2022 BMW X6 Review: The Ultimate Oddball
The BMW X6 may have started life out as an awkward and rather unsightly coupe-styled SUV, but it has since become a popular offering from the Bavarian brand and has seen many try to imitate its arresting looks. It's still not outright pretty, but it's not the hideous monstrosity it started out as either. For those seeking something a little less conventional than the X5, the X6 offers athletic design and sporty driving chops, too. Considered separately to the X6 M, there's still lots to love about the regular X6, from its base six-cylinder variant to its range-topping X6 M50i model, which produces more than enough power to make the X6 M seem a little irrelevant. However, despite being one of the first to do it, is the SUV-coupe niche better represented by competitors like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport?
2022 X6 Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
194.8 in | 117.1 in | 66.3 in | 78.9 in | 4,784.0 lbs |
2022 X6 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Despite its sporty styling and performance-minded deposition, the X6 is remarkably compliant and comfortable. The suspension helps smooth over small bumps and big undulations with ease, but those more accustomed to the lavish ride of your typical Mercedes-Benz offering will note a hint of harshness that may not suit everyone. For this reason, we recommend a test drive before signing on the dotted line, as some of the X6's competition may offer a softer feel. Or opt for the optional adaptive air suspension. However, we must also mention that going on such a drive may just make you fall in love with the way this large machine handles, as the steering is sharp and the nose goes exactly where you place it. Sure, there are occasions where some common sense will need to be applied to avoid dangerous understeer, but for the most part, the overall experience is simply mesmerizing.
This hefty SUV handles a lot better than it should, and its rivals from Ingolstadt and Affalterbach are less engaging in the corners. Overall, the blend of grip, steering accuracy, and minimal body roll makes the X6 a brilliant vehicle to play with. The Dynamic Handling package that adds active roll stabilization and Integral Active Steering is no longer available for the xDrive40i from this year, but only for the M50i, sharpening up the handling significantly. For an electrically-assisted steering setup, this is brilliant. Two-axle air suspension can further enhance the comfort and performance characteristics of the vehicle, but the X6 M50i is the ultimate in the range with the availability of optional M Sport brakes, but last year's electronic M Sport rear differential is sadly no longer offered. Regardless of which model you opt for, braking is good and easy to modulate, with the mild-hybrid system's brake regeneration system failing to disrupt the experience in any noticeable way.
2022 X6 Interior
2022 X6 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 80,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 BMW X6 A Good SUV?
The BMW X6 series of vehicles, which comprises only a six-cylinder variant and a V8 M-fettled model, is more compelling than ever before. However, these SUVs are also inherently flawed, with that swooping roofline detracting from the practicality for which SUVs are usually chosen. Nevertheless, its popularity highlights that some people want coupe styling in a big, brutish package. However, while others may be mostly show and little go, the X6 backs up its sporty styling with brilliant handling and a truly engaging drive. In addition, it comes with a long list of standard features and plenty of customization options, especially when it comes to color schemes, both inside and out. We would recommend visiting a dealer to see the upholstery options in person as pics don't quite do them justice. But, no matter what you opt for, the X6 is luxurious, powerful, and exciting. The infotainment system is brilliant too, but is the cost of the BMW X6 worth it over that of the X5 while getting less out of the experience? On paper, the answer is no, but if you want something that looks unlike anything else on the road, the X6 is very tough to pass on.
2022 BMW X6 Comparisons
2022 BMW X6 vs BMW X5
The BMW X5 is the biggest problem that the X6 has to deal with. Not only does it offer broadly the same features as the X6 while also providing more cargo volume behind the rear seats, but it's also cheaper. While the 2022 X6 starts at over $67,000, the X5 is sold for a starting price of $59,400. It comes in more configurations as the X6 - also a RWD base model and a hybrid - but offers more practicality and better headroom for rear passengers. It also has an arguably more appealing overall aesthetic, although some will still prefer the oddball looks of the X6. Ultimately, there's no real difference beyond the obvious of the body style and the price with even fuel consumption figures being similar, so the choice will come down to personal preference.
2022 BMW X6 vs BMW X4
If you're dead set on an SUV with coupe styling but can't quite look past that $67,000 price tag that accompanies the X6, you may be tempted by the X4, which starts at $51,800. However, those savings have their downsides. The X4's base variant is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Like the X6, handling is brilliant and practicality is low, but the styling is a little better resolved in our opinion and the X4 looks much bigger than it feels on the road. The cabin is very much like a scaled-down X6, with a pair of digital screens and numerous options. It's a great vehicle and there's plenty to love about it, but we suspect the additional space and power of the X6 will be worth the added investment.