2009 BMW X6 Review
28 Jun, 2008
19 Comments 
2009 BMW X6 Review & Road Test
Model Tested:
- 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i - $AUD price not yet available
Impressive, unique, fantastically quick and aesthetically brilliant.
Not available in Australia…yet.
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Bob Hume (UK)
Has the BMW summoned demand from the ether? It would seem so – in Europe at least, orders for these cars have been placed well into 2009.
The artfully produced sales brochure tells you that “its elegance will fascinate you, its agility will inspire you and its presence will impress you through and through”.
This is a crossover between a coupe and a sports utility vehicle. The opening paragraph of the brochure goes on to say that the X6 “represents the fusion of athletic coupe charisma with the authority and versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle – a stylish refusal to compromise”.
The X6 only seats 4 people, somewhat limiting the versatility expected of an SUV, perhaps it has one seat less than the X5 simply because the new car would compete with it? Unlike most coupes it also has 2 rear passenger doors.
I remember first clapping eyes on the X6 when I got a press release about the production concept last year. I liked the look of it – I had a bit of a smile to myself, mainly because I’m a fan of bold design and this was, after all only a concept.
I pinned the concept press photo on the wall above my desk and glanced fondly at it every now and again. The next thing I heard, they were actually launching it.
The X6 is an X5 sized SUV with sporty lines, an acutely angled set of ‘A’ pillars and coupe-shaped arse. Sitting on the standard 19” wheels, the X6 did have a very large amount of aggressive aesthetic appeal – I had to admit it looked great from every angle.
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(9 votes, average: 4.56 out of 5)
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June 28th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Honestly, I dislike this vehicle.
It seems to be rather wasteful. What can it do that an X5 cannot? Well, it may be a bit more sporty, but if you were going for that, you’d much rather buy a sedan or a coupe from BMW without the disadvantages that a SUV would bring.
Also, it’s quite obvious the practicalities of a 4WD are mostly missing from the X6.
I would also bet my house it would be more expensive than the X5.
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June 28th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
^Agreed JW! I’d rather have an X5 over this!
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June 28th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Quite why BMW would want to copy the styling of the Ssangyong Actyon I don’t really know, but that’s what they’ve gone and done.
This visual abortion obviously drives nicely, but why the Hell would anybody want to be seen within 100 metres of one?
This is clearly an example of pushing the brand about as far as even terminally stupid people might be tempted to take the over-hyped bait.
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June 28th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
^Thats what I was thinking of too Captain, the rear is like the Ugly SsangYong Actyon! Though not as ugly, no way near!
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June 28th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I think the idea is that you have the high driving position so many people like now, with decent handling and performance. I think making it a 4-seater was a mistake though.
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June 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Those rims look mighty familiar. BMW….? are you pinching rims from ford?
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June 28th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I would have this over an X5 ML320 RX330 or any other similar car [including Klugers etc] as its looks make it more of SPORTS Utility Vehicle…. it doesn’t look like a mobile fortress like the others do
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June 28th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Have another look at the back end Duck, and you might find that the Actyon is actually more attractive,
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June 28th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
This is a fantastic looking car, it is definitely my next BMW!
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June 28th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
LOL…WTF..who would buy something as hidious as that! A 1 year old kid could even design a better looking car!
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June 29th, 2008 at 12:13 am
If the Merc CLS which is basically an E-Class with a sleeker shape, 4 seats, and a higher price tag can sell, then I’m sure this thing can.
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June 29th, 2008 at 4:39 am
it is hard to see the point of the X6. my pick would be the X5 but still, there’s no denying the X6 is a beaut!
doubt bmw will ever have troubles selling it, just like every other model bar the X3
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June 29th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
This vehicle outlines what is wrong with the motor world now days. Practicality comes second. This car is supposed to be a practical SUV, yet its nothing of the sort. It is only narrowly nugged off the worst design award by the Toyota Prius. If this, erm, whatever it is sells, then BMW will have pulled off the greatest suck in ever in the motoring world. The X5 is much more practical, doesnt look as bad, and seats 5, i think. Who ever is designing BMW’s these days needs to be replaced, as every one of the current crop is either hideous, or pointlessly out of proportion (1 series coupe)
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June 30th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Unlike families who would tend to go for the X5, i feel the market for this may lean towards DINKS (double income no kids)… who don’t necessarily need 7 seats, or the reat seat for that matter. They still want the commanding driving position, yet like coupe/off road profile. For me, it looks fantastic.
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June 30th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Best of both worlds? More like the worst of both. Coupe compromise in space and seating with SUV handling. I know the X5 is at the top of its class for handling ect, but why compromise its practicality with this body?
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June 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I reckon it looks good. Like the wheels too.
Four door coupe concept makes this a standout design.
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June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Man id hate to be reversing that thing!!!
Ugly rear end.
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June 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Having seen one in the flesh on the M25 two weeks ago and the boss has one on order, they are obviously in strong demand. The back end in the real world ain’t as bad as all that.
I do however have a problem with the type of car, honestly whats the point. If an environmental car tax was going to be applied to wasteful vehicles this should be at the top of the list. Executive off-road coupe Uhh! really don’t get it.
However BMW have made something work properly, just hope they sort their reliability problems out.
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July 8th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
what an ugly car….
the rims looks like Ford XR5
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