Cargazing
By Derek Price
In a world where the lines between SUV capability and sports-car thrills increasingly blur, the 2024 BMW X6 M60i stands out as a remarkable engineering feat.
It’s a vehicle that challenges conventional automotive categories, offering a blend of utility and exhilaration that’s rare to find.
My week with the X6 M60i, particularly in its vibrant Isle of Man green, was a study in contrasts.
On one hand, you have an SUV that delivers on the promise of spaciousness and practicality, with usable cargo room and generous seating. Forward visibility is commendable, a nod to its utilitarian roots.
Yet, when you push the ignition, the M60i transforms. Its performance is more akin to a track car than a family hauler.
The power, the grip and the sheer joy of driving this beast are undeniable.
Under the hood lies a newly developed TwinPower Turbo V8 engine, a masterpiece of engineering derived from motorsport lineage. With 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, the M60i is a powerhouse, capable of catapulting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Styling on the new 2024 BMW X6 M60i showcases its unique, performance-oriented demeanor.
The integration of 48V mild-hybrid technology not only boosts its efficiency but also enhances the engine’s response and power delivery, ensuring a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and environmentally conscious.
It’s exhilarating, pushing the boundaries of what one would expect from a vehicle with such a high riding position.
However, this thrilling performance comes at a cost: comfort. The M60i, despite not being as unforgiving as the full-fledged X6 M, still presents a ride that’s firm and bumpy. It’s a vehicle tailored for enthusiasts who prioritize the rawness of driving over the plushness of cruising. While it’s slightly more bearable than its more hardcore sibling, the compromise is evident.
The suspension, coupled with the 22-inch wheels on my tester, seems to defy the very essence of a crossover. Instead of offering a comfortable, elevated driving experience, the X6 M60i opts for a sportier, more aggressive feeling. It’s a choice that will undoubtedly appeal to a niche audience but might leave others longing for the comfort traditionally associated with SUVs.
An elegantly crafted cabin features the advanced BMW Curved Display, merging luxury with cutting-edge technology.
There’s no denying the X6 M60i’s ability to attract attention. Its unusual green hue and imposing presence make it a head-turner on the streets. However, this allure is accompanied by a hefty price tag, particularly once you delve into BMW’s range of premium options.
The M60i boasts distinctive design elements that underscore its performance capabilities, from the M-specific kidney grille to the quad-pipe exhaust trim. Inside, the cabin is a testament to BMW’s commitment to digital innovation, featuring the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface, reducing physical buttons and emphasizing touch control.
Overall, the 2024 BMW X6 M60i is an enigma. It offers a unique blend of attributes that cater to a very specific taste: those who seek the thrill of a sports car but need the practicality of an SUV.
Yet, in striving to be both, it inevitably makes compromises, particularly in comfort and price. It’s a vehicle that excites and confounds in equal measure, a true paradox on wheels.
At A Glance
What was tested? 2024 BMW X6 M60i ($93,600). Options: Dynamic handling package ($2,200), driving assistance pro package ($2,100), M Sport professional package ($650), parking assistance package ($800), executive package ($1,850), climate comfort package ($1,000), 22-inch M wheels ($1.900), carbon fiber trim ($300), leather dashboard ($1,250), Bowers & Wilkins sound system ($3,400). Price as tested (including $995 destination charge): $111,995
Wheelbase: 117.1 in.
Length: 195 in.
Width: 78.9 in.
Height: 66.9 in.
Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (523 hp, 553 lbs.-ft.)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 17 city, 22 highway
Ratings
Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 3
Handling: 9
Ride: 4
Comfort: 4
Quality: 8
Overall: 8
Why buy it?
It delivers an exceptional blend of dynamic performance, distinctive style and advanced technology in a versatile SUV package.