2017 BMW X6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Xdrive 35i 4dr SUV, Xdrive 50i 4dr SUV, M 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 193.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,751–5,324 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints3 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 55 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 21 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 BMW X6 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,751 lb (Xdrive 35i 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 10% better than the 2017 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the child seat.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 X6 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 X6 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive 35i 4dr SUV | 193.3 in | 78.3 in | 66.9 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 66.9 in | 4,751 lb | 49/51 |
| Xdrive 50i 4dr SUV | 193.3 in | 78.3 in | 66.9 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 66.9 in | 5,170 lb | 52/48 |
| M 4dr SUV AWD | 193.3 in | 78.3 in | 66.9 in | 115.4 in | 64.6 / 66.9 in | 5,324 lb | 52/48 |
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 sDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | +10% | $3,900 | 426 |
| X6 xDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 434 |
| X6 xDrive50i | 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -8% | $4,850 | 515 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 BMW X6.
Similar 2017 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 BMW X6 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2017 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2017 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (2)
Child Seat · Nov 18, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V823000 · 32,760 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2015-2019 X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6M vehicles equipped with rear seat lower anchor bars used in securing child restraint seats. The lower anchor bars may become damaged over time when used with an ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
- Risk
- Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. Owner notification began January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 18, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V327000 · 24 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with 21-inch tires, however the Tire Information Label states that the vehicles are equipped with 20-inch tires. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- The incorrect tire size on the label does not comply with FMVSS number 110.
- Fix
- BMW has notified the affected owners and is providing them with a corrected tire information placard, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2017 BMW X6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 BMW X6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Child Seat — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 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 |
| 2021 X6 | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 7 |
| 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 |
| 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 →