2026 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is a sportier version of the more conventional X5 SUV. It distinguishes itself with a sloping rear roofline that gives it a sleeker silhouette — a formula that spawned an entire subclass of "coupe-like" vehicles after it debuted in 2008. In addition to the fastback profile, the X6 gains a handful of performance enhancements, including a sport-tuned suspension. This third-generation X6 was last redesigned in 2020, and we expect word on either a new model or perhaps a discontinuation in the next few years.

Edmunds spotlight: The SUV with a capital S and lowercase U

The X6's sloping roofline serves several purposes. Not only does the crossover look sportier, but the design also reduces some weight from the top of the vehicle, lowering its center of gravity for improved handling compared to the related X5. It also improves aerodynamics at higher speeds, but in the process, you'll need to sacrifice some cargo capacity and rear seat headroom, and those trade-offs are significant. The X5 provides 23% more capacity and an extra 2 inches of rear headroom. If these aspects are too steep a price, perhaps an X5 with optional performance upgrades may be a better choice.

Competitors to consider

BMW isn't the only luxury carmaker to offer a coupe-like SUV. Mercedes-Benz followed BMW's lead with its GLE Coupe, while the Audi Q8 gets a similar treatment compared to the related Q7 SUV. In classic style, the Benz is the more luxurious of the trio, the BMW is the sporty one, and the Audi blends both with a futuristic slant. For bigger budgets, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe is the real performer with similar drawbacks. In a stark contrast, the Genesis GV80 Coupe has enough headroom in the back for even 6-foot-plus passengers.

While the BMW X6 has legitimate performance capabilities, the trade-offs in convenience might be too much for some SUV shoppers.