2020 BMW X6 Review

The 2020 BMW X6 has been completely redesigned, starting its third generation. Like its predecessors, it is based on the more conventionally styled X5 but features a tapering roofline instead of a typically boxy SUV shape. The result is a sportier look. But in the past, it also ended up limiting rear-seat headroom and reducing cargo capacity compared to the X5. Will this new X6 suffer the same fate? Probably.

As 2020 BMW X6 models roll into showrooms, you can pick from three models that are distinguished primarily by drivetrains. The base trim is the X6 sDrive40i that comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The next step up is the X6 xDrive40i, which adds all-wheel drive.

At least for the time being, the X6 M50i is the top dog, sporting a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that increases output to 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. In the spring, it will be surpassed by the high-performance X6 M that will set itself apart from the rest with 600 hp.

In many ways, the BMW X6 drives like a big luxury SUV that is pretending to be sportier than it really is. The V8 engine emits a pleasing low rumble and gets this sizable SUV moving with authority. Selecting the Sport drive modes adds more auditory theater, along with some racy crackles from the exhaust. BMW claims it will reach 60 mph in a scant 4.1 seconds. The six-cylinder-powered models are about a second slower, which still isn't slow.

The brakes keep the X6 feeling trustworthy and have an appropriate amount of pedal effort and travel, too. It's when the road begins to bend that the X6 feels a bit out of place. On the narrow and winding roads, its considerable weight can make the X6 feel much larger than it is, and it's not a small SUV to begin with.

Adding to the heaviness is the thick-rimmed steering wheel that requires far more effort to turn than a vehicle like this needs. Combined with an overly vigilant lane keeping assist system, these qualities result in an SUV that is oddly uninterested in encouraging you to drive with enthusiasm.

As far as comfort goes, the front seats are well cushioned and supportive for long hours on the road. The optional Dynamic Handling package stiffens the ride quality, but not to levels that we consider harsh. Sharp pavement impacts are felt as a noticeable dull thud inside. Still, comfort-oriented shoppers will likely do well to skip this option.

From the front seats forward, there's little difference between the X5 and the X6. The broad horizontal dash is understated and classy, with the infotainment screen mounted on top to reduce distraction while operating the various systems. The wide center console retains the familiar iDrive dial controller placed right where your hand rests. It's definitely one of the better infotainment systems out there.

The materials quality is excellent, with an abundance of premium leather and convincingly grained soft-touch plastics to match. The X6 does luxury right.

The rear seats aren't nearly as restricting as the sloping rear roofline suggests. An average-size man of 5-foot-10 has just enough headroom thanks to a scooped-out headliner. Fortunately, headroom doesn't come at the expense of thigh support — the cushions are tall enough to keep your knees from folding into your chest. Legroom is acceptable but not generous, especially with lanky front-seat occupants.

With relatively accommodating rear seats, the measure of practicality is decent, but cargo space remains a weak point. Capacity is 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. It's a wide space that stretches far into the interior before stopping at the rear seatbacks, but the roofline won't allow for bulky objects. The X6 also has a tall load floor height, and that means you'll have to hoist items rather high to get them in.

At least the power split-opening liftgate/tailgate provides a good ledge to rest something heavy on before sliding it into the space. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks lie flat with the cargo floor and allow for a good amount of passenger-to-cargo flexibility. The remote seatback release in the cargo compartment enhances convenience.

The X6 is obviously not as practical as the X5, but the deficit doesn't seem as substantial as before.