Model research hub
BMW X6
The BMW X6 is the mid-size luxury SUV that BMW says originated the sloping-roof sports activity coupe, built since 2007. Its recall counts peak at 10 on the 2020 and 7 on the 2021, guides name 2009 to 2013 as the worst years, and the 2026 X6 starts at $78,750 for the xDrive40i with the M60i at $99,450.
What the BMW X6 is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the X6 as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV in a five-door coupe body, in production since December 2007 with model years from 2008, and says it is the originator of the sports activity coupe, referencing its sloping rear roof. It has three generations: the E71 from 2007, the F16 from 2014 and the G06 from 2019. Yahoo Autos (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 X6 shares its platform with the X5 but sacrifices some rear headroom and cargo capacity to its sloping roofline, and competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Genesis GV80 Coupe and Audi Q8.
Best and worst X6 model years
Federal counts are mostly low for complaints and uneven for recalls. The 2015 and 2016 have one recall each for child seats, the 2017 has 2, the 2018 and 2019 have 4 each, and the 2020 has 10, covering the backup camera, structure, electrical system and exterior lighting, with 9 complaints. The 2021 has 7, the 2022 and 2023 have one each, the 2024 has 5 for air bags, stability control and brakes, and the 2025 has 4. Open the 2020 X6 page for the recall peak.
For older cars, Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the worst model years of the X6 are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2009 and 2010.
Prices and economy
Kelley Blue Book base prices for the 2026 X6 are $78,750 for the xDrive40i with a 3.0L six-cylinder mild hybrid and $99,450 for the M60i with a 4.4L V8 mild hybrid. The EPA rates the range at 15 to 23 mpg combined, about $3,350 to $5,150 a year in fuel.
Questions buyers ask
Which BMW X6 years should I avoid?
Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) says the worst model years are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2009 and 2010. In federal data the 2020 has the most recalls (10).
How much does the 2026 BMW X6 cost?
Kelley Blue Book base prices are $78,750 for the xDrive40i and $99,450 for the M60i.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 BMW X6 is built around 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, or 4.4L twin-turbo M V8, rated at 375 / 523 / 617 horsepower across its midsize luxury coupe-SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 X6 seats 5 and is a Midsize luxury coupe-SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 X6.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 BMW X6
xDrive40i uses the 375-hp turbo six; M60i steps up to a 523-hp V8; M Competition is the 617-hp flagship. All three share standard AWD, a panoramic moonroof and 20-inch wheels.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
7 indexed BMW X6 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 BMW X6 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 BMW X6 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 BMW X6 | 2025 record → | |
| 2021 BMW X6 | 2021 record → | |
| 2019 BMW X6 | 2019 record → | |
| 2018 BMW X6 | 2018 record → | |
| 2017 BMW X6 | 2017 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the BMW X6.
The BMW X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV by German automaker BMW. The BMW X6 is the originator of the sports activity coupé (SAC), referencing its sloping rear roof design. It combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (styling featuring a sloping roof).
- Awards
- In January 2021, the X6 xDrive30d M Sport was named Coupé SUV of the Year by What Car magazine. What Car awarded the X6 four stars out of five in its review of the car.
Source: BMW X6 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
BMW X6 at a glance
- Production
- December 2007 – present
- Model years
- 2008–present
- Class
- Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door coupé SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (xDrive)
- Related models
- BMW X5
BMW X6 generations
The BMW X6 has been redesigned in 2014, 2019, gaps of 7, 5 years, an average of 6.0 years between generations. The current generation (third generation, G06) began in 2019.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | E71 | 2007–2014 | E71 development began in 2003 under Peter Tuennermann, after the start of E70 X5 development in 2001. |
| Second generation | F16 | 2014–2019 | The second generation X6 was launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show featuring a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a slightly larger luggage bay. |
| Third generation | G06 | 2019–present | The third-generation X6 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and sports more aggressive bodywork including a more angular grille which can be illuminated as an option for the first time on a BMW. |
Recent recalls (6 campaigns across the latest model years)
- July 2026, Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Electric:Control Module. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB)… Consequence: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of…
- December 2025, Air Bags:Critical Fasteners. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X6, X7, X5, and X5 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The instrument panel may have been manufactured incorrectly and prevent the passenger-side air bag from deploying properly. Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- October 2025, Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 X4 and X6 vehicles. The windshield may not be sealed properly, allowing water to enter the power distribution box or electronic control unit. Consequence: Water inside electrical components can cause a loss of headlights or door closing functions, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an electrical short circuit may occur, increasing the…
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW X6, most often about vehicle speed control (1), back over prevention (1), forward collision avoidance (1).
