2021 BMW X6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- M50i 4dr SUV, Xdrive40i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 335–600 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 194.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,795–5,386 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (19.6 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 600 hp, versus about 434 hp for similar 2021 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW X6 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,126 lb (M50i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 17% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the forward collision avoidance.
What changed for 2021
- New hybrid version
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 X6 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 X6 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M50i 4dr SUV | 194.9 in | 78.7 in | 66.9 in | 116.9 in | 64.6 / 67.3 in | 5,126 lb | 52/48 |
| Xdrive40i 4dr SUV | 194.9 in | 78.7 in | 66.9 in | 116.9 in | 64.6 / 67.3 in | 4,795 lb | 50/50 |
| M 4dr SUV | 194.9 in | 78.7 in | 66.9 in | 116.9 in | 64.6 / 67.3 in | 5,386 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X6 sDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +17% | $3,550 | 383 |
| X6 xDrive40i Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +22% | $3,550 | 389 |
| X6 M50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $4,550 | 488 |
| X6 M | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
| X6 M Competition | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -20% | $5,500 | 586 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW X6.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X6 (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (7)
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Apr 20, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V267000 · 61,221 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Risk
- A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Feb 19, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V096000 · 13,858 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic · Feb 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V062000 · 893 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Column · Jan 29, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V031000 · 21 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
- Risk
- A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Dec 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V761000 · 812 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
- Risk
- Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Sep 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V528000 · 307 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Tires · Aug 14, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V483000 · 42 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X6 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) and X5 (sDrive40i, xDrive40i and M50i) vehicles equipped with certain Pirelli tires. The tires may have a damaged inner layer, possibly resulting in a rapid loss of pressure while the vehicle is moving.
- Risk
- A rapid loss of tire pressure while the vehicle is moving can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW has notified all of the affected owners, and dealers will replace the defective tires, free of charge. BMW has contacted owners by telephone and those owners have had their cars remedied. Owner notification letters will not be sent. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2021 BMW X6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 BMW X6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW X6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X6 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X6 | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 X6 | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 X6 | 24 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2024 X6 | 24 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 9 |
| 2023 X6 | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 X6 | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2020 X6 | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 11 | 9 |
| 2019 X6 | 20 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 5 |
| 2018 X6 | 21 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2017 X6 | 21 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2016 X6 | 21 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2015 X6 | 22 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →