A Review of the BMW X6

BMW terms its new X6 model a “Sports Activity Coup” in oxymoronic fashion, despite the fact that the car’s basic form is that of a four door, fastback mid-size sports utility vehicle. Naming faux pas asides, this latest offering from BMW combines style, carrying capacity, and function with a success that is rarely achieved. Even when building an SUV (while carefully reframing from calling it that), the good Germans at BMW can’t seem to resist adding a potent and engine and sports car like handling.

The BMW X6 comes in two trim levels, the xDrive 35i and the xDrive50i, featuring power upgrades over the BMW X5. The xDrive35i utilizes a turbocharged six-cylinder in line engine and with leather upholstery, powered seats, and a top-of-the-line audio package. The xDrive50i powers up by utilizing turbocharged V8 and posses and even swankier interior. As is typical for a BMW, there is a long list of available options if you are willing to shell out the cash.

In terms of power, the X6 does not fail to impress. The 3 liter inline of the xDrive 35i out an a robust 300 horsepower while generating 300 foot-pounds of torque, while the xDrive50i produces a muscle car-like 400 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque. An available upgrade for both engines puts looses even more ponies into the herd, upping the xDrive 35i and xDrive40i’s total output to 320 and 440 horsepower respectively.

The only transmission option available is a six speed automatic with manual shifting. All models of X6 have all-wheel drive and and BMW’s torque distribution system called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC), designed to improve stability and traction.

The interior of the X6 is luxurious. The two front seats provide plenty of room for anyone. The fastback design cuts down on rear capacity from the 3 of the BMW X5 down to 2, but the two rear seats should still be perfectly adequate for all but the tallest people. Cargo capacity is far from the highest in the SUV class-this isn’t a Ford Expedition after all-but still should provide plenty of storage options for the weekender.

Driving performance is where the X6 really stands out, with its sporting handling and performance numbers. The stability of the vehicle while cornering makes one forget how tall and heavy it really is, while the 0 to 60 time for the V8 powered version is a quite impressive 5.3 seconds. For those searching for a capacious transport with real style and a turn of power, the BMW X6 might be just perfect.