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Vehicle Tests > Driven - BMW X6 35d
Driven - BMW X6 35d
Where the X6 really shines is on tight, twisting mountain roads be they sealed or not. Dynamically, there's no other SUV that can touch the X6 on these roads. This is thanks to the DPC or Dynamic Performance Control. DPC is a rear differential that can vary the drive to each wheel to give optimum performance and safety. Whereas traditional stability control systems brake a wheel to control over or understeer, thus slowing the vehicle, DPC instead sends drive to the other wheel to have the same effect. Think of it like a rowboat where you apply more power to the outside oar to turn the boat in the opposing direction. Although the X6's handling is more F1 powerboat than paddle boat.
On the concrete highway or broken sealed surface, the low profile tyres and firm suspension do transmit noise through to the cabin but that's the price you pay for superior dynamics. Thankfully the stereo is good, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and the controls are easy to operate. The black trim and roof lining in this vehicle did make the cabin feel small and in the rear seat, headroom is limited for anyone taller than 170cm.
Even though the cabin feels small, it doesn't hide the fact that the X6 is still a large car and visibility out of it is tricky when parking. You tend to rely on the front and rear sensors to find the extremities. It also feels heavy which gives the feeling of well built quality but also makes you realise why all that high-tech wizardry is needed to make it handle as well as it does.
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The X6 is still an odd vehicle whichever way you look at it. It doesn't fit the family role so many other soft roaders do. It's barely an all roader let alone an off roader. And it's too heavy to be a sports car or even a sports sedan. So there are plenty of other vehicles that could fill any of those roles much better.
The X6 is perfect for two-up touring on back roads or those with limited grip making it an ideal vehicle for travel to ski resorts. It also has the look and badge cred' to appeal to that set as well. And perhaps therein lies the X6's place in the market.
On the concrete highway or broken sealed surface, the low profile tyres and firm suspension do transmit noise through to the cabin but that's the price you pay for superior dynamics. Thankfully the stereo is good, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and the controls are easy to operate. The black trim and roof lining in this vehicle did make the cabin feel small and in the rear seat, headroom is limited for anyone taller than 170cm.
Even though the cabin feels small, it doesn't hide the fact that the X6 is still a large car and visibility out of it is tricky when parking. You tend to rely on the front and rear sensors to find the extremities. It also feels heavy which gives the feeling of well built quality but also makes you realise why all that high-tech wizardry is needed to make it handle as well as it does.
read on below advertisement
The X6 is still an odd vehicle whichever way you look at it. It doesn't fit the family role so many other soft roaders do. It's barely an all roader let alone an off roader. And it's too heavy to be a sports car or even a sports sedan. So there are plenty of other vehicles that could fill any of those roles much better.
The X6 is perfect for two-up touring on back roads or those with limited grip making it an ideal vehicle for travel to ski resorts. It also has the look and badge cred' to appeal to that set as well. And perhaps therein lies the X6's place in the market.
