Initially, the BMW X6 was available in North America (Now released in the UK) in two variants. Both use twin-turbocharged engines. The top-of-the-line model is the xDrive50i which uses an all-new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It produces 408 metric horsepower (300 kW) between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and 600 N·m (443 ft·lbf) of torque over a wide range of between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. It is the first production turbocharged V8 engine in the world to feature its turbochargers between the V section in the middle of the two banks of cylinders.

The other model is the X6 xDrive35i powered by the N54 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine, producing 306 metric horsepower (225 kW) between 5,800 and 6,250 rpm, and a peak torque of 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm. This engine also sees duty in the 1, 3 and 5 Series BMW cars.