2019 BMW X6 Review: Sacrificing Practicality For Coupe Style
The 2019 X6 Coupe is what BMW calls a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), instead of an SUV. The idea is that you get an SUV, but with car-like handling and driving dynamics and a coupe design. It's part of the second generation X6 introduced in 2016 and while the shape is certainly divisive, there have been so many sales that arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz, has designed an imitation in the form of the AMG GLE coupe, just to compete. Facing off against the German manufacturing-trinity, including said Merc and the popular Audi Q8, the X6 has two brilliant powertrains to offer. Available in three models, the rear-wheel sDrive35i, all-wheel xDrive35i, and the top-of-the-range xDrive50i, the 35i variants are fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the range-topping xDrive50i has a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 at its core. Apart from the controversial sloping roof, the X6 is known for its nimble handling and luxurious interior, but at the cost of practicality, is it all worth it?
What's the Price of the 2019 BMW X6?
The cheapest model in the BMW X6 range is the sDrive35i, which starts at an MSRP of $63,550. The xDrive35i is next in line at a price of $65,850. At the top of the range is the powerful xDrive50i, which has a price tag of $78,300. These prices exclude tax, registration and licensing fees, as well as the destination fee of $995.
Best Deals on 2019 BMW X6
Handling and Driving Impressions
BMW has always been about driving dynamics, and in the X6 they've put their experience and skills to good use. When they say the X6 is actually a Sports Activity Coupe, they're one of the few who place an emphasis on the 'Sports' side of things. It never feels like a 4,500-pound vehicle because of its deft handling and minimal body roll while cornering. Sure, it's heavy, and you can never escape the sense of weight and height, but against rivals, this is the sportiest of the lot. The steering isn't the most responsive and can do with additional feedback - it's light, to begin with, and tightens up a bit when thrown into Sport mode, which does help a little. Thankfully, the ride is not too soft, like many SUVs out there, but not overly firm either. Once again Sport mode helps to bring some taut control to the drive, especially in high-speed corners. The brakes feel light and responsive, rarely seeming to struggle at immediate use - although tending to fade a little after overuse - the X6's weight coming to the fore.
With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the X6 might seem like a potential off-roader, too, but make no mistake, it's no Jeep Wrangler, and it's really best suited to light gravel work rather than rock-climbing. It manages loose pebbles, gravel, and dirt roads just fine, but we wouldn't take it deeper into the woods ourselves. Still, the X6 is an easy car to drive thanks to the combination of brisk engines and nimble handling. The only petty gripe is the lack of visibility. The sloping roof and small back window do it no favors, and with rear passengers, there's almost no visibility at all.
Verdict: Is the 2019 BMW X6 A Good SUV?
The X6 is designed for those who favor style over practicality, and who think the controversial sloping roof looks good. To those who hate the look, as well as the idea of a coupe SUV, the X6 is simply an ugly wannabe-SUV that makes no real sense - the argument is, therefore, that is would be a terrible buy. This is categorically untrue. Styling issues aside, the X6 proves to be an excellent car with a luxurious and comfortable interior; it features the latest technology and safety features, and can be further embellished with add-on packages. It comes with two practical engine options, both of which are brilliant in their own right. And while fuel economy is not its forte, it manages EPA estimates that are not nearly as woeful as some rivals. The option of rear-wheel-drive versus all-wheel-drive is also a bonus. While the current X5 is newer and cheaper and has more space, that's not the point. The point of the X6 is to look stylish and have nimble handling that a conventional SUV can't provide. Consequently, the X6 is a good car for the people who will appreciate it. For everyone else, it's a waste of time, and isn't that the point of a niche car?
What BMW X6 Model Should I Buy?
Both the sDrive35i and the xDrive35i are great cars for daily driving. They have decent power and luxurious and comfortable interiors. Both also have nimble handling that is more like a car than an SUV. With the number of packages and options available, both trims can also be customized with many more features, although this pushes up the price quite quickly. Between them, the price difference is only $2,300, which seems negligible if features are your main concern.
While both the 35i models are adequate, the xDrive50i is something special. The insane 445 hp V8 engine is just beautiful and makes every drive exciting. It also comes with more features that include four-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, and keyless entry and ignition. Since the concept of the X6 is based around being less practical and more daring, the xDrive50i is the one to choose.
2019 BMW X6 Comparisons
2019 BMW X6 vs Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 Coupe
The original X6 was the first car to usher in the era of SUV coupes, and rival, Mercedes-Benz, had no choice but to sit up and take notice. Their response is the GLE Coupe, which in the States is sold purely in AMG guise. The cheapest of the AMG line-up, and the one most comparable to the X6, is the 385 hp AMG GLE 43 which starts at $71,350.
So how does the GLE 43 stack up to the X6 range? Both the sDrive35i and sDrive35i come with 300 hp and cost $63,550 and $65,850 respectively. The top of the range xDrive50i makes 445 hp and costs $78,300. The GLE 43 sits between these two price ranges with power also splitting the difference. Compared to many other Mercedes models, the GLE 43 hasn't got the best interior, though, with the cheap plastic on the center dash being an eyesore and a remnant from the aging ML introduced in 2012. The handling also isn't on par with the X6. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 is a decent compromise for someone wanting power that sits between what's offered by the X6. However, the X6 has better driving dynamics and has more models to choose from - and, in our opinion, would be the better pick.
2019 BMW X6 vs BMW X5
For 2019, BMW has presented an all-new fourth-generation X5, which means the X6 - still based on the previous X5 - is a bit of a dinosaur. It lacks the practicality of the X5, even more so with the new model offering even more cargo capacity and passenger space both front and rear, naturally making it less family orientated. It also does without the same engine innovations, relying on a 300 hp engine in base variants compared to the X5 40i's 335 hp from an updated turbo-six. The X5 50i makes more power from its V8, and the X5 range offers an M50i variant too. The X6 is good, but the X5 is simply better, more practical and more contemporary in its tech and performance. It'll be better to wait until next year, when the 2020 X6 will share underpinnings with the new X5, making the comparison fairer.