The X6 for 2013 is offered with a choice of several powertrains. The 35i features a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower. The 50i utilizes a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine capable of 400 horsepower. The hybrid X6 combines the 4.4L V8 with an 84-horsepower electric motor and battery pack, which BMW calls "ActiveHybrid." Finally, the X6 M comes with a tuned version of the 4.4L V8, making 555 horsepower. The 35i and 50i X6s are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual shift mode and steering wheel paddles. The hybrid uses a 7-speed version of the Steptronic transmission, while the M gets a 6-speed automatic.

The X6 handles much better than other vehicles of its size and weight thanks to a system called Dynamic Performance Control, which interfaces with the stability control system and helps direct power to the wheels with the best traction, whether on slippery roads or during high-performance driving. In normal situations, the xDrive AWD system sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels but it can send more to whichever wheels it deems best. The available Active Steering system also works with Dynamic Performance Control to assist in emergency maneuvers.

Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for both rows, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control and rollover sensor, front and rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, auto-on headlamps, adaptive tail lamps and crash-activated headrests. BMW Assist emergency telematics are optional on the 35i and standard on the 50i and ActiveHybrid.

Standard equipment on the 35i includes 19-inch aluminum wheels, performance tires, a sunroof, automatic bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, dynamic cruise control, 10-way power front seats, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio.

The 50i upgrades the front seats to 20-way adjustable ones, a voice-activated hard drive-based navigation system that includes 12GB of dedicated media storage as well as real-time traffic and DVD video capability.

In addition to the high-efficiency powertrain, the ActiveHybrid X6 comes with 20-inch wheels, the 50i's navigation and 20-way adjustable seats. Four-zone automatic climate control, self-leveling suspension, a 16-speaker high-performance stereo, an iPod adapter, 3-stage heated front seats, keyless entry and a rearview camera.

The Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers. The Active Ventilated Seat package adds automatically adjusting driver seat bolsters, ventilated seats and perforated leather upholstery. The Rear Climate package, available on the 35i and 50i, adds 4-zone climate control, tinted glass and manual rear side window shades. The Sport package, also available on the 35i and 50i, adds a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels, the Active Drive enhanced suspension and darker interior and exterior trim. Finally, the M Performance package adds upgraded interior leather, special seating, an M Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, and 20-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires.

In addition to the 555-hp 4.4L turbocharged V8 coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the X6 M also gets an M-tuned all-wheel-drive system, a special suspension and even M-tuned stability programming. Twenty-inch double-spoke wheels are standard, as is the 50i's 16-speaker high-performance stereo, 3-stage heated front seats and an M-specific tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel.
For 2013, the BMW X6 line sees only minor changes, including a freshened front fascia, new LED taillights, and optional adaptive LED headlights. Also new on the options list is a third-row bench seat, as well as updated leather choices in the M model.
Excellent cornering and handling; powerful V8 engine; hybrid powertrain available
Premiering in 2009 and marketed as a "Sport Activity Coupe," the X6 is based on the X5 and deftly combines the sportiness of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV. Quick for its size and height, the X6 offers impressive cornering due to a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, wide tires and BMW's Dynamic Performance Control all-wheel-drive system.