The Bmw X6 M50i. Just the name itself conjures images of aggressive styling, blistering performance, and a certain… audacity. As an automotive content creator and seasoned mechanic at keyfobx.com, I’ve spent years immersed in the world of cars, and I’ll admit, the SUV coupe segment has always been a bit of a head-scratcher for me. The core concept seems inherently contradictory: sacrificing the practicality of an SUV for the sloping roofline of a coupe. Does it truly deliver on either front? After spending a week thoroughly examining the 2020 BMW X6 M50i, I’m ready to share my insights, diving deep into whether this bold Bimmer is more than just a pretty face.
My initial impressions weren’t entirely positive. As a parent, the real-world usability of a vehicle is always top of mind. My first task upon receiving the Manhattan Green metallic X6 M50i was the dreaded car seat swap. What should have been a routine task quickly devolved into a minor wrestling match in a public parking lot.
The narrow door openings made maneuvering the car seat cumbersome, but the real frustration stemmed from the rear seat anchor access. Unlike traditional SUVs where you can easily access the anchors from the trunk, the X6’s high trunk sill and sloping roofline forced me to awkwardly climb into the cargo area to secure the strap. The fixed headrests further complicated matters, requiring some creative strap routing. The irony wasn’t lost on me: I had just transitioned from a BMW M340i sedan, a car inherently smaller and less practical than an SUV, yet the car seat installation was significantly easier in the 3 Series. This initial struggle left me questioning the fundamental practicality of the BMW X6 M50i.
However, once I settled into the driver’s seat and finally started the engine, my perspective began to shift. The X6 M50i’s cabin is a genuinely pleasant place to be. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering a vast range of adjustability to accommodate drivers of all shapes and sizes. Despite my shorter stature, I quickly found a driving position that was both commanding and comfortable, with excellent forward visibility. This immediately started to chip away at my initial reservations.
Outward visibility is a mixed bag, as expected with this body style. While the forward view is surprisingly good for a vehicle of this size, the rearward visibility is compromised by the sloping roof and small rear window. However, the excellent suite of driver aids and parking sensors mitigate this issue in most driving situations.
The real revelation came when I finally got the BMW X6 M50i out on the open road. The driving experience is genuinely impressive. The suspension manages to strike a remarkable balance between sporty handling and luxurious comfort. It absorbs road imperfections with ease, providing a smooth and composed ride that belies the vehicle’s substantial weight. The steering, while lacking in genuine feedback – a common trait in modern BMWs – is precise and responsive. The weighting feels somewhat artificial, with minimal increase in resistance as you add steering angle, but in a luxury performance SUV like the X6 M50i, this is a minor quibble rather than a major flaw.
But let’s be honest, the star of the show in the BMW X6 M50i is undoubtedly the engine. Nestled under the hood is a monstrous 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, churning out a potent 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The power delivery is simply breathtaking. A gentle prod of the accelerator unleashes a torrent of effortless acceleration, propelling the X6 M50i forward with supercar-like urgency. The engine’s soundtrack is equally captivating, with a throaty growl at startup that settles into a deep burble at idle and rises to a thrilling howl as you approach the redline. While some of the engine noise piped into the cabin might be artificially enhanced, it’s undeniably pleasing and the V8 sounds genuinely fantastic from outside the vehicle.
Surprisingly, the chassis is more than capable of keeping pace with the engine’s prodigious power. While the BMW X6 M50i is certainly no sports car, it handles twisty roads with surprising agility and composure, especially considering its size and weight. Push it too hard, and the laws of physics will inevitably make themselves known, but within reasonable limits, the X6 M50i is far more dynamically capable than you might expect for a large SUV.
However, the true essence of the BMW X6 M50i lies in its ability to effortlessly cruise. This is where it truly excels. The combination of the smooth, powerful V8, the plush suspension, and the supremely comfortable interior transforms long journeys into a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It’s a luxury land yacht in the best possible sense, prioritizing comfort and effortless performance over outright sportiness, despite BMW’s marketing rhetoric. And in that role, it’s remarkably effective.
The interior further reinforces this luxurious cruising character. The front cabin is exquisitely crafted, with high-quality materials, impeccable build quality, and those aforementioned heavenly seats. The BMW X6 M50i would be an ideal companion for a cross-country road trip.
Move to the rear seats and cargo area, however, and the compromises inherent in the SUV coupe design become more apparent. Rear passenger space is surprisingly limited for a vehicle of this size, particularly headroom, thanks to the sloping roofline. Cargo space is also noticeably less generous than in a traditional SUV like the BMW X5. While style necessitates some sacrifices in practicality, it’s hard not to compare the X6 M50i to competitors like the Audi Q8, which manages to offer a more stylish roofline while retaining a more spacious rear seat and cargo area. Perhaps a slightly less aggressive roofline could have struck a better balance between form and function in the BMW X6 M50i.
Ultimately, my personal feelings towards the BMW X6 M50i remain somewhat conflicted. Objectively, it’s a fantastic vehicle to drive, offering exhilarating performance and a genuinely luxurious experience. However, the BMW X5 M50i, its more conventionally styled sibling, offers much of the same performance and luxury in a more practical and, in my opinion, more aesthetically pleasing package. I struggle to fully embrace the X6 M50i’s styling, despite appreciating its unique and bold design.
That being said, I recognize that I’m likely not the target demographic for the BMW X6 M50i. Its appeal lies in its distinctive styling and the statement it makes. For those who prioritize head-turning looks and are willing to sacrifice some practicality for that coupe-like silhouette, the X6 M50i is undoubtedly a compelling choice. If you’re drawn to the SUV coupe aesthetic, the BMW X6 M50i is arguably one of the best executions of the concept, delivering a potent blend of performance, luxury, and undeniable style.
So, to answer the initial question: Is style over substance a fair trade in the BMW X6 M50i? Perhaps for its target audience, it is. Style, after all, doesn’t always need to make perfect sense. And in the case of the BMW X6 M50i, the style is certainly delivered in spades, along with a surprising amount of substance to back it up.
