The BMW X6 is one of the best handling and most accomplished four-wheel drive vehicles around. It boasts ground-breaking automotive technology that lifts it way above the norm. The X6 competes with the likes of the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne, but realistically there is no other car like it, due to the aggressive styling BMW has employed in creating its sleek lines and menacing front.
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Latest BMW X6 Car Reviews:
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BMW X6 Overview
From the front it has the same intimidating presence as the latest X5 but in profile the X6 is one for those with discerning tastes. It is a true coupe that will seat four in comfort and is aimed at creating a new niche market. While the BMW X6 is four-wheel drive and comes complete with off-road aids such as hill descent control its lower slung profile means its real domain is the open road. Despite the sheer size and weight of the car, there is little body roll thanks to the superb suspension, which not only offers excellent handling but, amazingly, provides an exceptionally comfortable ride, cushioning the huge car over even the bumpiest of roads.
The BMW X6 is wider than the X5 it is based on, so there is plenty of room in the back. With just four seats as standard, although there is the option of five, there’s plenty of leg and elbow room for rear passengers, but the sloping roof does restrict headroom a little. The boot is wide and long, but once again the swooping roofline means that it is quite shallow.
With the exception of some padding around the centre console, the X6’s dash layout is a carbon copy of the X5, which is no bad thing. It takes a bit of time before you know where everything is, but all the controls are user-friendly. It’s easy to establish a commanding driving position but rear visibility is restricted so the addition of rear parking sensors on all models is a bonus.
Background
The X6 was released in 2008, and BMW hoped it would capture a niche in the market, as a luxury crossover 4x4 and coupe. First seen as a concept car in 2007 at the Frankfurt motor show the X6 model its first official appearance at a number of motor shows in North America in early 2008.
It is built at the same factory in South Carolina as the X5, with whom it shares a platform. Although it was originally released with only 2 seats in the rear, since 2011 there has been option to add an addition third seat in the back to make it more practical for families. There has been an ActiveHybrid version developed, however this will not be sold in the UK.
Summary
The X6 performs brilliantly on the road for a 4x4, although its off-road performance isn’t the strongest. It mixes powerful acceleration and agility that wouldn’t be expected from such a large vehicle well. It is however both expensive to buy and run.
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