Used BMW X6 for sale: everything you need to know
BMW was one of the first to market with a coupe version of its SUV, the X6 effectively being an X5 with a raked roofline and an extra dose of attitude. Unsurprisingly, buyers loved it, and have kept buying X6s ever since - the model is already in its third generation, the most recent arriving in 2020.
The latest models are most recognisable for their enlarged front grille and slim rear tail lights, but the basic formula is the same as ever, and BMW has little reason to change that. There’s a lot more competition now than there was when the first X6 arrived in 2007, but strong engines, a high-tech cabin, and a little helping hand from depreciation means the X6 is as appealing as a used buy as it is for new buyers.
Should you buy a BMW X6?
A large two-tonne SUV doesn’t make for a natural driver’s car, but if you consider yourself a driving enthusiast and want an SUV with a bit of presence, then the BMW X6 remains one of the best ways to marry those two disparate requirements. BMW being BMW, the company couldn’t help but make sure the X6 is one of the best cars in this class to drive, as well as being one of the easiest to spot in a crowd.
So you’ll find a range of powerful engines, and a composed and able chassis that handles everything from B-roads to motorways with ease - though in a car this size, it’s still not a natural performer on the very narrowest routes. The steering is positive and well-weighted, and the car’s responses to the accelerator and brakes help to make it a more engaging car than a lot of rivals.
Coupe-style SUVs can feel a little cramped sometimes but the X6 mostly avoids this too - there’s not as much rear headroom or boot space as an X5 of course, but still more than enough for family life. The interior feels high-quality too and BMW’s infotainment system works well, whether you’re looking at a pre- or post-2024 facelift model - the latter use a single wide screen like other recent BMWs.
BMW was followed into the coupe-SUV market by the likes of the Mercedes GLE Coupe, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, and Audi Q8, with the Porsche being possibly even better than the X5 as a driver’s car. BMW sells the smaller X4 with a similar style, while all-electric cars like the Jaguar I-Pace and Kia EV6 also go down the sleek SUV route if you’re not set on either a premium German badge or combustion power.
What’s the best used BMW X6 model to buy?
In pragmatic terms there’s not much to be gained by opting for anything more than the xDrive30d, which has plenty of performance and is the least thirsty of the bunch - and with a six-cylinder engine, it’s even got that cultured smoothness you’d hope for from a luxury SUV. If you’ve got the budget though you gain even more performance and lose little economy by getting the more powerful xDrive40d. Sport trim also covers most bases for most people, though a buyer enamoured by the X6’s look will likely have no trouble springing for the M Sport - just as plenty of new buyers did.
Used BMW X6 fuel economy and performance
- BMW X6 xDrive30d: The range starts with a 3-litre turbocharged inline six diesel making 286PS. BMW says it’ll get from 0-62mph in just over six seconds, and average up to 42.8mpg.
- BMW X6 xDrive40d: In 40d form power climbs to 340PS and the 0-62mph time ducks below six seconds, with only a small penalty in economy - 39.8mpg is the average.
- BMW X6 xDrive40i: There’s a petrol too, a 3-litre turbocharged straight six making 340PS. Economy can’t quite match the diesels though at 31.7mpg.
- BMW X6 M50i: It’s not a full M model (though BMW does offer an X6M) but the M50i’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 still makes 530PS, with 0-62mph in under five seconds and 25.2mpg combined.
What used BMW X6 trim levels are available?
- The BMW X6 Sport starts the range with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, LED headlights and a rear-view camera.
- The BMW X6 M Sport gets a sportier look with 21-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, an M Sport body kit,and M badging for the exterior and interior.
- The BMW X6 M50i packs the most potent engine and while its spec is similar to the M Sport, it also comes with a front grille and badges in a Cerium Grey finish, sports suspension, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Used BMW X6 dimensions and boot size
The BMW X6’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,935mm
- Width: 2,004mm
- Height: 1,696mm
- Ground clearance: 216mm
The BMW X6’s boot space is:
- 580 litres
- 1,530 litres with rear seats folded
Used BMW X6 road tax
It may come as no great surprise that tax on the X6 isn’t especially cheap. All models cost more than £40,000 when they were new, which adds a surcharge to every VED bill for the five years after the first, CO2-based tax rate. For 2024/2025, the total each year stands at £600.
How much is it to insure a BMW X6?
Much like the X6’s tax figures, insurance too will set you back a few bob - even the xDrive30d in entry-level sport trim is group 49 insurance, and every other model maxes out the scale in group 50. Premiums will still vary between models though - expect an M50i to cost a lot more than an xDrive40d.
