BMW X6 M50i 2022 Review

The fastback, coupe-style form of SUV has become so popular that several premium automakers now offer sloping-roof variants of traditional SUVs. The BMW X6, though, set the trend and it's now in its third generation. These SUVs are unique in the sense that they are SUVs trying to look more like sport coupes, but they don't handle as well. They're also less practical than regular SUVs due to the reduction in cargo space, rear headroom and rear visibility. But, hey, since when has practicality been a roadblock for fashion?

Updates for the 2022 BMW X6 are minimal. The biggest change is the discontinuation of the rear-wheel-drive sDrive40i model, which makes the X6 lineup all-wheel-drive only. The xDrive40i is now the only non-BMW M model available in the lineup. The M50i has a powerful V8 and offers more features, but it comes with a significant price increase. The high-performance X6 M is the top model that carries a six-digit starting price.

The BMW X6 lineup is great for those with a smaller family who want a sporty, premium SUV. Larger families will likely want the extra cargo space and rear headroom of the X5, with which the X6 shares many features and driving dynamics. As with many BMWs, the X6 has a high-quality cabin and a comfortable ride. If you're curious about other premium SUVs with rakish rooflines, check out rivals like the Audi Q8, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Which X6 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 X6 comes in only two trims: the xDrive40i and the M50i. The xDrive40i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, and the M50i packs a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both engines are backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard. Feature highlights include:

xDrive40i Standard features on the base model include:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• 20-inch wheels
• 12.3-inch center infotainment touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front sport seats
• 10-speaker audio system
• Adjustable ambient lighting
• Panoramic sunroof

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

M50i A performance version of the X6 that adds:

• Upgraded brakes
• Sport steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Adaptive sport suspension
• Unique interior and exterior trim
• Simulated suede headliner
• Sport differential
• Sport exhaust system

From here you can add a variety of options. Key packages to look out for include:

M Sport package (xDrive40i only)

• Unique exterior trim
• Unique 20-inch wheels
• BMW M steering wheel

Premium package

• Hand-based gesture controls
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Remote engine start

Executive package

• Features of the Premium package
• Glass-trimmed gear selector
• Upgraded LED headlights
• Manual rear side window shades
• Panoramic LED starlight glass roof

Driving Assistance Professional package

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
• Forward cross-traffic warning (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your path)

Parking Assistance package

• Front and rear automatic braking (while parking)
• Drive video recorder
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the X6 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

Climate Comfort package

• Heated steering wheel and armrests
• Rear heated seats
• Four-zone climate control

Dynamic Handling package

• Adaptive steering system that includes rear-wheel steering (enhances the X6's agility)
• Performance-tuned suspension