The 2024 BMW X6 M60i xDrive

The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is the latest in a string of fastback sport activity vehicles (SAV) from BMW. An SAV is what BMW calls its line of SUVs, but in this case, the name sticks. Napleton News had a chance recently to spend some time in this sporty coupe’d SUV. Strap into the contoured bucket seats for a quick hot lap, so we can tell you more.

Have the BMW X6 xDrive your way.

You can have your BMW X6 in two flavors, or three if you count the top shelf X6 M Competition.

Regardless, here’s what you get:

• The BMW X6 xDrive40i: Power is delivered from a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine making 375-horsepower with eBoost 48V mild hybrid technology. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes and xDrive all-wheel drive. 20-inch M Star bi-color wheels are shod with all-season run-flat tires.
• The BMW X6 M60i xDrive: Features the famous 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 with 32-valve 523-horsepower engine. This engine features a pair of turbochargers, a 48V mild hybrid system and xDrive all-wheel drive. Available M Sport brakes with red brake calipers are part of the package, as well as an adaptive M Suspension.
• BMW X6 M Competition: Includes the same 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 tuned to a wilder 617-horsepower, an 8-speed M Sport Automatic transmission with Drivelogic, Sport and Manual shift modes. This adds the Competition package and specific details that are unique to this model.

What’s under the hood of the M60i?

The BMW X6 M60i xDrive comes standard with a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbocharged V8 that makes an other-worldly 523-horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it’ll put hair on your chest and max out your gas card in a New York minute.

And the sound from the exhaust is nothing to sneeze at either. In fact, it’s quite intoxicating!

How does the X6 look?

Is it a fastback, or an SUV or a sports car? Yes. And the X6 was the originator of the class. In years past, our colleagues used to joke the BMW X6 was the answer to the question nobody was asking. Now they would be eating humble pie, seeing that hardly any manufacturer were still making sedans. Well, German companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes were!

Buyers chose to forgo the sedan in favor of the SUV when it became clear buyers wanted to sit higher with more room than before. They also wanted some pep in their step when it came time to squeeze the skinny pedal, too. That’s where the X6 comes in. It provides the higher ride with many of the attributes of a high-performance sedan. You’re getting the best of both worlds.

For 2024, the X6 M60i has undergone a refresh with a new stylization of the kidney grille, revised lighting feature and the now-standard M Sport package.

It’s what’s inside that matters.

Even though the BMW X6 M60i is a bit of a hot rod, doesn’t mean it’s not swanky inside. In fact, it’s downright luxurious, in a Teutonic sort of way. It features BMW’s new curved display screen which includes a 12.3-inch driver’s information display, and a14.9-inch infotainment display to control the BMW iDrive, Bowers and Wilkins audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio and smartphone connectivity.

The front seats are heated, ventilated and infinitely adjustable, but sadly they lack massaging functions for back relief on the way home from work. That’s ok, though, as the accelerator can provide enough stimulation for all occupants.

The rear seat is comfortable enough, though could be a slightly tighter fit than many people may be used to. Finally, cargo space is compromised somewhat because of the sloping rear roof line you’ll find behind the bench. If cargo hauling is a prime motivation, perhaps consider the X5 M60i instead.

Driving the BMW X6 M60i

The X6 M60i offers an exhilarating drive experience that will get the adrenal glands to work overtime. It’s a smooth operator that feels as though it is a Luxo-cruiser, except when called upon to step up things. At that point, it clearly kicks you back into the seats for a quick getaway. The response is impressive. And it sounds pretty gutsy, too.

The surprising thing about the X6 M60i is how it handles. There is a big hole left by the derth of sport sedans these days. Many feel that these so-called sport SUVs are not true sporty-style vehicles at all. They obviously haven’t been in this car. Braking is stellar, thanks to Brembo-style brakes, and the platform is extremely well-balanced by the M Adaptive Suspension. So settled is this car that it corners as well as a sports car.

Detractors who spoke ill of the X6 when it came out have suddenly gone silent.

And that’s saying a lot.

The BMW X6 M60i xDrive Specifications