X6 AutoCar - Road Test: BMW X6 xDrive35d

[Merc1]

For: Excellent turbodiesel engine, impressive dynamic ability, quality interior

Against: Conspicuous image, price of options, poor fuel economy


Background

This is BMW’s third X model. Its first was the X5, in 1999, which it claimed was the first Sports Activity Vehicle, because it was meant to be — and was, in truth — a decent drive on the road. That was followed by the X3 in 2003.

BMW didn’t show a concept of the X6 until the Frankfurt motor show in 2007. The production car had its debut at Geneva in March 2008, and BMW has already sold its first year’s allocation of the new X6.

It is, the company claims, a Sports Activity Coupé, and it will shake up the posh SUV market in the same way the X5 did 10 years ago. Think of it, really, as BMW’s tall answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It’s largely the same as the car on which it’s based (the E-class in the Mercedes’ case, the X5 here), only with rather more design flair and quite a lot less practicality.

Because of the way it looked, the CLS was generally very well received. With the X6, mostly because of the growing opposition to SUVs, BMW may have a rather different battle on its hands. To many it won’t make any difference that the 3.0-litre diesel version we’re testing here uses less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide than a 2.5-litre petrol Ford Mondeo.

That, of course, is an issue for BMW and the X6’s buyers, but this road test has a rather simpler job: to find out if the X6 is actually any good.

Source and more information:
BMW X6 xDrive35d - Autocar.co.uk


M

 

[PanterroR]

More than usual in a road test, it seems important to think about fitness for purpose with the BMW X6. Does the world really need a car with such large external dimensions that has such limited interior space?

Which limited interior space you idiots?????

And yes, the world does need such car apparently, check sales numbers you ***********!!!

So, what has BMW achieved? It has taken a sound platform with a smattering of all-road ability and given it truly excellent on-road agility and performance.

The only real disappointments are that it is not lighter, it is not more frugal and that it doesn’t ride as well as it should.

3 words: W T F ????

 

[johnbmw6]

Not quite sure just where these guys drive these cars if in fact they actually do!!!, found that report nothing short of "A load of crap".
I have driven over 200 miles in this car with the 35D engine( mines on order) and find the car drives every bit as well as my 635DS on all but very poor roads, my economy on a brand new car with 20 miles showing on the clock was 30 MPG, yes if driven around town all day it will be lower, but so will all big diesel engines, my second drive of the same car with 400 miles showing on the clock, gave 36 MPG and I saw 39 mpg at one point cruising.
This car had 20" wheels and NO sus/steering aids.

It drove very well around the twisty stuff and has huge street cred.
The suspension only moans a bit on real rough road finishs, but this is mostly the huge tyres. Certainly not a problem as I can see unless you drive on farm tracks all day.

If the car is being "Tested" then I would expect a lower than norman fuel usage as the car is being pushed all the time, this of course will not be taken into account by the tester which is not going to give a truer indication of general usage.
Rant over
If you are keen on this car, please go drive one for more than 10 mins and then see what you think.

 

[Mr Robert]

I saw the X6 (silver, 19") for the first time yesterday in the company garage... Damn! That car is beautiful! What presence! Easily the best looking SUV on the market today.

 

[Merc1]

Which limited interior space you idiots?????

Are you having a violent outburst...lol? I think they mean cargo space compared to a normal SUV. A fair gripe IMO, though such a person is looking at the wrong vehicle.

M

 

[PanterroR]

Are you having a violent outburst...lol?

Yes i do. I'm sick of hearing such complaints.

But i'm most angry that 1st they say how it drives great and just 2 sentences after it doesn't drive like it should!

...though such a person is looking at the wrong vehicle.

Right.

 

[Merc1]

Don't worry about it. Rob says I have the same problem when any of the VW-based Bentleys are presented...lol.

M

 

[PanterroR]

No seriously, how can a person be that stupid...?

 

[Palbay]

Which limited interior space you idiots?????

And yes, the world does need such car apparently, check sales numbers you ***********!!!


3 words: W T F ????

Tycoon, These "Auto Journalist" just don't get it.... I've followed the development of the X6 from it's very earliest days. From the time my neighbor returned from Munich 3.5 years ago ( he is a Dept Mgr at the Plant here in SC) and described the clay prototype he had viewed,I've been a huge fan of the concept.The X6 was never aimed at the traditional "SUV" buyer in the first place.It was aimed at Sports Car Enthusiast who need more room and don't necessarily want to own two cars to get their "performance driving thrills".The comparsion to the X5 was never the correct comparison.The only correct comparsion to the X5 is that they share the same platform....that's it between the X5 and X6.I considered an X5 before I decided on my X3.Had not the X3 been available...I would have left the brand...the X5 is just to "Trucky" for me and sedans are to "small" for my lifestyle.These "Auto Journalist" fall into the "Traditionalist-Elitist" camp,people who still cling to the belief that BMW and for that matter all performance car companies should build only " Sporty Sedans". Those days are gone forever......i.e. Porshe.To survive in the Global Economy car companies must build what people want.I have as much of a right to drive a very sporty high performance X6 as somebody else has a right to drive an M3.Unfortunately, because they all wear blinders,a lot of Auto Enthusiast will never "get" the concept behind the X6.Thanks! PalBay

 

[Merc1]

Video:

Autocar Videos - Autocar.co.uk


M

 

[klier]

I have to laugh about the limited interior space too, what an idiots!

Back passengers have more space than any 3er, and front passangers have more space than a 7er.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

The only real disappointments are that it is not lighter, it is not more frugal and that it doesn’t ride as well as it should. Having said that, it is hard to deny that in all other respects it’s excellent.[/FONT][/SIZE]

BMW X6 xDrive35d - Autocar.co.uk

M

Just as I suspected. I knew it would be hard to make such a mammoth drive so well and ride well at the same time.

Still is looks COOL.

 

[johnbmw6]

Just as I suspected. I knew it would be hard to make such a mammoth drive so well and ride well at the same time.

Still is looks COOL.

I doubt they even drove it. Many just copy other reveiws and never even sit in the cars.
Take that report with a "PInch of salt" it's way off, I would NOT be putting my money into one if it did not drive at least as well as my 635D Sport, the X6 out performs many Sports cars and ALL SUV's bar none. Drive one for a day a see what we are all buying.

 

[chonkoa]

I saw the X6 (silver, 19") for the first time yesterday in the company garage... Damn! That car is beautiful! What presence! Easily the best looking SUV on the market today.

I know what you mean.
The first time I saw one on the road was actually in Paris two weeks ago, and believe me it has presence. Although I had seen it at the dealership before, but it is different on the road and I wasn't the only one giving it a good stare.
Funny enough I am yet to see one on the streets of Houston.