German luxury automaker BMW’s product line used to be simple, consisting only of a few sedans, coupes, and performance models. SUVs came in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and now, the automaker offers a utility vehicle for every taste and budget. For 2024, BMW is giving the X6—a stylish but not-so-practical coupe-like SUV—an overhaul with fresh exterior accents and updated tech.
Though BMW typically offers several configurations for its SUVs—four for the new 2024 X5, for example—the X6 comes in two flavors: the inline-6-powered xDrive40i and V8-powered M60i xDrive. Both engines have mild-hybrid assist, and the M60 variant delivers serious performance and acceleration.
- Both powertrains now feature 48-volt mild-hybrid systems
- A new curved display runs the latest BMW iDrive 8
- New driving-assistance systems include a semi-autonomous Highway Assistant
- Pricing starts at $74,895, including the $995 destination charge
The 2024 X6 features a dramatic sportback body style. It comes standard with the M Sport package for the new model year, which includes “generous use of black surfaces” and octagonal shapes in the lower front bumper. The M60i gets a gloss-black rear spoiler, and the available M Sport Professional package adds a matte black grille surround, black exhaust finishes, and black M exterior trim.
BMW equips sport seats as standard, and its Sensafin synthetic leather upholstery comes by default. The automaker can fit the available multi-contour seats with ventilation and massaging functions, and several interior color schemes are optional, including red, black, cognac, coffee, or “Silverstone.” Merino leather is available in ivory, coffee, black, and truffle.
Both of the updated X6’s powertrains gain mild-hybrid systems for 2024. The 3.0-liter inline-6 adds 40 horsepower for a total of 375, and torque is up 51 pound-feet to 383. The mild-hybrid can boost torque by 51 pound-feet for short periods. The X6 M60i gets a new turbocharged V8 making 523 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. BMW pairs both engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission and xDrive, BMW-speak for all-wheel drive. BMW notes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.2 seconds for the M60i.
The V8-powered X6 and inline-6 models equipped with the M Sport package have a new Sprint function that enables quick bursts of speed and power on demand. When the driver pulls the left shift paddle for one second, the system shifts the vehicle into the lowest usable gear and changes all drive settings to their sportiest modes. The system also activates the mild-hybrid’s temporary power-boost function.
The X6 comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension, which offers adjustable firmness settings and automatic adaptation to road conditions. BMW offers a two-axle air suspension system that brings automatic self-leveling and speed-dependent height settings that lower the SUV at speeds over 86 mph. The M60i now comes with rear-wheel steering that enables 3 degrees of movement.
The new X6 is available with numerous driving-assistance systems, but BMW holds some back in option packages. A new highway driving assist feature enables hands-free driving up to 85 mph on limited-access highways. The SUV comes standard with an automated reverse parking system, and an optional Maneuver Assistant function lets the driver create short “routines” that the SUV can replicate autonomously. The vehicle uses GPS data to determine the location and driver inputs to “copy” the action, such as parallel parking or navigating a tight parking garage. BMW says drivers can store up to 10 maneuvers at different locations.
The 2024 X6 gets a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster mounted behind a single piece of curved glass high on the dash. Designed to operate like a smartphone, the system has configurable widgets that allow the driver to configure quick actions for easy access. BMW’s latest iDrive 8 infotainment system is on board, which brings over-the-air updates, navigation, and more.
The interface offers an improved personal assistant system for 2024 that enables voice controls for more vehicle functions, such as climate controls, the sunroof, and audio settings. An available augmented-view navigation system displays driving directions and other information on a live camera view of the road ahead.
The BMW X6 shares many competitors with the X5. It goes head-to-head with the stylish and powerful Audi Q8, which also offers available V8 power. The Jaguar F-Pace is a slightly less practical rival but is also available with a rowdy V8. Finally, the Porsche Cayenne brings performance, style, and tech but can grow much more expensive with options and trims.
BMW is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 7, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Autoweek, and others.
