The 2020 BMW X6 M50i: Sleek Performance Meets High-Profile Luxury
The 2020 BMW X6 M50i stands as a remarkable step just below the top-tier X6 M, defying the conventional notion that M-badged BMWs are solely about performance sedans and coupes. A bold attempt to make a powerful statement in the SUV segment, this coupe-like crossover merges top-notch features, aggressive styling, and robust powertrains, drawing inspiration from the more traditional, newly refreshed X5.
Power and Performance
Beneath the hood of the M50i beats the heart of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. A powerhouse delivering 523 horsepower and a substantial 553 pound-feet of torque, this engine ensures brisk acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. It’s paired to a seamless ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which also boasts an M sport exhaust as standard, ensuring that the auditory experience matches the vehicle’s performance credentials.
Design and Practicality
The X6’s exterior is a topic of heated debate. BMW has retained the fundamental shape from previous iterations, yet the nuanced changes are significant enough to reassess its aesthetic appeal within the SUV coupe segment. The X6, compared to the X5, sacrifices some practicality; it offers 6.5 cubic feet less cargo space behind the second row and 12.7 cubic feet less with the second row folded flat. This reduction results more from the sleek, sloping roofline rather than usable floor space, making loading bulkier items a challenge. Additionally, rear passengers experience a slight compromise in legroom and headroom.
Price and Customization
Starting at $86,645, our fully-optioned X6 M50i amassed a final price tag of $99,645. Among the notable add-ons were the $3,350 full merino leather interior, the $2,600 Dynamic Handling package (offering adaptive suspension, active anti-roll bars, and four-wheel steering), and the $1,700 Driving Assistance package, which includes BMW’s traffic jam assistant and Active Driving Assistant Pro that automates driving in low-speed conditions. The $1,250 Premium package enhances comfort and convenience with features like remote engine start, a head-up display, and gesture control. The imposing 22-inch M alloy wheels and the distinctively styled $500 illuminated kidney grille provide additional visual flair.
Driving Impressions
Associate Editor Byron Hurd shares a mixed experience: while the vehicle’s agility and handling are commendable for its size, maneuvering in tight spots often led to close encounters with driveway edges. The advanced camera system, intended to aid these maneuvers, was sometimes more of a hindrance due to obscured overlay lines, particularly in low light conditions.
Real World Use and Owner’s Perspective
Green Senior Editor John Beltsnyder appreciates the distinctive shape of the X6, arguing that its aesthetics and everyday practicality outweigh the criticisms. He found the cargo space adequate for typical errands, even if it doesn’t rival more utilitarian SUVs. His wish to see a camaraderie among X6 drivers akin to that of Jeep Wrangler or Mini Cooper owners highlights the car’s unique charm.
Micro Detailing and Interior Experience
News Editor Joel Stocksdale, while laudatory of the powertrain, echoes a familiar refrain about modern BMWs: the chassis, while solid, doesn’t evoke the driving joy expected. The steering, lacking feedback and gradual weight, diminishes an otherwise competent handling experience.
Inside, the materials and layout, though of high quality, lack the innovative spirit seen in competitors like Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus. The BMW interior, while functional and polished, feels too much like it’s sticking to a playbook rather than pushing the envelope.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2020 BMW X6 M50i is a vehicle that impresses with its power and handling, despite its design compromises and less-than-exciting interior. For those who prioritize performance and unique styling over practicality, the X6 M50i offers a compelling mix of both. While it may not appeal to everyone, it undoubtedly stands out in the crowded luxury SUV market.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
