© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What Is It?
BMW vehicles with a suffix of M in the name are the most exciting models that the German automaker offers, boasting big power, adroit handling and high levels of luxury. These qualities even apply to crossovers, and a perfect example of this is the sporty BMW X6 M. With sleeker styling than its more traditional-looking X5 sibling, the 2024 BMW X6 M gets updated for the 2024 model year with a fresh look, high-tech interior and improved performance. We spent a few days with this high-performance vehicle and enjoyed it so much we didn’t want to give it back.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
What We Drove
For this review, BMW provided a 2024 X6 M Competition painted in a unique Velvet Blue Metallic with Taruma Brown full Merino leather trim inside. Even though the X6 M comes well equipped with a long list of standard features, the test vehicle also had M Compound Brakes with red calipers, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and the M Driver’s Package. The total MSRP for this vehicle is $146,345, including a $995 destination charge. (Note: The BMW X6 M is only offered as the Competition version for the 2024 model year.)
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Fresh Look
BMW introduced the third generation of the X6 in 2020, so the design changes for the 2024 model year are noticeable although not drastic. The new X6 M gets an updated version of the iconic kidney grille with horizontal bars that provide a cleaner, simpler look. Headlights are slimmer, along with more expressive arrow-shaped daytime running lights that also function as turn signals. Lower air intakes are larger and more open for increased airflow.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear View
The 2024 BMW X6 M features a sloping roofline that flows from the top of the windshield to a subtle rear spoiler at the bottom of the rear window. LED taillights wrap around the corners and stretch across the tailgate to almost meet in the middle, adding to the wide stance of the X6. Like other M vehicles, the X6 M boasts quad exhaust outlets trimmed in black chrome.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Under the Hood
Powering the 2024 BMW X6 M is an updated 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine delivering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The big motor gets teamed with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that features an integrated electric motor providing quicker response and improved efficiency. The electric motor also acts as a starter/generator for smoother operation of the start/stop functionality. A 48V battery provides power to the electric motor.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Extreme Performance
The 2024 BMW X6 M Competition may possess many utilitarian qualities, but after a short time behind the wheel you’ll think you’re driving a sports car. With so much power on tap and the traction of the M-tuned all-wheel drive system, the X6 M launches incredibly strong from a standstill, reaching 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds. The vehicle we drove was equipped with the M Driver’s Package, so if we had our druthers we could have reached a top speed of 177 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Inner Space
Residing at the top of the BMW X6 lineup, the M Competition not only delivers high performance but also brings a high level of luxury into the cabin. Polished carbon fiber and Full Merino leather can be found throughout to provide a premium experience. Ambient interior lighting with a unique light bar across the bottom of the dash enhances drives after dark.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
High Tech
The most noticeable interior change for the 2024 BMW X6 is a new curved display screen that puts the 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch infotainment display behind a single curved piece of glass. This new screen, combined with the removal of practically every physical button from the cabin, gives the X6 a clean design with a high-tech vibe. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and have wireless connections.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Space for Stuff
It may be a luxury performance machine, but the X6 still delivers commendable utility with plenty of space in the cabin for storage. The vehicle has a large center console bin as well as a covered cubby at the front of the console ideal for storing smaller items or electronic devices. Large water bottles will fit in the front door pockets, which is good because cupholders are rather small.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Front Seats
BMW equips the X6 M with appropriately sporty front seats with bolstering at the shoulders and sides for excellent support, especially during enthusiastic driving. Looking stylish with a two-tone leather treatment and illuminated X6 M badge on the head restraints, the X6 M’s seats seem a bit stiff initially, but after spending several days in the X6 we soon appreciated their true comfort; multifunction seat massagers certainly helped.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rear Seats
Rear seat passengers in the 2024 BMW X6 M will find plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as seats that feature the same two-tone soft leather as those up front. The outboard seats are heated, and dual-zone climate controls provide additional comfort. The middle seat is the least desirable spot in the X6, with a stiff cushion and limited legroom.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Cargo Space
With plenty of room for luggage or other gear, the X6 has the utility expected of a midsize crossover. Rear seats fold flat for even more versatility, and a rigid cargo cover keeps valuables hidden from prying eyes.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
On the Road
There’s a reason that the X6 M Competition is the most expensive variant in the lineup, and it’s not simply because of the luxurious interior. We had the opportunity to drive the X6 M down the California Coast from San Francisco to Monterey, and on Highway 1 while winding our way along the Pacific, this beast of an SUV showed its true potential. In addition to its potent powerplant, the X6 M has precise steering, excellent brakes and a quick-shifting transmission, making it an absolute joy to drive. With the roar of the V8 emanating from the quad exhaust outlets, it’s easy to forget this isn’t a sports car.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Excellent Handling
While it isn’t a light vehicle, the 2024 BMW X6 M remains perfectly composed and in control when pushed hard into corners, thanks to impressive grip provided by its high-performance all-wheel-drive system and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Plenty of power on tap means passing slower vehicles is easy, even when cruising at highway speeds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Comfortable Cruiser
As impressive as the X6 M is on winding coastal roads, this high-performance crossover is equally at home cruising on the freeway. We spent several hours on the highway and the X6 was comfortable and quiet with a smooth, solid ride. Perhaps the most challenging issue with driving the X6 M is keeping the speeds within legal limits. This vehicle is built to cruise on the high-speed Autobahn in Germany, and 70 mph barely scratches the surface of its capability.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Rating: 9.0
BMW M vehicles uphold a longstanding tradition of luxury and performance, and the updated 2024 X6 M Competition is no exception. Inside, the X6 is a lovely combination of comfortable luxury and high-tech style, along with the utility expected of a crossover. The exterior styling hints at this BMW’s impressive capabilities with big air intakes and large wheels. But its plentiful power coupled with excellent driving characteristics make the X6 M Competition the ideal choice for the driver who needs a utility vehicle but longs for a sports car.
