BY Randi Payton
A Crash Course in BMW’s Performance Philosophy
A week with the 2024 BMW X6 xDrive40i was an immersive experience in the Ultimate Driving Machine philosophy. This year’s X6 SUV delivers a refined ride, cutting-edge tech, powerful mild-hybrid engines, and a redesigned interior and exterior that’s sure to turn heads.
New this year: The BMW X6 SUV’s changes include a revised front grille and bumper, new headlights and tail-lamps, updated wheel designs, and a boost in power for the base engine thanks to a new 48-volt hybrid system. The X6’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces up to 375 horsepower and 382 lb.-ft of torque. However, the power of the 523-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 remains the same for this year. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Performance: The X6 offers an optional M Sport package to its standard suspension, which adds adaptive dampers, larger brakes, and a more aggressive suspension tune. The X6 I tested also came with an M Sport Package Pro with even more performance upgrades, including M Sport brakes, differential, and exhaust system.
It was an ultimate performer on the highway and city roads. The engine was powerful and responsive, and the transmission shifted smoothly. The steering was precise, and the handling was sharp. The X6 was also comfortable to drive on the highway, thanks to its smooth ride and quiet cabin.
Technology: The 2024 X6 has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system is powered by BMW’s latest iDrive 8 software, which is easy to use and has a wide range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a built-in navigation system, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Models/Pricing: The 2024 BMW X6 has two trim levels: the xDrive40i, which starts at $73,900, and the M60i, which starts around $94,595 MSRP.
In addition, BMW offers a wide range of X models that cater to different needs and preferences:
- X1: The compact SUV, starting at around $35,400
- X2: The sporty compact SUV, starting at around $36,600
- X3: The popular midsize SUV, starting at around $49,500
- X4: The sporty coupe-SUV, starting at around $55,300
- X5: The luxury midsize SUV, starting at around $65,700
- X6: The sporty coupe-SUV, starting at around $74,500.
- X7: The large luxury SUV, starting at around $80,000.
- iX: The electric SUV, starting at around $87,100.
- XM: The high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV, starting at around $160,000.
Starting prices can vary based on specific trim levels, options, and regional factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, check with a consumer car-buying website or your local BMW dealership.
Fuel Economy: The turbocharged inline-six xDrive40i is the most fuel-efficient with 23 city/26 highway mpg. Opting for power over mpg, the twin-turbo V-8-powered M60i xDrive drops the fuel efficiency to 17 city/22 mpg highway. According to the EPA, the high-performance X6 M Competition drops it even more to 13 city/18 highway mpg.
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Randi Payton
Decisive Media Network
www.decisivemedia.net
