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2019 BMW X6 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2019 BMW X6 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: sDrive35i vs xDrive35i & xDrive50i
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2019 BMW X6 Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

Is it a coupe? Is it an SUV? What exactly is the 2019 BMW X6? You have probably wondered this to yourself if you have come across this vehicle on your hunt for a new daily driver. To be honest, we are not really sure what style the X6 is (BMW says it is a coupe), but it doesn't matter. What it is, is solid. A very expensive type of solid, but solid nonetheless.

The X6 has been in its second generation since 2015, and, back then, it really was one-of-a-kind. Of course, other automakers caught wind of how trendy this vehicle was and decided to try to replicate it. Still, the X6 holds fast to its image as a unique coupe/SUV. Although the sloping roofline cascading down the rear cuts off head space for rear seat passengers and diminishes the amount of available cargo space, there are a lot of things to enjoy about the X6. For example, regardless of which engine option you choose, the X6 gets rapid acceleration. The cabin is well-insulated from outside noise and is quite cozy overall. Oh, and the ride quality itself is smooth and delightful.

The biggest difficulty you will encounter is deciding on which trim level to buy. With starting MSRPs ranging between $63,550 and $78,300, most customers are going to have to be kind of picky with which trim they get and how many optional features they choose to add on. Since your money matters, you deserve to know which X6 would be the best investment for you. By the end of this comparison review, you should have a pretty good idea of which - if any - 2019 BMW X6 trim level best suits your needs.

Compare the 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i vs xDrive35i Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 BMW X6 line-up starts with its base trim, the sDrive35i. If you know anything about BMW's naming for trims, you are probably already aware that 'sDrive' basically means that the vehicle has rear-wheel drive while the 'xDrive' models are equipped with all-wheel drive. Aside from the rear-wheel drive system, the sDrive35i has a slew of powerful mechanical features that lend to its sturdy and nimble performance.

First and foremost, the sDrive35i is powered by a 3.0-L twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine that has no issue with delivering 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is rounded out by a standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission that includes Sport and Manual shift modes. As far as being able to accelerate goes, the sDrive35i can get from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds flat - a speedy time for its class. However, the fuel economy is pretty average, with the sDrive35i getting a combined 20 mpg (with 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway). The all-wheel drive xDrive35i gets the same powertrain, so it gets the same acceleration speed and fuel economy as the sDrive35i.

The sDrive35i and xDrive35i share quite a few other mechanical features as well. Both of these trim level variants have ECO PRO mode on their Driving Dynamics Control, automatic start-stop on the engine, electronic throttle control, a double wishbone front suspension, hill descent control, electric power steering, Servotronic power steering assist, a mulit-link integral rear suspension that is lightweight, and dynamic stability control. The only real difference here is, of course, the two drivetrains.

Both trims ride atop the same 19-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels and come equipped with all-season tires. They have adaptive xenon headlights, LED fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, and match a cerium gray exterior trim with your choice of non-metallic body paint options. Also, the side mirrors are heated and power-folding for your convenience. There are no essential differences on the bodies of these trim variants.

On the inside, they are virtually the same as well. The sDrive35i and xDrive35i each come equipped with standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats that include 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support and memory settings for the side mirrors, driver's seat position, and the steering wheel. The rear seats are 40/20/40 split-folding, and the fully-finished cargo area has a cover, remote trunk release, and velour carpeting. The stunning Dakota leather upholstery is offset by beautiful poplar wood trim, and there is an anthracite headliner to top things off.

With regard to high-tech infotainment features, these two trim level variants come with a 9-speaker HiFi sound system that includes a 205-watt digital amplifier for improved sound quality. AM/FM radio, a CD player, HD Radio, and pre-wiring for SiriusXM Satellite Radio all come standard. You also get one year of Apple CarPlay compatibility (sorry, Android Auto is not available) and multiple USB connections for your portable devices. Other features include a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple mounted controls, the iDrve 6.0 infotainment system with an accompanying touchscreen display, BMW TeleServices, BMW ConnectedDrive Services, a rear view camera, a defroster for the rear windshield, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a feature that gives the driver information on speed limits.

As you probably expect, there are a ton of comfort and convenience features packed into these two trim level variants. There is an advanced vehicle and key memory system that remembers a handful of your most recently-used settings. You also get front and rear park distance control, power windows with one-touch up/down functioning on all four windows, a power tailgate, an advanced ambient lighting setup throughout the cabin, auto-dimming on the rear view mirror and the driver's side mirror, privacy glass, three-stage heated front seats, a HomeLink universal garage door opener, and dual cup holders for the front and rear seats.

Safety features are also pretty extensive on the sDrive35i and xDrive35i. Some of the equipped standard safety features are adaptive brake lights, LED daytime running lights that are programmable, active blind spot detection, active driving assistant, an anti-theft alarm system, BMW Assist eCall, and BMW Remote Services, which includes functions like Stolen Vehicle Recovery. The list of features is the same on both of these variants.

Compare the 2019 X6 xDrive35i vs xDrive50i Trims. What is the difference?

Here is where you will see the most differences. The xDrive50i is the X6's line-topping trim level, and it, of course, is also an all-wheel drive trim. It is quite a bit more powerful than the xDrive35i since it is equipped with a big 4.4-L twin-turbo V8 engine and 8-speed Sport automatic transmission. This powertrain is able to muster up 445 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and it has no problem getting the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in a snappy 4.6 seconds. This also means that the xDrive50i is a little less fuel efficient. It gets 19 combined mpg (with 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway). If you are looking for something that will be easy on gas, this Sport Utility Coupe isn't it.

There are a few extra exterior features slapped onto the xDrive50i, too. You can stick with the standard xLine design or add the M Sport Design for a few thousand dollars more. The M Sport Design has two tier levels: Premium and Executive. The Premium Tier gives you surround-view cameras and Parking Assist while the Executive treats you to full LED headlights and automatic high beams. Otherwise, the xDrive50i's xLine design looks pretty much the same as that found on the xDrive35i.

On the inside, the xDrive50i has upgraded 20-way power-adjustable front seats that are multi-contoured and have 14-way power seat functions. It also gets 2-way manual lateral adjustment, shoulder support, thigh support, and memory settings for both front seats. The audio system gets boosted to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 600-watt amplifier. There is also a 2-way power-adjustable moonroof with one-touch functionality. Other than that, much of what you find in the xDrive35i can be located inside of the line-topping xDrive50i unless you opt to equip the M Sport Design with one of its two available tiers.

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, any of the 2019 BMW X6 trim levels is probably going to serve you well should you decide to buy it. The real issue with this line-up of vehicles is their cost. Yeah, they are pricey, and you can find more affordable options from BMW and, certainly, from a few other automobile manufacturers. You could probably save a good chunk of change by going for the X4 or X5 models. Sure, they are a little bit smaller than the X6, but not by that much.

However, if you are intent on buying a new X6, the xDrive35i is a good option, especially if you live in a place where you have to often drive in inclement weather. (Otherwise, opt for the sDrive35i since their only difference is the drivetrain.) The xDrive35i is already pretty well-equipped, and you can add enough optional stand-alones and packages onto it to make it feel just as high-tech as the xDrive50i. The xDrive35i will save you money in both the short- and long-run since it is slightly more fuel efficient.

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