2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Review
January 1, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
Before collecting the car, I was not that optimistic to say the least. The idea of a four-seat SAC just didn’t make sense. Why only have four seats? Surely that has to be the car’s weakest point.
For $114,705 there are a lot of good cars you can buy. The BMW X3 starts at just $61,830, almost half the cost of the X6. The top of the range X3 is $76,996 and that comes with five whole seats! It’s bigger brother, the X5, starts at $86,635 with the top of the range 4.8-litre V8 variant coming in at $121,908.
However if even for a moment you begin to compare the X6 with the X3/X5 or the ML or RX series from its rivals, you’ve completely missed the point. The X6 is not your average car. Think of it as the beginning of a new type of car, a slick coupé-like SUV. I am positive Lexus and Mercedes are already considering their own versions for the future.
Having picked up the car from BMW in the outskirts of Fortitude Valley here in Brisbane, I realised that this isn’t really a SUV at all. In fact, it handles better than most normal cars. BMW has this philosophy, and it’s a good one, it doesn’t make front-wheel-drive cars – no ifs no buts.
It also doesn’t make uninspiring, unsporty and generally boring cars. Okay I’ll admit, they made the 116i and that was about as interesting as looking at the latest in dental instruments (at least dental instruments instil some fear, the 116i instilled utter and sheer boredom) but as a company, every BMW today inspires confidence via it’s road composure.
The X6 is a prime example of how engineers build a car when the accountants have gone to sleep. The latest and the very best of BMW technology is found within this 2070kg beast. My test car was the petrol variant, powered by the world engine of the year, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder, which is also found in the 135i and 335i.
This party piece alone is reason enough to buy this car. Delivering 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm at only 1300rpm, there is a good reason why this engine has seen its share of awards.
Now 225kW might not sound like a lot (interestingly from what members of the BMW club told me, a quick retune will easily deliver another 30kW) but the X6 can go from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and all the way to a top speed of 240km/h (where legal). Not bad considering it weighs more than two-tonnes. Official fuel consumption figures state 12.1 L/100km for the combined city/highway cycle.
All three variants of the X6 are mated to BMW’s six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles. Thanks to this gearbox power delivery is constant and extremely smooth. There is next to no turbo-lag, making way for swift overtakes when required.
The big question with the X6 was handling. If it’s suppose to have coupé DNA in it, it must handle like a coupé.
Tags: BMW Reviews, BMW X6, BMW X6 xDrive35i
You are right, it doesn’t make much sense at first but then it makes a lot of sense. I actually like the rear end! Also love the interior, though those wheels really don’t suit it. Would have to pick some better looking wheels to go with it.
I recall at least 5 years ago at the Melbourne International Motor Show that Holden had a Coupe Like SUV very similar in profile to the X6. This was on display at the same time as the Captiva Prototype before it went on sale so its quite a few years ago as the Captiva came out by memory 2005. It was sorta a smaller brother to the Captiva and had some 3 alphnumeral designation. It would be interesting to see if the X6 was actually the first of this type to be designed this way. It would depend on whether this cars design was drawn up before the GM Daewoo SUV I have mentioned. Though not much has been said about it the last couple of years I still expect it to be built for Holden as a smaller SUV maybe even built off the new small car platform that Holden will be building from 2010.
I love cars with high drivng positions for a few reasons.
1. You can see over other cars for better road reading.
2. Ease of entry and exit of the vehicle. (My back is stuffed)
3. Its easier in drive thru’s
4. In a side impact, a car with a high driving position being hit by a regular car with a low front end means the centre of the force should be under you, not right next to you.
I’ll agree 100% I have missed the point about this car. Because I can’t see one. Yes, its sold lots already, so there is a demand. Congrats to BMW. I understand that there are people which for whatever reason desire those qualities in a car. Much like there are people that get their rocks off having sex with dead people. Who am I to judge, just because I don’t get it.
My points still stand though. It isn’t elegant, it isn’t attractive in any way, and it certainly isn’t in good taste, which any car that 1% of people love and 99% hate can’t be in.
Love the look (I also love the 6 series).
On the road it has immense presence, and it has a beautiful interior.
I’d wait for the V8 version however.
Nice review Alborz. I love the look of this car! Have seen a few on the road,a real stand out car!
The 4 seater although doesnt seem practical goes with the rest of this sports coupe wagon feel !
