Used 2013 BMW X6 SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

Fast and faster is what you get with the two engine options for the 2013 BMW X6. The xDrive35i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that offers up to 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is standard as is all-wheel drive. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 6.3 seconds, however fuel-economy fails to impress. This engine returns 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which is far less than what you would expect coming from a V6. The second engine is a fierce turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that accelerates zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It also receives the same transmission to put out 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Of course, fuel-economy is even worse at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The X6 looks like it will handle well with its sporty and aerodynamic appearance, and although steering is responsive, it’s not all what you would expect. This is a heavy vehicle and you know it when you are cornering. Add the fact that the turning circle is a ridiculous 42 feet and you have a vehicle that is a challenge to maneuver and park. Still, as you would expect from BMW, the ride is smooth and quiet.

Technology

• Premium Sound - Although the standard sound system is certainly adequate, if you don’t mind paying the cost of the Premium Sound package, you can get an upgraded system with 825 watts of power and 16 speakers.
• Navigation - A hard-drive based display is operated by voice activation for maps, turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic.
• Rear Seat Entertainment - Those who frequently have children in the backseat will want to add on the rear seat entertainment package with wireless controls to watch movies and play video games.
• Universal Remote - If you are tired of having separate remotes cluttering up your visor for your garage, home security, community gate, etc., you will love the universal remote that lets you program up to three different things.

Safety

Crash tests have not yet been performed on the 2013 BMW X6, but brake testing has been and the results might shock you. It was able to stop from 60 mph in 111 feet. This is unheard of in a vehicle of this size and weight. The X6 comes standard with BMW Assist, an emergency communications system that provides on-demand roadside assistance, automatic crash notification and stolen vehicle recovery. Other safety features include:
• Adaptive brake lights
• Brake drying
• Antilock brakes
• Stability control
• Tire-pressure monitoring
• Whiplash protection system in front head restraints
• Emergency braking preparation
• Post-collision safety system
• Traction control
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Engine immobilizer

Appearance

The styling of the X6 is unlike anything on the market. It looks like a hatchback on steroids. It has luxury, sport and sophisticated characteristics rolled into one body, and since it is available in 15 colors, there is plenty of opportunity for personalization.

Comfort

Most will have a love/hate relationship with the interior. Everything about the front seat is stunning. The seats are comfortable, the materials are high-quality and the gauges and clusters are crystal clear. The center console even has a cushioned design so knees don’t get banged up while cornering. The problem is the rear seat. You can look at the exterior of the X6 and tell that headroom is going to be an issue, and it is. The standard seat has a middle console, however if you need to seat three passengers back there regularly, you will want to opt for the bench seat.

Cargo

Don’t expect much in terms of cargo either, thanks once again to the sloping roof. With the rear seat in place, you get 35 cubic feet, which is more than enough for everyday use, but with the rear seat down, only 60 cubic feet is made available.