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Weekend roadtest : BMW X6 XDrive 3.0d
publication date: Jun 12, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
BMW is renown for creating milestone
models, some of which turned out to be mere markers, while others became
pointers to still greater things.
So the arrival of the BMW
X6 in 2008 was greeted with interest and some disbelief.
After all,
the company has built its modern reputation on sporting models but the
X6 resembles a combination of hatchback, coupe and even 4x4.
Some
said it would never succeed, others acclaimed it as one of the purest
cross-over models, taking elements from more than two sectors and
delivering a unique package. Well, it has endured and thrived and it is
one of the company’s most significant models of the “noughties”.
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Whether it will stand the test of time we will not know
for some time, but judged here and now it is different, it fulfils a
number of rolls and, probably most significantly, it is a good drive. A
sporting drive which lives up to the perception of the brand.
The BMW
X6 range is comparatively small but this niche sector is not big anyway
and the 3.0d tested is the most popular. In total since launch in the
UK 3,968 X6s have been sold.
With one of the most well developed and
refined engines under the tall front end the X6 3.0d delivers plenty of
willing and strong power over a wide power band and matched to the
eight-speed automatic gearbox it provides seamless changes and
uninterrupted acceleration. Nail it and the car’s character becomes more
aggressive but the changes merely sharpen up without losing their
silkiness.
The steering can feel a little lifeless at times but that
too seems to take on a new life when you press on. The turning circle is
good in town without being twitchy at speed and the system flows
through sweeping bends in a reassuringly positive manner.
Stand on
the brakes or apply more gently and they work with immense power and you
do not have to press hard to affect rapid deceleration. The parking
brake also securely holds it on a steep slope.
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| The X6’s secondary
controls are mostly grouped around the column and conveniently laid out
while instruments are big and clear infront of the driver. The console
mounted multi-switch can be confusing until you really get use to it and
then it works very well.
Heating
and ventilation works well to fill the big cabin with air temperature
maintained at desired levels, volume and distribution and you have
standard powered windows and the option of a £900 sunroof. |
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Oddments
room is fairly good throughout the cabin with door bins, console
compartments and door pockets while the loadbed rises from a nominal 570
litres to 1,450 litres (see left).
It is easy to load as well and for driver
and passengers access is good once you realise you have to step up into
it rather than slip down into the seats.
The leather seats are well
shaped and very supporting with good adjustment in the front pair.
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The
two rear seat passengers might find headroom restricted due to the
sloping roofline but infront it was good and legroom was very reasonable
all round.
Ride quality was distinctly firm but never really hard or
bumpy, except over the worst potholes and off-road tracks.
I was
always aware of the size of the X6 and it never felt as agile as some
saloons with a similar footprint on the road but compared with SUVs it
was more responsive.
Acceleration and cruising showed the BMW X6 3.0d
to be very good, combining good get-up-and-go thanks to that gearbox
and a long legged and economical performance on major roads.
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its high riding height the shape of the roofline and high tail has
created severe blindspots, particularly to the rear when reversing (see right) and
the standard parking sensors are essential to detect items or people out
of sight to the driver. Lights and wipers work really well in poor
conditions but the small back window is not a good feature of the
visibility. Certainly, it is not a car for shorter drivers.
In a
market where few cars stand out as individuals and still less fulfill
more than one role, the BMW X6 succeeds and is a fingerpost to the
future of design. |  |
| FAST FACTS BMW X6 XDrive 3.0d | | Price: £45,280 | | Mechanical: 6cyl 245bhp 2993cc, eight-speed | | Insurance group: 18 | | Max speed: 138mph | | 0-62mph: 7.5sec | | Combined mpg: 34mpg | | CO2 emissions: 195gkm | | BIK rating: 34pc | | Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage |
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