Would love to see the styling past down to the X5 and X3 ,both nowhere as pretty is this!
Power pick for me would be the X6 M ,power plant rumored to be the V10 from the M5…………Being built to compete with Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo, Mercedes-Benz’s ML63 AMG ,style wise and Im sure power wise this thing will cream them!
Frosty – the car I think youre thinking of is the SS-X concept. It was 4 seater AWD cross-over sports vehicle based on an SS sedan but had a sweeping roofline like a coupe and a two piece tailgate – like a sandman panelvan
the colour was “Kryptonite” [Green is Nice]
Ok, now after a cup of coffee, I can see the point of this car, its a coupe for people who like a high driving position and more room than you normally get in a coupe. Now I’d never buy one because I still think its ridiculous, but each to their own. Still, elegance?
I’d go for the V8 version – sure its $145k.. but with BMW you get alot more features for your money than you do with its rivals
Plus it’s a lot better looking than the LX470 which is nothing more than a Landcruiser with a Lexus Badge oh and a bit of leather.. and when you’re spending that amount of dosh you want a bit of distinction don’t you?
Sam, ur 4th point may be true, but what if everybody was driving the high seated position cars, then you are no better off in a side impact as you would be hit with the higher bonnet of the car, as well as you can roll over easier, heavier car (which means worse breaking).
I hav a mid sized stationwagen that has capable handeling, high seating position, perfect visibility and decent looking, so i dont see the point in this. Waste of money.
“niche market” bingo!
BM, you got a bra there anywhere?
i say i like a lot of car brands, because i do. but BMW really is my favourite manufacturer.
i adore the x6, i think it hits all the right buttons, and yes the looks are to an acquired taste, but personally i love the look.
if i had millionaire parents, i would definately buy one (given the fact i cant drive turbo petrol or 8 cyclinder cars)
hmmm. BMW Individual ‘azurite’ black with BMW individual champagne merino leather please…. oh, and the ‘y’ spoke 20″ wheels to please with the sport pack :) yeh, i’ll leave my deposit on the showroom floor :P
great review and foto’s too guys, great work. *thumbs up*
Actually, in the right colour/wheel combination, this car can look quite elegant. But that doesn’t mean it has any taste or does the person who buys it but then again, that’s what many people say about all sports/super cars. I have driven the 35d version and I have to say, how on earth did they do that? If ever there was a thing, not a car but a thing, to prove that technology will eventually take over the laws of physics, this is it. I threw that car into a sharp corner at a rather high speed and really thought for a second that I would roll over, but not only did it not roll, but there was hardly any body roll! It is amazing, but really isn’t the best looking car and I think it will be a more hated car as far as somebody letting you into a lane goes.
I, like most people here, did not see the point of this car until I had driven one, and apart from anything, why not just buy an X5 I thought? But it’s not until you’ve driven one that you can appreciate just what this car is here for. It is a convincing coupe. It is a convincing SUV, it works and I’m not sure how.
Acfsambo, you obviously have not driven this car so you are in no position to comment that your “mid sized station wagon” with decent handling is a competitor for this and somehow makes this pointless. What sort of station wagon is it?
Range Rover owners must be literally frothing at the mouth at your suggestion that the X5 was the worlds first luxury 4WD…
G’day Wheelnut, happy new year. No not thinking of the SSX.
I was at that motor show as well and remember the drop down tailgate on the SSX which reminded me of the tailgates on cars prior to 1978. No there was a Captiva type vehicle with the swooping tail, It came out to the motorshow at the same time as the Captiva Prototype which also at the time had a 3 alphanumeric prefix as well. It also had L.E.D Taillights and L.E.D front indicators. So nah not the SSX.
Did a Wiki search and found it to be the T2X of 2005. Here is a extract
A model based on the Chevrolet T2X, a “sport coupé–SUV” concept car, may join the lineup in 2008. GM Daewoo will also take responsibility for developing the future version of the …
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Daewoo · Cached page
I should have done a Wiki search prior to posting as I knew there would be something about it as I would probably have photos of it somewhere as I did take some of it back in 2005
So basically what I am thinking is that if the design was locked in on the X6 after this prototype came on display then GM are the actual company that thought of the idea first but as of yet has not released a production version.
wwwdotchevroletdotcodotuk/conceptcars/conceptcars-t2xdothtml
Here is a link to it. Must admit not that disimilar to the X6 in the photos. I like it and would like to see the Lion Badge on it in the near future.
