As automotive writer and analyst here at WheelsTV, I get my hands on some pretty nice cars, if only for a day. When we go to shoot a car for a quick vehicle profile or video test drive, I am usually the driver. This accomplishes two things. 1) We have a driver for the video who essentially a prop, or the automotive equivalent to a hand model, and 2) I get to experience the car and take that into account when I am writing my profile. I decided it was time for me to get down and dirty and give a thorough account of everything, good and bad, that a particular vehicle brings to the table.
This week, I had the distinct pleasure of driving the all-new 2008 BMW X6 in Xdrive 35i trim. BMW is pushing its all new all wheel drive system with the naming nomenclature of this car, but we’ll get to that later. For now, let’s talk first impressions.
STYLING: The X6 is being dubbed as the “coupe, reborn,” and at first glance, I don’t really see it. It’s like someone telling a joke, and then asking them to go back and explain it. Don’t get me wrong, its insanely aggressive and oozing with testosterone. With bulging fender flares and 20-inch 5-into-10 spoke wheels, it gives the appearance of being utterly, completely firmly planted- like a tank.
The front end may bear some resemblance to the current X5 SUV, but with an even more aggressive look. As you move along the body, however, things depart quickly from the X5, as the roofline departs elegantly from the sky. The sloping roof has a fastback appearance and meets at the rear deck lid.
It is after appreciating this design element, that I realize what the whole Sport Activity Coupe moniker is all about. Like getting that joke someone told you 15 minutes prior, and having a chuckle about it to yourself.
POWER TRAIN: When driving this thing, I never yearned for more power out of the 3-liter twin turbo inline-6. It produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Having said that, I didn’t pull any boats uphill or drive through any rivers, so my actual testing of the vehicle has some holes in it.
However, for those who just simply can’t buy 4-wheel drive vehicle without V8 power, BMW is offering the Xdrive 50i model. It will be powered by BMW’s all-new 4.4 liter twin turbo V8. Interestingly enough, the turbo’s are nestled in the crevasse created by the V of the engine, resulting in a compact layout. The blown V8 is rated at 407 horsepower and 442 pound feet of torque.
There is all wheel drive and then there is all wheel drive. The new X6 is equipped with the latter. The new Xdrive system, which BMW has shamelessly plugged at the expense of its own vehicle naming process, could very well be worthy of such a naming stretch. Much like the Super Handling AWD system on the Acura RDX, Xdrive actively sends power from front to back, as well as left to right wheels, depending on road conditions. The rear differential has electronically controlled clutches on either side of it, so that when cornering, it will overpower the outside wheels. If you are paying close attention, you can actually feel this power transfer when making a quick 3-point turn or a tight corner at speed.
Power is sent through a 6-speed sport automatic transmission that had two manual modes. For a car that doesn’t actually have a clutch pedal, that’s one too many. The
paddle shifters were a little unintuitive. Just like “wax on, wax off,” paddle shifters should be one up, one down. These were both up and down, tapping with your fingers to go up, and pushing with your thumbs to go down. Just didn’t sit right.
INTERIOR: Any current BMW I look at has some of the best interiors around. It was luxurious, yet precise- like a really expensive fountain pen. While the seats were a little flat for my liking, I could never see myself making such a tight corner that it would necessitate buckets. The quality was that of the best office chair you’ve ever sat in Staples (that’s not a knock, their chairs are legit).
The iDrive that BMW loves to tout is a pain to navigate through- I miss audio displays that are separate from all the Nav stuff. The actual center console shifter is unorthodox, but very cool. You push up or down ‘til you’re in the preferred drive mode and click a little button on the side, like you’ve just launched a pair of sidewinder missiles at a target.
Note to BMW: I like backup cameras, there great, but for the love of everything holy, when I take the car out of reverse, the damn camera should go away, and not stay there for another 30 seconds!!!
Rear headroom for my 6’3” frame was inexistent. I could not sit in the back seat of this car for a road trip. Good thing too, because the only way to fit enough stuff in the X6 is to fold down the rear seats. The fastback roof completely takes away any utility that the rear of a vehicles with this kind of footprint should offer. Its enough room for a golf bag (maybe) and groceries, but campers with a family need not apply.
MY TAKE: Ever seen the Family Guy where Peter feels his manhood is less than adequate and buys a really expensive sports car? That’s this car. If the X5 is for rich soccer moms, than the X6 is for the rich husband going through a midlife crisis. This car exudes testosterone. Its like if Eric Bana, Vitor Belfort (for you UFC fans) and RoboCop morphed into one person, this is the car he (it?) would drive. Starting at $52,500 and with so-so rear headroom and cargo space, this car is entirely impractical. In light of all of this, some part of you (that might as well reside below the belt) really, really wants to own one.
PS- For those who really want a Sport Activity Coupe, check out the Mega Track
PPS- Had to borrow pics from Autoblog.com, our videos on the X6 are not up and ready, yet.
Tags: Crossover Sport Activity Vehicle Bwm X 6
