A recent trend in euro luxury car styling has been the advent of the low-slung, four-door executive coupe. What began with the Mercedes-Benz CLS has now spread to Volkswagen, and even Porsche. But it took BMW to take this theme to the next level. The new X6 is a 5-door crossover utility with the draw of a coupe. But being a BMW, there has to be a lot more to the X6 than just its slick shape.
BMW sees the 2009 X6 as a new vehicle type; one that combines the amenities of a luxury SUV with the sexier attributes of their sleekest handlers. It is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, and the X6 comes with credentials to back up the new name. Its 115.5-inch wheelbase chassis comes from the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. To that designers added a low-roof 5-door body shell drawn from the vaulted 6-Series.
Venomous Xenon Adaptive headlights with auto-leveling flank an upright BMW twin-kidney grille. The hunkered styling exudes power with its sculpted surfaces, sharp-edged character lines, and light-weight 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels, finishing with a fast back-glass, lip spoiler, and integrated dual exhaust.
Under its chiseled hood lives one of two twin-turbo power trains. Our test xDrive35i sported a 3.0-liter inline-six, yielding 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The xDrive50i fits a 4.4-liter V8, thrusting out 400 horses and 450 pound-feet of torque.
Power feeds a six-speed paddle-shift automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. xDrive has been upgraded with new Dynamic Performance Control. DPC includes a smart rear differential with two clutch packs to direct torque from side to side. In corners it puts extra torque to the outside wheel to quicken turn-in response. It even works when you’re not on the throttle.
The firm ride suspension can be augmented with the Sport Package’s electronic damping and active roll bars. The resulting balance and flat cornering goes far beyond other utilities, including the X5. While lacking feel, the optional Active Steering provided the right ratio through varying driving speeds. With tons of grip, even on wet surfaces, the X6 is indeed on par with a well-planted sports coupe.
In terms of outright speed, our xDrive35i tester flowed rapidly from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and capped off the quarter-mile in 14.7 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour. To reign in the X6 are oversized, 4-wheel vented disc brakes. Fade-free stops averaged a fine 127 feet from 60 to 0, and exhibited car-like stability with minimal nose dive.
The low slung X6 offers an upscale 4-passenger cabin blending luxury with BMW’s performance DNA. The dash, from gauges to controls, again mimics the X5. Seats are supportive with standard power and available heat. A smart seat extension feature offers additional thigh support.
Our tester’s Premium Sound Package brought an upgraded audio system with a 6-disc DVD changer, while the Technology Package includes navigation and a back-up camera that is truly needed.
Like with most coupes, rear headroom is limited, but it handles adults far better than the Mercedes CLS. The split rear seat cabin also has 4-zone climate control, a window shade, seat heat, and a DVD entertainment system.
For cargo, the X6 also proved more capable than expected with 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row. That swells to nearly 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Government Fuel Economy ratings for our X6 xDrive35i fit its performance image at 15 city/20 highway on premium. We managed 18.3 miles-per-gallon in mixed driving. The Energy Impact Score is a thirsty 20.1 barrels of oil consumed per year, while the Carbon Footprint measures in at 10.8 annual tons of CO2 emitted.
Pricing for the X6 xDrive35i begins at a lofty $53,325. That’s a $6,600 premium over the X5. The xDrive50i starts at $63,825, and from there the sky is almost the limit.
BMW shook up the luxury utility segment with the original X5 Sports Activity Vehicle that blended SUV with sport sedan like never before. Now, with the 2009 BMW X6, they’ve infused a utility with the styling of a true coupe. It is a niche vehicle type for sure, but also one with the kind of imagination that continues to set BMW apart from the rest.
Specifications
- Engine: Xdrive35i 3.0-Liter Inline-six
- Horsepower: 300
- Torque: 300 Lb Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 6.2 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 14.7 Seconds @ 95 MPH
- 60-0 MPH: 127 Feet
- EPA: 15 MPG City/ 20 MPG Highway
- Mixed Loop: 18.3 MPG
- Energy Impact: 20.1 Barrels Oil/Yr
- CO2 Emissions: 10.8 Tons/Yr
Long Term Updates
Mileage: 8,200Fitting in the eye-catching BMW X6 was a concern when we first drove this ultra-sporty people mover last spring. Yet, after two months in our long-term fleet, we’ve pretty much resolved that issue.
Just like a sports car or sport coupe, you have to watch your head! And, even the back seat makes up for any entry and exit difficulties with excellent comfort and luxury.
We do wish the hatch opened higher without having to fiddle with latches to extend it, and at 8,200 miles on the odo, fuel economy of 16.3 miles-per-gallon of premium is low.
Still, our X6 xDrive 35i is a very unique vehicle, and it is the price you pay for style, exclusivity, and the fact that no other crossover utility adheres closer to BMW’s world class performance.
Mileage: 11,200With so many crossover utilities entering the market, it’s hard to standout. That’s not a problem, however, for the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. Its fastback, hunkered-down styling always gets noticed.