?
I really like the interior and the front end looks great! Though I dont see much point to it (for me anyway) and I reckon rear visibility would be non-existant with a rear like that!
Wheelnut Says:
January 1st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
“Plus it’s a lot better looking than the LX470 which is nothing more than a Landcruiser with a Lexus Badge oh and a bit of leather.. and when you’re spending that amount of dosh you want a bit of distinction don’t you?”
Kind of like a Calais V and an Omega eh?
(You had to throw in a Toyota bash didn’t you…)
KL, thats like comparing say a GX or the lowest level Landcruiser with say the Landcruiser Sahara when you compare a Calais to a Omega. Totally different to Landcruiser vs the Lexus. One is the standard brand Toyota and one is the Luxury Brand. It would be like comparing a Holden Calais to say a Commodore rebadged as a Cadillac so quit the socalled Toyota bashing as Toyota fans do their fair share of GMH/Ford bashing.
This discussion is about the X6 and also just about the design of this so called first of its kind of type of vehicle and the fact that its debatable whether they were first with the Coupe/SUV design as I do not remember hearing anything about the X6 when I saw the Holden/Chev/Daewoo T2X way back in the beginning of 2005 at the MIMS.
Just to say actually, although if you’ve read my other comment you’ll read me raving about the driving experience, did it really need the shape? Couldn’t they have just applied all this technology to the X5?
Quote [Alex]: did it really need the shape? Couldn’t they have just applied all this technology to the X5?
You could say the same thing about a Prius – they could have used/transferred the hybrid technology over to an existing car instead of making a completely unique new body design..
Or the Mercedes Benz CLS [the better looking Maybach] or the Porsche Panmera etc They didn’t have to make a car that shape but its what they beleive the market wanted.
As Allborz says all of the first lot of X6s is sold out so there are at least 100 Aussies who like the design. How many of those [ugly] Maserati Sedans have they sold?
As for the Landcuiser/Lexus470 v Omega/Calais-V comparison.
There are more noticeable differences in terms of features/specifications not to mention performance between the $30K Omega and the $50K Calais-V than there are between the $100k Landcrusier and the $150k Lexus 470
[the diferences are greater between an Omega and a Clubbie]
Which is why I said with the Lexus you’re basically paying a premium for the badge.
BTW – I didn’t mean to pick on Toyota/Lexus its just that the LX-470 is the V8 X6s closest rival in terms of price. but in terms of looks and features [value for money] the X6 is the winner
I think what BMW could do next is lower it abit more and turn the X6 into a new aerodynamic 6 series sports sedan.
Then as they do with other Bimmers – let “M” at it.. which could compete against the Merc CLS and Panamera etc
Wheelnut, I think you mean to refer to the Lexus LX-570, which I would not see as being any sort of rival for the X6 as the Lexus is more of a go anywhere sort of car. I thought, but am probably wrong, that although they look similar, the Lexus and the Landcruiser have some different body panels along with completely different engines.
As for the X6, I still don’t get it. In my opinion it is not the best looking car and what is it with a sports car that weighs more than 2 tonnes?
Same as Porsche is the premium badge to VW and Audi Wheelnut.
^^^^^^^^^Sorta!
Given that approximately less than 5% of $50-100k 4×4s actually go off road – I don’t think that the % would increase with $100-150k 4×4s..
So even though the LX 570 is more of a go anywhere vehicle compared to the X6.. the likelhood of the Lexus getting its wheels or paint dirty is about the same.
^^^^^^Very true Wheelnut, very true indeed! :)
As for Porsche being a Premium brand to VW Audi etc
They all offer a range of different vehicles with unique features – I mean there is nothing from VW or Porsche that looks like an Audi R8 and there is nothing in the VW or Audi line up that looks like a 911 etc is there
Yes a Audi A3 for example is similar to a Golf and the Cayenne is built on the same platform as an Audi Q7 and the VW Touareg. However; they each have more unique distinguishing features etc to differentiate them from one another than the Landcruiser and Lexus does. such as looks
Then of course there’s Lamborghini which is also part of the Porsche Group
For wheel drive coupe.Cool.
