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Vehicle Tests > Driven - BMW X6 35d
Driven - BMW X6 35d
Issue: February 2009
Words by Matt Raudonikis Photos by Mark Bean
You might question the reason for BMW's X6, but there's no denying it's a great drive.
BMW's segment defying X6 has earned itself plenty of knockers since it was first shown in 2007. What's the use of a four-door coupe SUV, they ask. Why would anyone want an X6 when they could have an X5 with the same drive train and more space? Does the world really need another luxury soft roader? BMW thinks it does and the X6, the third of the company's xDrive models, won't be its last.
The X6 is more than just an X5 with the back lopped off. In fact there are no panels shared between the siblings and the X6 rides on a wider wheel track thanks to its fatter wheels and tyres. Where the X5 is more for well-heeled mums to haul the kiddies around, the X6 is a 2+2 sports coupe that happens to be built like an SUV and has all wheel drive so who knows who it's for. It's a vehicle that puts the sports in to SUV.
X6's performance portfolio starts with a trio of twin-turbocharged engines. The pair of twin-turbo 3.0 litre straight sixes (petrol and diesel) are already familiar from other BMW models but the range topper is a new twin-turbo petrol V8 that promises 300kW and 600Nm. We've got the diesel six on test here and it's the mid price point in the three models at $120,530. Under BMW's new nomenclature it's known as the BMW X6 xDrive35d.
While some would question the use of a diesel power plant in a high performance SUV, BMW's twin-turbo 3.0 litre is no slouch. Producing 210kw at 4400rpm and 580Nm between 1750 and 2250rpm it's enough to rocket the 2110kg coupe from zero to 100km/h in a tad under seven seconds. The seamless acceleration of the engine comes from its turbochargers that are different in size and work sequentially. The smaller of the two spools up fast providing the boost for bottom end grunt, and as the engine revs rise the larger turbo spins up to deliver strong top end punch.
The high-tech engine is extremely efficient with BMW claiming a combined fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km while out on test numbers were 12.3L/100km.
The engine is backed by a six-speed ZF auto transmission and all paw drive comes via xDrive. The xDrive system uses a computer controlled clutch pack to distribute drive between the front and rear axles as required and we've found in the past with X3s and X5s that it works very well on the sand. So with that in mind and concerns about taking the X6 with its low profile tyres anywhere else off road, we hit the beach with it.
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The run flat tyres are far from ideal for beach work as they don't expand their contact patch when deflated but the sand was wet so we ventured out regardless. While the X6 was fine on the firm sand we did get stuck in what seemed like a firm flat patch where you would never have expected to get bogged. We then had to fit the screw-in front recovery hook and be towed out. Belly clearance is limited but approach and departure angles didn't present an issue for this drive.
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.
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.
Words by Matt Raudonikis Photos by Mark Bean
You might question the reason for BMW's X6, but there's no denying it's a great drive.
BMW's segment defying X6 has earned itself plenty of knockers since it was first shown in 2007. What's the use of a four-door coupe SUV, they ask. Why would anyone want an X6 when they could have an X5 with the same drive train and more space? Does the world really need another luxury soft roader? BMW thinks it does and the X6, the third of the company's xDrive models, won't be its last.
The X6 is more than just an X5 with the back lopped off. In fact there are no panels shared between the siblings and the X6 rides on a wider wheel track thanks to its fatter wheels and tyres. Where the X5 is more for well-heeled mums to haul the kiddies around, the X6 is a 2+2 sports coupe that happens to be built like an SUV and has all wheel drive so who knows who it's for. It's a vehicle that puts the sports in to SUV.
X6's performance portfolio starts with a trio of twin-turbocharged engines. The pair of twin-turbo 3.0 litre straight sixes (petrol and diesel) are already familiar from other BMW models but the range topper is a new twin-turbo petrol V8 that promises 300kW and 600Nm. We've got the diesel six on test here and it's the mid price point in the three models at $120,530. Under BMW's new nomenclature it's known as the BMW X6 xDrive35d.
While some would question the use of a diesel power plant in a high performance SUV, BMW's twin-turbo 3.0 litre is no slouch. Producing 210kw at 4400rpm and 580Nm between 1750 and 2250rpm it's enough to rocket the 2110kg coupe from zero to 100km/h in a tad under seven seconds. The seamless acceleration of the engine comes from its turbochargers that are different in size and work sequentially. The smaller of the two spools up fast providing the boost for bottom end grunt, and as the engine revs rise the larger turbo spins up to deliver strong top end punch.
The high-tech engine is extremely efficient with BMW claiming a combined fuel consumption of 9.0L/100km while out on test numbers were 12.3L/100km.
The engine is backed by a six-speed ZF auto transmission and all paw drive comes via xDrive. The xDrive system uses a computer controlled clutch pack to distribute drive between the front and rear axles as required and we've found in the past with X3s and X5s that it works very well on the sand. So with that in mind and concerns about taking the X6 with its low profile tyres anywhere else off road, we hit the beach with it.
read on below advertisement
The run flat tyres are far from ideal for beach work as they don't expand their contact patch when deflated but the sand was wet so we ventured out regardless. While the X6 was fine on the firm sand we did get stuck in what seemed like a firm flat patch where you would never have expected to get bogged. We then had to fit the screw-in front recovery hook and be towed out. Belly clearance is limited but approach and departure angles didn't present an issue for this drive.
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.
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.