Vehicle: 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i with Rear Climate Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Activity Pkg, Premium Pkg and Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$75900

Performance: Because of X6’s performance sport utility “coupe” status, BMW has to offer it 2 different twin-turbo engines to match its billing. But during the initial launch, BMW only introduces the straight-6 twin-turbo engine, while leaving the V8 version for late introduction. This is the same 3.0 liter twin-turbo DOHC I-6 24-valve as we used to love in both 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series. Even with X6’s curb weight of 2220kg, this wonderful motor still move it with grace and pace. With the impressive 300 horses and 300 lb/ft of torque, power has never been an issue with this motor. It moves the X6 beautifully without any drama. The smooth delivery of twin turbo performance also done it without the usual nasty drama once associated with two small turbos, it is completely free of turbo lag. The turbos just spool up whenever a driver drops the anchor. Although the throttle remains a bit over-sensitive when taking off, its input is constant and good to modulate. As expect from BMW’s awesome straight-6 engineering prowess, it never tends to run out of breath at high rev range. Matched with this motor is the familiar 6-speed Steptronic. The same with all the latest BMW gearshift design, its hard to call them as user-friendly. However, the smart use of gear ratios really help to move this motor a whole lot in X6’s case. Not to mention the shifts are smooth and coordinate, with the ratio high enough for highway cruising for maximum fuel economy.

Handling: BMW has always been known for its stiff and well sorted-out chassis, the same goes for the X6. Riding on the same strong and sound platform as the hugely succssful X5, its hard to fault its chassis dynamics. Unfortunately, X6’s steering lacks BMW hallmark precision and feedback. It feels lousy at low speed while darty at high speed. The steering weight isn’t as confidence-inspiring as one we expect from BMW. The ride is more than acceptable with its optional 20″ wheels that come standard on our optional sports package. The ride is firm but not exactly harsh, although its harsher than X6’s intended rival: Porsche Cayenne. Cayenne S and GTS’s ride quality is superb with its air suspension. X6’s ride is similar to those Cayenne without PASM. Given X6’s high center of gravity, its body rolls are very well-controlled. However, it can never reached Cayenne’s flat cornering ability through twisties. BMW’s DSC-3 remains an uninstrusive stability control. It works hand-in-hand with xDrive AWD system to provide maximum traction when needed. This system also provides RWD feel with the safety and security of AWD. Its good to allow some oversteer when pushed, even if its in such a tall vehicle like an X6. Both understeer and oversteer are easy to control.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, X6’s braking prowess certainly live up to its propeller emblem. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feel and modulation are excellent.

Interior: If you are craving an SUV with proper rear passenger and cargo spaces, X6 should be taking out of your shopping list. Both head and legrooms are at premium in the backseat. If you are 6 foot tall, good luck to your head when getting into this puppy.

Despite of BMW’s claim of 570 liters when rearseat unfolded to 1450 liters when those seats folded, the cargo space is dismal. With the high liftover and a sloppy C-pillars to cut into the rear cargo space, a 60/40 fold-down rear seats can’t solved this basic problem.

The rest of the interior layout is similar to those of the X5. The instrumentation gauges are typical BMW fanfare. Gear lever is the controversial and unfriendly design that have been a hallmark of most recent BMWs. The leather sports seats are well-foamed and very comfortable. Leather materials are of top-notch quality, which are supple and soft to the touch.

Conclusion: X6 is an answer which no one has questioned before. We don’t need a sport utility vehicle that looks like a coupe. Its coupe-like rear profile has compromised many of the utilities consumers are looking for in an SUV. BMW already got an SUV that performs and handles as well as any sports car on the market, and that’s called an X5. Despite of X6’s coupe billings, its driving dynamic doesn’t measure up to what we expect from a BMW. Suffice to say, its quite a disappointment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 BMW X6
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2.5/5