Ah Wheelnut, when will you learn that no matter how many times you call the Quattroporte ugly, you will still never be right. As far as sale figures go, there are plenty in Europe and even more in America, Sydney and Melbourne are full of them too so they must be selling pretty well I think, probably because they are so good looking.
What do you mean the Mercedes Benz CLS didn’t have to look the way it did? It’s a four door coupe, of course it had to look like that! And what do you mean the better looking Maybach? Considering it’s no more luxurious than an E Class and looks nothing like a Maybach, that just doesn’t make sense.
As for lowering the X6 and making it a sports sedan, you are obviously yet to see one, the body is simply too chunky and tall to do that, besides, I believe BMW is putting out another car like that later this year (for some undeniably stupid reason).
I suppose the thing about the Prius is that they needed a more aerodynamic and slightly stand out shape so people would know you were being green, the main reason they sell so well, the smug factor.
Alex – in My opinion the Maserati is ugly; in the same way going by your comments you seem to think the X6 is ugly.. Would it make you feel better if I said that the look of the Maserati sedan was “Different”? just like the X6!
I know the CLS had to look the way it does because its a 4-door coupe [a relatiely new segment] just as the X6 had to look like a 4 door coupe cross over – cos that’s what it is; and has created another new sement.. That was my point
As for the X6 being too chunky to be a sports sedan – the M5 is just as big and bulky/heavy yet its called a sports sedan.. so to is a Bentley an AMG or even a Clubsport etc.
Thank you Wheelnut, I would appreciate you saying different about the Quattroporte.
You misunderstand me, by chunky, I meant in an SUV way. I mean, we both know that an SUV isn’t just a station wagon with more ground clearance, the body work from bottom of the doors to the top of the roof is taller too. This car is tall enough that it would never look right as a sedan. The 5 Series is noticeably shorter from roof line to the bottom of the doors, the X6 would just look more whale like if you lowered it to sedan level. Actually though, even though I do insult it, I like the look. I think it looks good side on and it’s not bad as far as taste goes in this colour, there’s something very honest about green. I think a black, silver, white or red one would be a bit tasteless though.
This car is causing a lot of argument. I have to say that I’m one of the lovers. I LOVE THE X6! And no, I haven’t yet driven one, so I’m looking forward to that. If only I could win the Lottery…
This car creates a new class that I’m sure we’ll see Mercedes and other big name car-makers follow shortly.
And I agree with those 20″ Y spoke alloy wheels. I don’t know what colour yet though!!! Haha!!!
Um, this car clearly has a lot to do with one’s opinion, so if you love it or hate it, just accept it.
Great, car, thanks for the great review!
Hey Alborz, you do realize that the Mercedes-Benz ML came out in 1998 and the X5 came out in 1999 don’t you? Not to mention that as Kirium wrote, wasn’t the Range Rover the first proper luxury 4WD? Considering it came out (with a luxurious look) about six years before that again and could actually go off road. Finally, I don’t think off roader is really a good way of describing the X5.
Thanks for pointing that out Alex. I clarified that section a little better. Cheers.
It’s a very polarising car, people either love it or hate it. But it’s definately a car that grows on you.
And BMW are developing a car at the moment, search BMW PAS and you’ll see a lot of spy pics and renderings, it does appear to be a 5 series and x6 crossed.
Zahmad…thats not big !
My girlfriend has just bought a 2006 Silverado 3500 LT3 4dr Crew Cab,optioned up with 22 inch wheels.6.6 litre diesl 6 speed auto and a towing capacity of 6000 kilos.This thing dwarfs her previous dual cab F250 !
You wont have to worry about her running over you at the lights though,shes lives in the country!
Wheelnut Says:
January 1st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
“As for the Landcuiser/Lexus470 v Omega/Calais-V comparison.
There are more noticeable differences in terms of features/specifications not to mention performance between the $30K Omega and the $50K Calais-V than there are between the $100k Landcrusier and the $150k Lexus 470
[the diferences are greater between an Omega and a Clubbie]
Which is why I said with the Lexus you’re basically paying a premium for the badge.”
What does the Calais V have over an Omega? Last I checked, it has leather, a low rent colour screen, cheap trim enhancements, an optional V8, and laughably poor transmission. $20K worth? I don’t think so. And you still get the lion badge which is like being branded “alumni of Mt Druitt High School”. Aren’t you guys at 100% American owned Holden embarassed that you can’t match decade old Germans and Japanese in the equipment or quality stakes?
Perhaps KL was wrong to compare a Calais and an Omega – how about a Calais and a Senator? Is there really $25K difference between them? Sorry, $15K difference between them now that HSV are discounting all over the country…
Wheelnut Says:
January 1st, 2009 at 10:49 pm
“Alex – in My opinion the Maserati is ugly”
Finally we agree on something!! However the GranTurismo is quite stunning…
*COUGH* SSANGYONG ACTYON *COUGH*
Well BM, tell your girlfriend from me that she has absolutely no taste what so ever. To own an F250 in the first place and to replace is with a Silverado? With 22″ wheels? Yuck!
I think Bob’s right, and that is the biggest problem with this car, although it is so much better looking and drives superbly, SsangYong had this shape first! Now, I wouldn’t confuse them at the lights and I wouldn’t even say that BMW are copying them, but they are using a shape SsangYong came out with ages ago!
The Realist is obviously a Toyota Loving Stooge.LOL
Toyota/Lexus are Kings of the con that is Merchandising.
Keep driving your Lexus and sniffing your own farts Realist.LOL.
Sam Says:
January 1st, 2009 at 1:29 pm
“I love cars with high drivng positions for a few reasons.
1. You can see over other cars for better road reading.
2. Ease of entry and exit of the vehicle. (My back is stuffed)
3. Its easier in drive thru’s
4. In a side impact, a car with a high driving position being hit by a regular car with a low front end means the centre of the force should be under you, not right next to you.”
^^^^^^5. It’s alot easier to hit children with it, without knowing they are there!!!!!!!!!!!
This thing is ugly…it wont catch on. It sells because of badge loyalists and people with too much money wanting to stand out. I seen it on the road and it honestly scared the crap out of me. Its nightmare material.
Mike, you may be right and it may not catch but maybe it’s not meant to. Maybe BMW don’t want the whole world to own one of their cars for once so they make something brilliant but a bit disagreeable. And I have to say once again that it really does drive fantastically. It was a bit of a silly idea but at least they passed it off and they passed it off very well indeed. I think a 6 Series would probably drive better but at the same time, because this car feels so wrong somehow when you’re driving it, it just ads to the car. Makes it a bit scary sometimes.
As for the badge remark, well yes most of these will sell because of the badge but at least BMW still make driving machines and haven’t just said that “well 90% of our customers don’t care anyway”. You pay extra for a 3 Series over a Mazda 6 because a 3 Series is much better than a Mazda 6. Basically, yes, you pay for a badge but for good reason.
Finally, what’s wrong with wanting to stand out?
Alex, agree 100% with all your points. MY comment was more directed to the article that hinted that this was the start of some kind of revolution that will catch on.
“The concept is brilliant and will likely catch on.” And lets not forget the first page creates so much hype that Karl Benz would wet his pants.
The reasons I listed were more my opinion of why this model may sell, but why others may not follow. (and yes Im not saying BMW want them to follow either).
regards
realcars Says:
January 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 pm
“The Realist is obviously a Toyota Loving Stooge.LOL
Toyota/Lexus are Kings of the con that is Merchandising.
Keep driving your Lexus and sniffing your own farts Realist.LOL.”
Ho ho ho, another comedian in the ranks with the intellect equal to a flea.
What do you drive? FYI I’d prefer to drive a V8 Lexus than a V8 Aussie car if you really want to know.
However I drive (among other cars) German. Ten cylinder German.
Mike Says:
January 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
“This thing is ugly…it wont catch on. It sells because of badge loyalists and people with too much money wanting to stand out. I seen it on the road and it honestly scared the crap out of me. Its nightmare material.”
What’s wrong with too much money if you’ve worked hard for it? Or are you another of those nine-to-fivers who won’t work harder or go the extra distance to get ahead?
Why do you think people buy orange and green SS commie utes? To blend into the background??
To the realist, Which 10 cylinder german? Just curious.
2005 BMW M5.
Hey, I’ve got one too! I have a pretty big car collection and I am very proud to say I have a 2007 M5 Touring and I love it. It really is a wonderful car, just a shame about the gearbox.
You need a taller photographer. It looks better from higher than a snails-eye view.