Plus, after 4 months and 11,200 miles on the odometer, it’s proving to be a versatile all-weather crew and gear mover. Fuel economy is 16.2 miles-per-gallon of premium. While that does not sound very good, our X6 with its 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6 is doing 10-15% better than the V8 powered X5 we put through the mill in 2007.
In the X6, you cruise effortlessly in a genuine lap of luxury. That is, until the road turns, and then the X6 really shows its sporty DNA. The X6 may be a crossover utility, but it is still 100% BMW.
Mileage: 13,000No matter what the weather or road, the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe always turns heads. This steroidal fastback is truly one of a kind.
And, it does get around. After 5 months the odo has crossed 13,000 miles. We are, however, most thankful that gas prices are way down from last summer since test mileage is a paltry 16.1 on premium gas.
We’ve had no mechanical problems with our X6 and flawless operation of its 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6.
One novelty of the X6 is a rear hatch that opens to two levels. While seemingly great for low roof garages, we find it a nuisance, especially when it’s raining.
The X6 is a curious but fine effort, and it proves to us that whenever BMW discovers a new luxury niche, they will fill it.
Mileage: 16,000Without a doubt, the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle is one unique utility. This coupe-styled 5-door crossover manages to satisfy both our need of a multi-purpose family hauler, and our desire for a fun loving driving machine.
After 7 months, and the odometer nearing 16,000 miles, we continue to marvel at the prowess of it’s 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6. There is more than ample power, so much so, that we think the optional 4.4-liter V8 is not needed. That’s good since the xDrive 35i manages only 15.8 miles per gallon of premium.
There is compromise in the rear quarters. Kids love the snug, individual seats, and the DVD video system, but adults will just find it cramped.
We are having some electrical gremlins, from a sticky electronic parking brake, to a reluctant iDrive system. Still, while it’s hard to put the BMW X6 in any obvious niche, it appeals to both sides of our brain with ease.
Mileage: 18,000The BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle turns heads for at least as long as it takes to say its whole name.
This squatty, muscular, coupe-styled 5-door crossover is a looker, but one that also manages to be a true multi-purpose vehicle. Perfect for both big family hauling and big driving fun.
The odometer has passed 18,000 miles in only 9 months, so it’s certainly proving to be a staff favorite. The standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6 is a fine choice. There is never shortage of power. Fuel economy has also finally started to edge up, although a 16.1 miles per gallon of premium is hardly stellar.
We have driven the X6 hard and its 20-inch tires show it. The tread is quite worn. However, that’s not unusual for such aggressive performance tires.
Other past issues include minor electrical grimlins, and the tight rear seat.
Positives, besides being a great drive, include its luxury appointments, and kid-friendly dual screen DVD system.
The two position hatch, while a bit of a nuisance to operate, is a paint and dent saver when parked in low roof garages.
The BMW X6 is unique in style, ve
Mileage: 20,000Our 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle delivers the best combination of crossover flexibility, head-turning styling, and driving excitement, we’ve yet encountered.
It’s very popular with our crew, racking up almost 20,000 miles in 10 months. The standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo-6 serves our power needs well, although fuel economy has slid to 15.9 miles per gallon of premium.
Those miles have taken a toll on tire wear, and the electrical gremlins we noted earlier, including an intermittent electronic parking brake, have calmed down.
Still, no other utility vehicle gets our heart pumping up like the BMW X6.
Mileage: 21,000Leave it to BMW to invent another benchmark. Our 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe was the first of what is quickly becoming a flood of swoopy crossover utility vehicles.
But rivals have a very high level of performance and luxury to top.
The X6’s standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo-6 serves our power needs well. But with that comes fuel economy of a thirsty 15.9 miles per gallon of premium.
We do wish BMW could find performance tires that were as tireless as their vehicles. After 11 months and 21,000 miles our X6 is already in need of new rubber.
But that’s the price you pay for a versatile hauler that handles like a slot car. The BMW X6 is a trendsetter for sure, blazing a trail that few other utilities can follow.
Mileage: 21,000+The 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe started something. It was the first coupe-styled crossover utility vehicle. And already it has generated several rivals.
But, so far, none challenge the X6’s combination of luxury, performance, and all-weather/all-road capabilities.
A V8 is available, but we’re very satisfied with the standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo six. That’s good, since even it is thirsty; averaging 15.8 miles per gallon of premium after 12 months.
At the end of our long-term test, the two problems that we had are familiar to BMWs: Run-flat high performance tires that wore down quickly, and gremlins, like a sticky electric parking brake.
The novel, two-position rear hatch is great for low roof garages, once you get the hang of how it operates.
And, although adults will find the low roof rear cabin cramped, kids will love its snug sport seats and DVD system.
In sum, the BMW X6 is a high-strung yet versatile hauler. And it leaves a unique spot on our lot that will be hard to fill.
