2013 BMW X6 - Review

The Basics:

Bizarre, unique, stylish, silly--whatever you think of the 2013 BMW X6, chances are you've noticed it on the street. It's that sort of head-turning design, a mashup of form factors, and BMW's underlying excellent X5-based platform that makes the 2013 X6 so magnetic.

As a cross between a luxury sport coupe and a crossover, the X6 doesn't have many direct competitors. In terms of handling and performance--particularly the X6 M model--there are only two or three real alternatives to the 2013 X6. But does that mean it's worth buying?

Perhaps. The standard X6, the xDrive35i, gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder under the hood, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That's plenty of power, but not really enough to seem truly quick for a vehicle of this size. The X6 xDrive50i, however, gets a 400-horsepower, 400 pound-foot 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that motivates the X6 with more than mere adequacy. Step up to the X6 M's 555-horsepower output from a similar twin-turbo V-8 engine, and you have all you could ask for and then some.

Handling is carlike, with good steering feel and surprisingly little body roll, though again, the X6 M is the standout here. With massive tires, a stiffer suspension, and upgraded electronic controls, the X6 M does things no utility or crossover should--and does them with apparent ease.

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have crash-tested the 2013 BMW X6, though the structurally similar X5 scores top marks of "good" according to the IIHS. Safety features include driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, head protection system (HPS), adaptive brake lights, active head restraints in the front seats, battery disconnect in the event of an accident, anti-theft alarm, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth.

Features, options, and equipment are abundant: standard 10-way power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats, wood trim, a wide range of interior colors and materials choices, a 10-speaker sound system, iPod/USB connectivity, and all the power accessories and adaptive/automatic features you'd expect in a modern luxury SUV.