2017 BMW X6 Review

The rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i and all-wheel-drive xDrive35i come with essentially the same standard equipment. That list includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive high-intensity xenon headlights, LED foglights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming outside mirrors, sunroof, power liftgate, and front and rear parking sensors. Standard features in the cabin include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), a power-adjustable steering column, driver-seat memory settings, wood trim accents and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat.

Standard electronics features for all X6 models include BMW's iDrive interface with a touchpad controller and a new 10.2-inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the BMW ConnectedDrive services (including BMW Assist emergency communications) and integrated smartphone apps, and a nine-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player, USB and auxiliary audio inputs and 20GB of personal music storage.

Stepping up to the xDrive50i brings a V8 engine, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry with hands-free hatch opening, four-zone automatic climate control, 20-way multicontour front seats with adjustments for the shoulder and thigh bolsters, an upgraded 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system and satellite radio. Except for the V8 engine, all of these features are optionally available for the 35i models.

Both the six-cylinder and V8-powered X6 models offer two comprehensive option packages, the xLine and M Sport, both of which include unique 19-inch wheels and the ability to upgrade to 20-inch wheels. The xLine also includes aluminum running boards, while the M Sport package includes special aerodynamic bodywork, the choice of a variety of interior trims, a special steering wheel, a choice between sport seats and multicontour seats for the six-cylinder models, and the ability to add other upgrades such as high-performance 20-inch tires, an adaptive suspension and a higher-limit speed governor.

For the six-cylinder sDrive35i and xDrive35i, the Premium package adds keyless ignition and entry, four-zone climate control, satellite radio, wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Also for the six-cylinder X6 models is a Luxury Seating package that brings the multicontour front seats with a ventilation function. A Driver Assistance package incorporates a rearview camera and a head-up instrument display that projects pertinent driving information onto the windshield in front of the driver.

Several options packages are available for all X6 models. Driver Assistance Plus bundles the contents of the standard Driver Assistance package with adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning and mitigation system (with pedestrian detection), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and side- and top-view cameras. A Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. A Lighting package brings adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control. The Dynamic Handling package adds driver-adjustable suspension dampers, rear air suspension, an adaptive suspension that improves the vehicle's balance around turns, and enhanced speed-sensitive steering.

The Executive package is available only for the V8-powered X6 xDrive50i and includes soft-close doors, leather trim on the dashboard, ceramic-trimmed controls, manual rear side-window shades, the head-up instrument display, wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Significant single options include active speed-sensitive steering (xDrive models only), adjustable shock absorbers with rear air suspension, rearview, side- and top-view cameras, automatic parallel parking, a night-vision system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a deluxe Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system.

lt;p>The 2017 BMW X6 is available with a choice of two engines. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i both get a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that develops 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the sDrive35i, and all-wheel drive (with hill descent control) is standard for the xDrive35i. Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg combined (18 city/25 highway) for the sDrive35i and 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway) for the xDrive35i. During Edmunds performance testing, an X6 xDrive35i went from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, which is a quick time for the segment.

A turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine rated at 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque is standard in the xDrive50i. This model also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and has standard all-wheel drive. BMW says the V8-powered X6 will hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway).