Test drive: 2009 BMW X6
Wednesday January 7, 2009
About a year ago, we took a vote on whether the BMW X6 was a car or an SUV, and you said it was a car, albeit by a rather thin margin. Well, SUVs Guide Jason Fogelson and I decided to ignore you and cover the X6 on the SUVs site -- primarily because it's huge and gets lousy gas mileage -- but Jason assigned the review to me. And you know what? I liked it. In fact, I'm a little uncomfortable admitting just how much I liked it. Check out my 2009 BMW X6 test drive and review for the low-down. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Comments
I think I was mostly impressed by the amount of cargo capacity in the X6. The styling makes it seem as though it would have sporty interior proportions, but that’s not the case. Plenty of headroom in the rear, too.
As for competition, what about the Range Rover Sport, or the Grand Cherokee SRT-8? Both seem like viable options, prices being on just opposite sides of the X6. And they’re all somewhat impractical as SUVs.
2 words…
Ug. Ly. Can you say AMC Eagle?
http://www.supafly.com/images/journal/bmw_X6_amc_Eagle.jpg
I just can’t get into this thing…
It wants to be a sports car and doesn’t quite get it right…
It wants to be an SUV and doesn’t quite get it right either…
They should just slap an Isuzu badge on it and call it the Vehicross6.
I’ve been a BMW owner. Can’t quite buy in to this X6. For the money, I rather get the M3.
I liked it when you previewed it before…but it strikes me as out of touch with today’s realities…maybe a hybrid, but as is, it’s a bit socially unacceptable…not like the H2, but kinda like those SUV’s that kinda seem to be disappearing here in La Jolla, where the bimmers roam!
Having a BMW I must say I consider this thing a distant couz.. at best. As you said not very useful and lousy on gas. Worse than a Tahoe at 2x the price.
When do we get a review of the NEW Z4 hard top coupe/vert??? 35 twin turbo, please.
What a surprise…snobby BMW “traditionalists” getting amped up over a new design. This always happens with a new release. Remember the backlash over the Z4? How about the harsh criticism of the 2002 7-series? Oh, and lets not forget how many people had to pulled of a ledge after the release of the X5 in 2000…a BMW SUV? Blasphemy! Yet now the X5 seems so coveted by these ‘loyalists’. Please.
We all know you’re the worst drivers in the world, and as of late you’ve become the worst auto critics. But just keep on complaining, because I know in a few years you’ll be defending the X6 to the teeth, when Mercedes comes out with some kind of CLS-type SUV to compete with it.
Its a great design, with great potential, and is extremely dynamic, without having to say “for an SUV…” Let’s stop bashing BMWs just because they’re new.
Grover - No question BMW has been a bit edgy on their designs. However, more often than not, their designs have been polarizing. Not clear to me why you have chosen to stereotype; nevertheless, I would still purchase an M3 before I consider this X6. Also, if you look at the new 7 series and the up and coming z4, the bangle lines/butt are almost gone. Definitely, BMW has been listening to many, including long term BMW owners.
PS - If we BMW would address the ugly butt in the 6 series…
That is a seriously homely snout.
Americans don’t get it… get this:
- German price for this toy is 2 TIMES USA price.
- Gas 3 TIMES more expensive
- no speed limit on autobahn - you go 250km/h (150mph) all day long and all these MB, Porsche, etc. can watch your big over-paid gas guzzling ass.
That’s the concept. In the US this car makes no sense. Its agility, speed, steering precision, workmanship, status - will find no appreciation. Not a bad thing neccessarily. Just get yourself Escalade. Would hate to own Escalade in EU. But here - makes perfect sense.