BMW X6 G06 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

“The B57 is BMW's proven straight-six diesel — the xDrive30d delivers 298 PS and 650 Nm of torque, while the xDrive40d ups that to 352 PS and 700 Nm. Both offer effortless performance and genuine 40+ MPG economy. Unlike the quad-turbo M50d, the twin-turbo B57s are proven, durable, and free of excessive complexity. Regular oil changes at 10,000-mile intervals are the key to long life.”

Who it's for: buyers who want diesel torque, six-cylinder refinement and proven reliability.

“The B58 is BMW's modular straight-six and arguably the best engine in the G06 range — 340–381 PS, 450–520 Nm of torque, and a reputation for reliability that rivals Toyota's standards. It's so good Toyota uses it in the Supra. The LCI adds 48V mild-hybrid assistance for smoother stop-start and reduced turbo lag. No V8 complexity, no N63 hot-vee issues.”

Who it's for: buyers who want the best petrol engine in the range without the V8's running costs.

“The N63 V8 is a glorious engine — 530 PS, 750 Nm of torque, and a soundtrack that defines the X6 experience. But it carries BMW's 'hot-vee' design, where the turbos sit inside the V of the engine, generating extreme heat. Valve stem seals harden and cause blue smoke on startup; cooling system components fail prematurely. BMW faced a class action over N63 oil consumption issues and introduced the 'N63 Customer Care Package' to address them. The G06 uses a revised N63TU4 variant that is more reliable, but awareness remains essential.”

Who it's for: buyers who want V8 power and are prepared for V8 maintenance costs.

“The S63 is BMW's high-performance V8 — 600–625 PS, 750–800 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful engine in the G06 range. It shares the N63's hot-vee architecture but adds even more power and stress. Rod bearing wear, turbocharger failure, and cooling system issues are well-documented. The S68 introduced with the LCI adds 48V mild-hybrid technology but retains the V8's complexity. A full engine replacement can exceed £16,000.”

Who it's for: collectors who want the ultimate G06 X6 and have the budget to maintain it.

“The xDrive30d delivers 298 PS, 650 Nm of torque, and genuine 40+ MPG economy — the sweet spot in the G06 range. It's the most common diesel, the most proven, and the cheapest to maintain. No quad-turbo complexity, no V8 fuel bills, and an engine that's proven to exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing.”

Who it's for: buyers who want the best all-round G06 without the V8's running costs or the M50d's complexity.

“The xDrive40d is often overlooked in favour of the xDrive30d, but it delivers 352 PS and 700 Nm of torque — a genuine step up in performance. It's the perfect engine for buyers who want effortless overtaking and towing capability without stepping up to the V8's running costs. It's the G06 for buyers who actually drive their cars.”

Who it's for: buyers who want the ultimate diesel G06 with the best balance of performance and economy.