2024 BMW X6

When the BMW X6 arrived for 2008, coupe-like SUVs really weren’t even a thing. After all, isn’t a high, squared roof all but required to even be called an SUV? Well, forget that! Sloped roof utility vehicles surely are a thing now, and that’s mostly thanks to the X6, which is now in its third generation and ever more the trendsetter.

This 2024 BMW X6 may not qualify as all new, but the third generation of this Sports Activity Coupe has been thoroughly updated with increased power, better style, more standard content, and improved tech.

The X6 is, of course, the more stylish coupe-like version of BMW’s X5 midsize crossover, and they share many of the same updates. Exterior changes for this sloped roof utility include a revised face with slimmer headlights. And since so many people add the M Sport package to their X6s, BMW has now made it standard; it includes a big octagonal insert below the grill with large air intakes, exaggerated vent-style fender trim front and rear, side skirts, and lots of black accents. 20-inch wheels are also standard, 22s available.

Inside, the big news is a heavily revised dash with BMW’s latest curved display that includes a 12.3-inch driver info screen, and a 14.9-inch central display powered by iDrive 8. So, while there is still a central controller, you can use it as just a touchscreen. The dash is covered with new material. It adds an ambient light bar, and slimmer air vents. More standard content here in the base xDrive40i for ’24 includes Harmon Kardon audio and a panoramic moonroof. The M Sport package adds an M Sport steering wheel and aluminum trim, and some finely stitched and comfortable sport seats covered in BMW’s latest Sensafin vegan material.

The severely sloped roof does impede access to the rear seats somewhat, but there’s plenty of adult-size headroom and legroom once you get settled inside, along with dedicated climate controls. At 27.4 cubic-feet, cargo space is way less than the X5’s 33.9; but there’s still plenty of floorspace for luggage. You’re really just losing capacity for tall, bulky items. Max space with seats folded is a fine 59.6 cubic-feet.

Power for this xDrive40i comes from an upgraded 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology; output is now 375 horsepower, up 40; torque gains are more significant, an additional 51 lb-ft. to 383, as much as 398 when getting full electric assistance. The available V8 now gains 48-volt boost too, and gets a name change from M50i to M60i. Its horsepower rating actually stays the same though at 523, but there are upgraded turbos with improved airflow that quickens response. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The inline-six sounds powerful and delivered lots of low-end torque at our Mason Dixon test track. So much so, even with all-wheel drive and grippy 22-inch tires, we were spinning up at the line. And even with that, we managed to hit 60 in just 4.4-seconds. Shifts were both fast and firm, helping us complete the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 miles-per-hour.

The X6 comes standard with the Adaptive M suspension with electromagnetically controlled dampers, which had it feeling quite spry through our handling course. There was very little body roll; and despite a numb feel, steering was quick and accurate. The wide footprint provides a very stable platform that seemed more than ready for whatever we threw at it.

There was great stability in our panic braking runs as well, along with an average stopping distance of just 96 feet from 60 miles-per-hour. Nice, firm pedal feel too. We expected all that great performance at the track but didn’t expect it to be delivered with a ride quite this smooth for the drive home. This split personality enabled by BMW’s comprehensive drive mode setup.

Pricing for this xDrive40i starts at $75,495 and that’s more than enough X6 for our money; if you absolutely need the M60i’s V8, you’ll have to pony up at least $95,295.

Coupe-styled SUVs are not for everyone, but if you’re okay with letting practicality take a bit of a backseat to style, you might as well get the original, as the 2024 BMW X6 is better than ever and continues to set the standard for stylish performance-oriented SUVs.