The BMW X6 essentially invented the midsize four-door SUV coupe segment when it debuted in 2008. Since then, the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe have emulated the BMW. The third-generation X6 arrived just last year, as a 2020 model, so there are no changes of note for the 2021 model year.

As before, the X6 offers three powertrain packages. The base sDrive40i includes a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid eBoost technology. The eBoost system gives you short bursts of acceleration when you need them without causing fuel economy to drop. Together, the gasoline engine and eBoost are worth 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, along with a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds, according to BMW. While the sDrive40i is rear-wheel drive (RWD), the mid-tier xDrive40i adds performance-oriented all-wheel drive (AWD).

Should you want to go even faster, the X6 also offers an M50i trim. It houses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 and standard AWD, good for 523 hp, 553 lb-ft, and a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. No matter which powertrain you choose, the X6 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Fuel economy for the sDrive40i comes in at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The xDrive40i drops the highway figure to 25 mpg. The M50i’s fuel economy drops markedly versus the other two, at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

Befitting a vehicle in its price range, the standard X6 comes with plenty of equipment: 20-inch wheels, power-folding, heated side mirrors, wood trim, leather upholstery, velour carpeting, a power liftgate, a leatherette-covered dashboard, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 205-watt sound system with 10 speakers, satellite radio, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, driver-side memory settings, 16-way power front seat, a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and adaptive LED headlights.

From there, you can add uprated leather, articulating front seats, remote start, four-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, gesture control, uprated headlights, glass infotainment controls, LED lighting for the panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, and a 464-watt Harman Kardon surround system with 16 speakers. Standard on the M40i and optional on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i is the M Sport package, which bundles an aerodynamic kit and unique exterior and interior fittings.

Safety-wise, the X6 comes with a good mix of standard and optional features. On every model, you’ll find forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. A surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistant are extra-cost features. The BMW X6 hasn’t been crash-tested by any major agency, but that’s not unusual for vehicles in this class.

The BMW X6 blends sleek, athletic styling with performance, luxury, and practicality.