There are only two things you really need to know about BMW's new X6.
First, even the X6's considerable 2,220-kilogram heft cannot trump the might of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six. Sure, much has been written of the X6's new, twin-turbo 4.4L V8, but the base 3.0L -- a traditional BMW in-line six -- is very sweet.
The BMW X6 is the size of a Bronco but has the soul of a sports car. But like that sports car, don't be looking for copious quantities of cargo space.
Second, people will covet this new Sport Activity Coupe (SAC). Yet another niche-within-a-niche vehicle, there was some talk that consumers just wouldn't get the X6. In fact, just the opposite happened. I got as many "nice car" and "what's under the hood" comments as I would with anything short of an Audi R8. People admire and desire this vehicle, which is exactly what people who buy $63,900 SACs want.
There's also the engine. It's the same as the one that powers the new 335i and the newer 135i and it will probably migrate throughout the entire BMW lineup. It provides the power of a decent V8 with the economy of a six. BMW Canada claims 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres overall fuel economy.
I averaged 13.5 L/100 km, but then I have a heavy foot. Like all of BMW's in-line sixes, I just love to hear the twin turbos roar. Yes, the various iterations of BMW's V8s are wonderfully powerful and incredibly sophisticated, but they sound, well, vaguely North American, albeit with a lot less thrashing and a lot more purring. An in-line six, however, literally sings. It's a perfectly balanced engine and its exhaust note reflects just that harmonic balance. The 35s start off all sweet and smooth and then adopt just the right level of raspiness and serious intent as they pass 5,000 rpm.
As I said, much will be made of the new twin-turbo V8, but make sure you test drive the base version before plunking down the extra $14,200.
As for the X6's styling, you either like it or you don't. Most people I talk to come out in the affirmative.
Like most modern crossovers, it's essentially a jacked-up wagon with a twist. Where most rear rooflines make a slight dip at the rear in deference to aerodynamic needs, the X6's dives for the beltline. It looks as if someone grafted a Ferrari GTO's rear deck onto a sport-ute. As incongruous as it seems, it works -- as evidenced by the frequent twisting of heads that occurred while I was driving.
All that admiration extols a price, however. The smallest portion of that penalty will be in rear-seat headroom. People taller than 5-foot-10 will find headroom tight. For most, the rear cabin will be just fine with plenty of legroom and hiproom. Just don't expect any potential NBA stars to take an extended trip back there.
A more serious compromise is the rear cargo area. Most consumers buy sport-utes -- or at least pretend to buy them -- for their ability to haul people and their possessions. While the X6 has more capacity for cargo than the average sedan, there's less space back there than in the average SUV.
Even BMW's own 5 Series Touring wagon has more. As well, the liftover height is going to challenge anyone not an expert at the Olympic clean and jerk. If you're looking for a reason not to buy an X6, you've found it.
As for reasons to buy, they are augmented by traditional BMW values. It's almost redundant to say the X6 handles well, although it's incredible to have been able to make something so heavy and so high off the ground corner so well.
The interior is luxurious in BMW's typically spartan Teutonic style. The controls fall readily to hand. And the once-infuriating iDrive gets slightly more amenable with each iteration, although, at this pace, it may be 2028 before I actually recommend it.
I will, however, recommend the X6.
Want furtive, admiring glances from fellow SUV owners? Want turbine-like power from a selection of engines? Want sports car-like handling from something with roughly the shape of a Bronco? BMW has the answer. Just don't expect to take three kids to hockey practice.
Their gear won't fit in the trunk.
-- Canwest News Service
The Specs
Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive, mid-sized coupe
Engine: Turbocharged 3.0L DOHC in-line six
Power: 300 hp 5,800 rpm; 300 lb-ft of torque 1,400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manumatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P255/55R19
Price: base/as tested: $63,900/$72,100
Destination charge: $1,995
Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 14.4 city, 10 hwy.
Standard features: Power door locks, windows and mirrors, front and rear air conditioning with micron air filter, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 10 speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, iDrive, cruise control, power sunroof, information display, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather seats, 10-way power front seats, heated front seats, auto headlights, dual front and side air bags, Advanced Head Protection System, Automatic Differential Brake, Automatic Stability Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control
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