Sports-sedan handling and control
The X6 is equipped with BMW's latest and greatest version of their sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It seamlessly dispatches torque to all four compass points. And for the first time in a BMW, handling ability is augmented with their newly engineered, Dynamic Performance Control program.
This electronic brain enhances handling qualities by independently distributing power to the right and left rear wheels when cornering regardless of whether the vehicle is under acceleration or not. This along with a double-wishbone front axle and what BMW refers to as an Integral rear axle combine to deliver outstanding handling that is more congruent with a 5-Series sedan than an X5.
That's quite an achievement given the weight of the X6 xDrive 35i of 2,220-kg (4,894-lb) and its high ground clearance of 200-mm (8-in).
Twin-turbocharged engine
BMW's award winning, 3.0-litre, 24-valve I-6 300 horsepower, twin turbocharged engine powered my X6 test unit. This iron fist in a velvet glove hits hard with 300 foot-pounds of torque at only 1,400 rpm. BMW literature cites a 0-100km/h time of only 6.9 seconds. Much has been written about this exotic powerplant since its introduction. Suffice to say its wealth of refined punch pretty much annihilates the need for a V8.
Power flows through a six-speed autobox that can be controlled with a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The box is quick shifting and the paddles work very effectively, ensuring throttle blips quickly increase engine rpm to match the impending cog.
The drive
My tester featured the Sport Package, which upped wheel size to 20-inches and revised the suspension to favor handling over ride comfort. Yes, this vehicle has razor-sharp reflexes and all the road-searing prowess one could ever use. My preference though would delete the Sport Package in favor of a little more suppleness below.
Behind the wheel, drivers may notice some rearward visibility deficit imposed by the vehicle's sleek roofline but it's a fair trade-off given the visuals discussed earlier. Once underway, it's clear that BMW captured the spirit of a sports sedan, or coupe, as they prefer to articulate. From its highly responsive yet heavy, communicative steering to its powerful mill, the X6 defies pigeonholing.
I don't expect there will be an overwhelming demand for this vehicle but for those BMW sedan devotees that also want the benefit of SUV ownership, the X6 xDrive 35i will fill the niche. It really is an interesting, if not daring attempt to enrich the automotive mosaic.
photo:Rob Rothwell
The X6 is equipped with BMW's latest and greatest version of their sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It seamlessly dispatches torque to all four compass points. And for the first time in a BMW, handling ability is augmented with their newly engineered, Dynamic Performance Control program.
This electronic brain enhances handling qualities by independently distributing power to the right and left rear wheels when cornering regardless of whether the vehicle is under acceleration or not. This along with a double-wishbone front axle and what BMW refers to as an Integral rear axle combine to deliver outstanding handling that is more congruent with a 5-Series sedan than an X5.
That's quite an achievement given the weight of the X6 xDrive 35i of 2,220-kg (4,894-lb) and its high ground clearance of 200-mm (8-in).
Twin-turbocharged engine
BMW's award winning, 3.0-litre, 24-valve I-6 300 horsepower, twin turbocharged engine powered my X6 test unit. This iron fist in a velvet glove hits hard with 300 foot-pounds of torque at only 1,400 rpm. BMW literature cites a 0-100km/h time of only 6.9 seconds. Much has been written about this exotic powerplant since its introduction. Suffice to say its wealth of refined punch pretty much annihilates the need for a V8.
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| The BMW X6 xDrive 35i really is an interesting, if not daring attempt to enrich the automotive mosaic. |
Power flows through a six-speed autobox that can be controlled with a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The box is quick shifting and the paddles work very effectively, ensuring throttle blips quickly increase engine rpm to match the impending cog.
The drive
My tester featured the Sport Package, which upped wheel size to 20-inches and revised the suspension to favor handling over ride comfort. Yes, this vehicle has razor-sharp reflexes and all the road-searing prowess one could ever use. My preference though would delete the Sport Package in favor of a little more suppleness below.
Behind the wheel, drivers may notice some rearward visibility deficit imposed by the vehicle's sleek roofline but it's a fair trade-off given the visuals discussed earlier. Once underway, it's clear that BMW captured the spirit of a sports sedan, or coupe, as they prefer to articulate. From its highly responsive yet heavy, communicative steering to its powerful mill, the X6 defies pigeonholing.
I don't expect there will be an overwhelming demand for this vehicle but for those BMW sedan devotees that also want the benefit of SUV ownership, the X6 xDrive 35i will fill the niche. It really is an interesting, if not daring attempt to enrich the automotive mosaic.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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