Year by year
The BMW X6 across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,450–$5,300 | 3 | ||
| 2026 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2025 BMW X6 | 15–24 | $3,250–$5,150 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| 2024 BMW X6 | 15–24 | $3,250–$5,150 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| 2023 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| 2021 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 5 | 7 | 7 |
| 2020 BMW X6 | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 5 | 10 | 9 |
| 2019 BMW X6 | 16–20 | $3,900–$4,850 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| 2018 BMW X6 | 16–21 | $3,700–$4,850 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 2017 BMW X6 | 17–21 | $3,700–$4,550 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 2016 BMW X6 | 17–21 | $3,700–$4,550 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| 2015 BMW X6 | 17–22 | $3,500–$4,550 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the BMW X6, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 19.5 to 19.0 | |||
| 2023 to 2024 | 4 to 3 | 19.0 to 19.5 | Labels: X6 M60i xDrive; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, 4.4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Labels: X6 M, X6 M50i; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 4.4L 8-cyl SIDI |
| 2021 to 2022 | 5 to 4 | Labels: X6 sDrive40i; Drives: Rear-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | ||
| 2020 to 2021 | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | 4 to 5 | 18.0 to 19.0 | Labels: X6 M Competition, X6 M50i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i | Labels: X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i; Engines: 4.4L 8-cyl SIDI; |
| 2018 to 2019 | 18.5 to 18.0 | Engines: 4.4L 8-cyl SIDI; | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | 3 to 4 | 19.0 to 18.5 | Labels: X6 M | |
| 2015 to 2016 | 19.5 to 19.0 |
Buying used
What the BMW X6 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | visibility (windshield); air bags (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2025 | 4 | electronic stability control (esc); seat belts (front); electronic stability control (esc) (control module); 1 more | None |
| 2024 | 5 | air bags (knee bolster); air bags; electronic stability control (esc); 1 more | None |
| 2023 | 1 | power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2022 | 1 | visibility (sun/moon roof assembly) | None |
| 2021 | 7 | tires; exterior lighting (headlights); electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery); 4 more | None |
| 2020 | 10 | back over prevention (sensing system); structure (body); exterior lighting (headlights); 4 more | None |
| 2019 | 4 | wheels (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs); suspension (rear); back over prevention (sensing system); 1 more | None |
| 2018 | 4 | suspension; suspension (front); wheels (lugs/nuts/bolts/studs); 1 more | None |
| 2017 | 2 | equipment (other); child seat | None |
| 2016 | 1 | child seat | None |
| 2015 | 1 | child seat | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| service brakes | 17 | 27% | 2024 (9) |
| electrical system | 9 | 15% | 2020 (5) |
| unknown or other | 8 | 13% | 2020 (2) |
| electronic stability control (esc) | 8 | 13% | 2024 (6) |
| power train | 7 | 11% | 2016 (3) |
| hydraulic | 6 | 10% | 2024 (5) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 BMW X6 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDrive40i | AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) | 375 | 398 | 5,002 | 7,200 | 23 | $78,750 |
| M60i | AWD | 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 523 | 553 | 5,300 | 7,200 | 19 | $99,450 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every BMW X6 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 375–523 | 5,002–5,300 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2026 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 375–523 | 5,002–5,300 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2025 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 375–523 | 5,002–5,300 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2024 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 375–523 | 5,002–5,300 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2023 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 335–523 | 4,855–5,115 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 335–523 | 4,855–5,115 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2021 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 335–523 | 4,758–5,115 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2020 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 335–523 | 4,687–5,115 | 7,200 | 21.9 |
| 2019 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 300–445 | 4,585–5,080 | 6,000 | 22.4 |
| 2018 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 300–445 | 4,585–5,080 | 6,000 | 22.4 |
| 2017 | 3 | 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) | 300–445 | 4,585–5,080 | 6,000 | 22.4 |
| 2016 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 300–445 | 4,630–5,170 | 6,000 | 22.4 |
| 2015 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) / 4.4-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 300–445 | 4,630–5,170 | 6,000 | 22.4 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
BMW X6: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2023 BMW X6 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.5).
- 2022 BMW X6 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.5).
- 2016 BMW X6 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.5).
- 2015 BMW X6 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.5).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2021 BMW X6 : 7 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and backup camera.
- 2020 BMW X6 : 10 recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera and structure.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | not available | visibility/wipers, airbags |
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | stability control, seat belts, brakes |
| 2024 | 5 | 9 | airbags, stability control, brakes |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | powertrain |
| 2022 | 1 | 4 | visibility/wipers |
| 2021 | 7 | 7 | electrical system, backup camera, exterior lighting, brakes |
| 2020 | 10 | 9 | backup camera, structure, electrical system, exterior lighting |
| 2019 | 4 | 5 | suspension, wheels, backup camera, child seat |
| 2018 | 4 | 4 | suspension, wheels, child seat |
| 2017 | 2 | 3 | child seat, equipment |
| 2016 | 1 | 9 | child seat |
| 2015 | 1 | 9 | child seat |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for BMW X6 model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a BMW X6?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2023, 2022, 2016, 2015 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2021, 2020 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which BMW X6 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2021 BMW X6 has 7 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, backup camera, exterior lighting; The 2020 BMW X6 has 10 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, structure, electrical system. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which BMW X6 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2023 BMW X6 has 1 recall on file; The 2022 BMW X6 has 1 recall on file; The 2016 BMW X6 has 1 recall on file; The 2015 BMW X6 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.5. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the BMW X6 by model year?
2026: visibility/wipers, airbags. 2025: stability control, seat belts, brakes. 2024: airbags, stability control, brakes. 2023: powertrain. 2022: visibility/wipers. 2021: electrical system, backup camera, exterior lighting, brakes.
Q05Why do some BMW X6 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for BMW X6 model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain.
2021 BMW X6 owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Brakes, tires and steering.
2020 BMW X6 owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this BMW X6 is most often compared with.
Nearest BMW models
Other BMW models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 X6 come in?
The 2027 BMW X6 (midsize luxury coupe-SUV) comes in 3 trims: xDrive40i, M60i, M Competition.
Q02What are the 2027 X6 trims?
The 2027 BMW X6 trims are xDrive40i, M60i, M Competition, listed from the entry xDrive40i up to the top M Competition.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 X6 use?
The 2027 BMW X6 is built around 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, or 4.4L twin-turbo M V8, rated at 375 / 523 / 617 horsepower across its midsize luxury coupe-SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 X6 have?
The 2027 BMW X6 is rated at 375 / 523 / 617 horsepower (3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.4L twin-turbo V8, or 4.4L twin-turbo M V8).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 X6?
The 2027 BMW X6 is offered with Standard AWD.