The 2021 BMW X6 M is a niche within a niche: take the popular X5, chop off half the roof for a racy coupe profile, then squeeze a fire-breathing twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it probably wasn’t supposed to.
The 2020 model marked a new generation for the X6, so hardly anything changes for 2021. The infotainment system catches up to the times with Android Auto compatibility, and the Competition trim has been reconfigured into an add-on package.
After the consolidation of the Competition trim, the X6 M is left with a single trim level of the same name. The starting price is an intimidating $109,595 including destination, which is $3,500 more than the related X5 M.
Although the X6 M has only one powertrain, it’s available in two states of tune. In starting configuration, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than many supercars, and astonishing in a crossover.
According to BMW, the 0-60 mph sprint takes just 3.8 seconds. Adding the Competition Package increases output by 17 hp, which drops the time by another tenth of a second.
Power goes to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission, which has a manual mode controlled by wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Efficiency isn’t spectacular – it gets an EPA-estimated 13 miles per gallon city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 combined.
The X6 M seats five passengers, although it sacrifices some cabin space to the sloping roofline. Head room and rear leg room are both down by about an inch and a half compared to the X5.
Cargo capacity is low for a crossover this size, starting with 27.4 cubic feet behind the seats. Folding the second row opens up 59.6 cubic feet, but that’s still well shy of the X5’s 72.3.
The X6 M comes with a suite of safety tech that fits (if not justifies) its six-figure price tag. In addition to the usual suspects like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, the X6 M has a partially autonomous parking assistant and a surround-view camera. Many brands have adaptive headlights (as does the X6 M), but BMW has come up with adaptive taillights that shine brighter under hard braking. Lane departure warning and automatic high beams are also included.
The Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700) further adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.
BMW’s latest iDrive system uses gestures and natural voice controls in addition to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Google fans can rejoice, as the system adds compatibility with Android Auto for 2021 (Apple CarPlay was already on the roster).
Navigation, wireless charging, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, HD and satellite radio, and three months of a wi-fi subscription come standard.
A Bowers and Wilkins sound system is available as a $3,400 standalone option.
The X6 M is an impressive performance machine, but it’s also a convincing luxury crossover. The dashboard and seats are upholstered in leather, with carbon fiber trim decorating the interior. The front seats are heated and have 18-way power adjustability, while four-zone climate control and a heated steering wheel are also standard.
On the outside, the X6 M broadcasts its performance with a rear spoiler, aggressive fascia, and 21-inch wheels (wearing non run-flat tires). A panoramic power moonroof, keyless entry, hands-free power tailgate, and adaptive LED headlights come standard.
For ultimate performance, the Competition Package ($9,000) boosts engine output by 17 hp, swaps in an upgraded dual-exhaust system, and staggers the wheels with 22-inch rear rims. If luxury is a higher priority, the Executive Package ($3,600) includes remote start, ventilated and massage-capable front seats, and cupholders that heat or cool your drinks.
Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, right? If you’re splurging for the 2021 BMW X6 M, you may as well make it a Competition for full bragging rights.
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