by Aiden Eksteen
Coupe-styled crossover SUVs are booming in popularity in the USA - Americans just seem to have an obdurate compulsion to get behind the steering wheel of the latest cars the automotive industry has to offer, no matter the cost. The X6 was the first crossover vehicle from BMW to have donned the unconventional form but it wasn't welcomed very positively by Bimmer enthusiasts for its fastback styling and compromised practicality, and not much has changed for the 2021 BMW X6. It retains its controversial design but now has to uphold its acclaim against numerous other luxury coupe-cross SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes-AMG GLE-Class Coupe, and the Audi Q8. With the choice of either a 335-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder engine or a 523-hp twin-turbo V8 unit, the X6 certainly has the proficiency to impress even the disgruntled BMW fanatics. Its fastback design is charming to many and its modern, well-built, and featureful interior is sure to impress. It's not a very frugal 5-door family cruiser, however, and it's design does come at the cost of rear passenger headroom and trunk cargo space.
As the X6 SUV was completely redesigned for the 2020 model year as a third-generation iteration, it rolls into 2021 with just a sprinkling of new inclusive features and a few less. BMW has augmented the 2021 X6's inline-6 mill with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and has finally introduced Android Auto to the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system as a standard application. The M50i now comes standard with remote start and front-seat ventilation. Prior features deleted from the current options list include the night vision with pedestrian detection system, acoustic glass installation, glass interior controls, and rear-entertainment system.
See trim levels and configurations:
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Americans have numerous reasons as to why they want to own an SUV, whether it be their aesthetics, drivability, or versatility and practicality. So, while the X6 SUV may be intrinsically flawed with its coupe-styled rear end roofline diminishing rear cabin space and practicality in general, its phenomenal performance showing and contemporary demeanor are still enough to see it sell well. In addition to its proficient and engaging performance and exceptional handling prowess, the X6 also comes standard with an extensive list of the modern features and plenty of customization options. No official US authority has subjected the 2021 BMW X6 to review for its crashworthiness, but the very similar X5 received consummate scores and there are loads of advanced driver aids and safety systems available. It's reliability expectations are pretty decent, too.
As incredible as the X6 is, it is a little difficult to recommend it over the as proficient and far more practical X5 SUV, especially at the 2021 BMW X6 SUV's price of $67,350, which is considerably higher. There isn't anything quite like the X6, however, so if its novelty you want, this pioneering brute of a coupe-esque SUV won't disappoint.
The M50i version of the 2021 BMW X6 is a very compelling option with its strapping and burly V8, selection of performance-optimized underpinnings, and its sporty M Sport body kit. It's really expensive at $86,250, but it also comes outfitted with a good selection of additional creature comforts, conveniences, and technology. The front seats of the M50i are designed with sporty driving in mind, featuring a sportier design, added bolstering and support, ventilation, and 18-way power-adjustability. The infotainment system is upgraded with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround audio system, and there's also quad-zone automatic climate control.