2024 BMW X6 M60i

BMW CHALLENGES POPULAR CONCEPT 

OF WHAT MAKES UP A COUPE

If your idea a a coupe is a two-door vehicle slightly smaller than a sedan and somewhat limited passenger and cargo capacity, BMW has a message for you.

  

The German automaker refers to its 2024 X6, which you and I no doubt would call an SUV, as a “Sports Activity Coupe” or SAC. The 2024 X5, which also seats five passengers and has four doors like the X6, it calls a “Sports Activity Vehicle” or SAV.

Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to catch on, but I’ve been wrong before. (In college I once earned praise and a good grade from my professor for questioning the future of cable TV because there already were three free over-the-air commercial networks. And how did that turn out?)

The 2024 BMW X6 and the X5 are both built on the same platform and share some common features, but there are differences that justify the difference in classification as SAC and SAV.

The most apparent is that the 2024 BMW X6 has a sloping roofline that gives it a sleeker profile but intrudes on passenger headroom and rear cargo space while the 2024 BMS X5 has a boxier shape and offers three-row seating and more room in the back for storage.

You could argue, I guess, that the X5 is more about substance and the X6 about style, though there is overlapping for both. The X5 looks good, and even with the second-row seats in place, the 2024 BMW X6 still functions as a typical SUV with considerably more hauling capacity than a full-size sedan.

Folding those seats increases capacity from 27.4 cubic feet to 59.6 cubic feet, still less than the X5 (33.9 and 72.3 cubic feet) but adequate for routine tasks..

The 2024 BMW X6 comes in two trim levels with M-related upgrades that start under the hood. The base 2024 BMW X6 M40i has the same turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder engine  (375 horsepower, 398 pound-feet of torque) that serves X5 models. The 2024 BMW X6 M60i, which this review is based on, ups those numbers to 523/553, respectively, with is turbo V8.

The difference is seen in performance. The inline-6 gives the 2024 BMW X6 M40i a zero-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds compared to 4.2 seconds for the BMW X6 M60i, according to the company.

Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that automatically shifts to the lowest gear when the left paddle shifter on the steering wheel is pulled for one second.

All-wheel drive is standard on both trims as are 20-inch wheels. Larger wheels (21-inch and 22-inch) are optional. EPA fuel mileage figures for the 2024 BMW X6 M60i are 17 miles-per-gallon city, 22 highway, and 19 combined using premium fuel, of course.

The interior of the 2024 BMW X6 M60i features premium touches throughout with large displays (12.3 and 14.9 inches) for driver information and infotainment functions dominating the front dash.

Tech features can be operated via touching the larger screen, using the dial on the console to make your selection, or by gesture or voice control if you have gone for those options. Yes, of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are among standard tech features.

New for 2024 is a Highway Assistant that is part of an optional Driving Assistance Professional Package and allows the driver the luxury of hands-free driving on limited access highways at speeds up to 85 miles-per-hour.

Frankly, I think  such a system infringes a bit on BMW’s proclamation of offering buyers the “ultimate driving machine.” Are you really driving without your hands on the wheel? 

That package tacks on $2,100 to what is already a hefty starting MSRP of $93,600 for the 2024 BMW X6 M60i. The X6 M40i starts at $72,500, 

In addition to a destination and handling charge of $995, my test 2024 BMW X6 M60i had several optional features than jumped the total up to $111,995. 

They included the Driver Assistant Package mentioned earlier, a Dynamic Handling Package (Active M Suspension Pro and Active Roll Suspension), an M Sport Professional Package (design features inside and out), an Executive Package (gesture control), a Climate Comfort Package (4-zone climate control, heated seats, heated front arm rests), 22-inch wheels, Bowes and Wilkins Premium Sound), and a leather dash board and carbon fiber trim.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW X6 M60i: Performance is breathtaking, and the high-quality interior and sexy exterior oozes class. BMW has loaded up the X6 with all kinds of technology though there is a drawback to that (see below). Both the instrument and infotainment screens are large and provide a clear view. All-wheel drive is standard. 

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW X6 M60i: Tech can be overwhelming as the operation of the infotainment systems has a steep learning curve. The cool profile from the sloping roofline comes at a cost of headroom for second-row passengers and room for larger cargo items. There’s a hefty price jump from the base M40i trim to the more powerful M60i, and options quickly boost the final total to six-figures.

Would I buy the 2024 BMW X6 M60i? Too much for my taste, not to mention my budget. You must be really hungry for more power to put down the kind of money the M60i package costs over the M40i.