The BMW X6 is the originator of the sports activity coupé (SAC), referencing its sloping rear roof design.

It combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (styling featuring a sloping roof).

The first generation (E71) was released for sale in April 2008 for the 2008 model year, while the second-generation X6 (F16) was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2014.

[6] The X6 marks BMW's first use of its new Dynamic Performance Control system, which works in unison with xDrive all-wheel drive, both being standard on the X6.

DPC is a drivetrain and chassis control system that works to regulate traction and especially correct over- and understeer by actively spreading out drive forces across the rear axle.

The DPC system speeds up the slower moving wheel (the one with the most traction) in order to maintain stability when needed.

[9] Other features include 6-speed M Sports automatic transmission with aluminum pull-style paddles on the steering wheel, M Dynamic Mode feature, 10 mm (0.4 in) lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston fixed calipers with 15.6" rotor at front and single piston floating calipers with 15.2" rotor at rear, 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 run flat tires, hill descent control, dynamic stability control, special gills in the front fenders, 20-inch light-alloy wheels.

[13] M Performance Parts were available for the X6 M. These include black kidney grilles, a carbon fibre spoiler, steel pedals, a sport steering wheel and M rims.

[1][14] BMWs first mild-hybrid BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid Generation 1 was revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008.

Both cars made their market debuts at the end of 2009[15] and the X6 Hybrid can drive in pure electrical mode at low speeds.

A defining feature of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is its Two-Mode active transmission, an innovative technology that controls the interplay of the electrical motors and the internal combustion engine.

[16] This car was confirmed as being called the BMW ActiveHybrid X6, and it is the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle; it is not sold in the UK.

The core-vehicle is however very heavy and the petrol power unit limits the extent to which fuel consumption can be reduced in absolute terms.

[20] The second generation X6 was launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show featuring a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a slightly larger luggage bay.

[29] The X6 M (F86) BMW M performance model was unveiled in Losail International Circuit in Qatar,[30] and is one of the quickest vehicles of its type.

These include a sport steering wheel, carbon fibre trim, aluminium pedals, black kidney grilles, M Rims, mirrors, rear flaps, diffuser, splitter, spoiler in carbon fibre, black side skirts and sport brakes.

Standard trim BMW X6 F16 models get softer and more comfortable suspension and tire setup with a more executive design and the addition of optional side steps.

The third-generation X6 was unveiled on 3 July 2019 and sports more aggressive bodywork including an angular grille which can be illuminated as an option for the first time on a BMW.

[45]The new X6 has a revised front grille and bumper, new headlights, revised taillights, new exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, a new BMW Curved Display, a toggle switch is used for the automatic transmission instead of a gear selector, new options packages, new driving assistance features and updates to the engine line-up.

[51] All models featured LED headlights, welcome light carpet, and iDrive 7.0 with two 12.3-inch displays and the BMW personal digital assistant.

[52] Optional equipment included indicators, laser headlights, an illuminated kidney grille, heated and cooled cupholders, and air suspension which can be raised or lowered by 80 mm (3.1 in) and can be configured with snow, sand, gravel, or rock terrain modes.