The coupe takes over
On the technical front, the 2009 BMW X6 is near perfect. No one can deny the fearsome power of the 4.4-liter V8: 400 ponies and an impressive 450 pounds-feet of torque make for quite a monster. Accelerations, especially on highway on-ramps, rapidly become addictive. This vehicle displays such effortless velocity that you have to be careful not to get too carried away... or the cops will hit you with hefty fines.
There's another price to pay, of course, and it's at the gas station. Despite an overall moderate use of the throttle, I wound up with a fuel economy average of 13.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
The BMW X6 looks more and more like a coupe once you factor in driving dynamics. Backed by a slew of electronics, the 6-speed sport automatic transmission is one heck of a controller. In fact, one has the right to ask: is there too much assistance?
Granted, handling is phenomenal -- not surprising given the numerous electronic nannies like Dynamic Performance Control. I put the various systems to the test during a recent slalom test on Scandinavian ice. Admittedly, stability is ferocious; the xDrive-equipped X6 does a great job of distributing power to the wheels with the most traction in virtually every situation. It also steers magnificently despite the vehicle's weight and height.
The suspension feels quite smooth in daily driving conditions yet it easily adapts to all driving styles. That being said, considering BMW's reliability record and the myriad of electronic systems on the X6, one can wonder how long they will hold up. I also question the need to sacrifice that much rearward visibility; I know styling matters, but parking maneuvers are overly challenging. It's almost guesswork.
Rivals?
No other crossover comes close to matching the coupe-like design of the X6, except maybe the Infiniti FX50 ($58,900). A couple of brands do offer ultra-sporty SUVs, including the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged ($85,500), Mercedes-Benz ML550 4MATIC ($75,300) and Porsche Cayenne S ($72,200). My tester, a 2009 X6 xDrive50i, retailed for $78,100.
Bottom line
The X6 is a true niche vehicle. Delivering pure performance, it stands out with unparalleled sportiness and distinctiveness. On the other hand, functionality is almost absent due to the lack of useable space and, more importantly, limited visibility. It may be the perfect vehicle for performance-minded drivers who don't need to look back... and who happen to have a few friends in the local police corps.
photo:BMW
On the technical front, the 2009 BMW X6 is near perfect. No one can deny the fearsome power of the 4.4-liter V8: 400 ponies and an impressive 450 pounds-feet of torque make for quite a monster. Accelerations, especially on highway on-ramps, rapidly become addictive. This vehicle displays such effortless velocity that you have to be careful not to get too carried away... or the cops will hit you with hefty fines.
There's another price to pay, of course, and it's at the gas station. Despite an overall moderate use of the throttle, I wound up with a fuel economy average of 13.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
The BMW X6 looks more and more like a coupe once you factor in driving dynamics. Backed by a slew of electronics, the 6-speed sport automatic transmission is one heck of a controller. In fact, one has the right to ask: is there too much assistance?
 |
| No one can deny the fearsome power of the 4.4-liter V8. |
Granted, handling is phenomenal -- not surprising given the numerous electronic nannies like Dynamic Performance Control. I put the various systems to the test during a recent slalom test on Scandinavian ice. Admittedly, stability is ferocious; the xDrive-equipped X6 does a great job of distributing power to the wheels with the most traction in virtually every situation. It also steers magnificently despite the vehicle's weight and height.
The suspension feels quite smooth in daily driving conditions yet it easily adapts to all driving styles. That being said, considering BMW's reliability record and the myriad of electronic systems on the X6, one can wonder how long they will hold up. I also question the need to sacrifice that much rearward visibility; I know styling matters, but parking maneuvers are overly challenging. It's almost guesswork.
Rivals?
No other crossover comes close to matching the coupe-like design of the X6, except maybe the Infiniti FX50 ($58,900). A couple of brands do offer ultra-sporty SUVs, including the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged ($85,500), Mercedes-Benz ML550 4MATIC ($75,300) and Porsche Cayenne S ($72,200). My tester, a 2009 X6 xDrive50i, retailed for $78,100.
Bottom line
The X6 is a true niche vehicle. Delivering pure performance, it stands out with unparalleled sportiness and distinctiveness. On the other hand, functionality is almost absent due to the lack of useable space and, more importantly, limited visibility. It may be the perfect vehicle for performance-minded drivers who don't need to look back... and who happen to have a few friends in the local police corps.
photo:BMW
Article Gallery