instead of a cushy ride.

The interior fairly screams luxury with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, heated front seats, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, panoramic sunroof, acoustic protection, LED lighting, parking assist, black wood trim, wireless device charging, premium audio with SXM satellite radio, and Apple Car Play and Android Audio.

Many functions are accessed via a l2.3-inch center touch screen mounted just below eye level so it can be easily read while underway. Long distance cruising for up to five passengers is enhanced by perforated, heated and contoured leather seats, with power adjustments and memory settings in front. There also are redundant buttons, some on the steering wheel.

The back seat accommodates three passengers, though the center-rear occupant gets shortchanged by a hard cushion and a prominent floor hump. Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat to carry extra cargo. The cargo area behind the back seat offers 27 cubic feet of space. It could be larger with a square back body design but is compromised by the sloping, streamlined fastback roof. A full-size spare wheel and tire nestles beneath the cargo floor.

Various features carry the “M Sport” designation, which is BMW’s way of identifying additional performance features. Among them: Red M Sport disc brakes, adaptive suspension system, M steering wheel, exhaust system, and LED lights all around, including as trim on the dual kidney-shaped grille.

If the X6 xDrive40i’s 375-horsepower performance isn’t enough for some SUV performance enthusiasts, BMW also offers an upgrade of a 523-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (for additional bucks, of course). Either way, most customers likely would choose the M Sport package with its enhancements.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 3.0-liter six-cylinder, turbocharged; 375 hp, 398 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual shift mode and all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet 3 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 6 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 100/27 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 4,713 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 7,200 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 23/26/24 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $74,895.
  • Price as tested: $87,545.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©BMW