BMW calls its new X6 the "world's first Sports Activity Coupe," although it has four doors and coupes are a "two-door automobile," as one dictionary puts it.
BMW says toss the dictionary because the X6 "defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look." It says the X6 combines coupe agility and SUV versatility to take the coupe "to a higher level" with the X6's four doors, hatchback styling and four sculpted seats, along with a higher ride and roomy cargo area.
Some would argue that this newest BMW model actually is a luxury crossover, with a blend of auto and SUV features. In fact, BMW says the X6 has the "powerful presence" of a BMW mid-size X5 SUV model."
The X6 is much larger than coupes. It's about the size of BMW's midsize X5 SUV, with the same 115.5-inch wheelbase and length, but is lower and wider. Its rakish, muscular styling makes it look much like a coupe. However, the fastback roofline puts the back window at such an extreme angle that a driver will rely a lot on the large sideview mirrors to see what's happening behind him.
The X6 makes it easy to stay ahead of the crowd and glance back at it because it comes with two twin-turbocharged engines, either a 3-liter inline six-cylinder with 300 horsepower or a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 generating 400 horsepower.
The new, compact V-8 has precise direct fuel injection and makes its debut in the X6. It's compact because it is the world's first eight-cylinder gasoline engine to feature its turbochargers in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. BMW says it's also the first V-8 to use two turbochargers.
Both engines shoot power through a slick six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature. But the rather odd electronic gear selector lever takes time to learn to use. Why not just a simple selector to get into "drive," "reverse," "neutral" and "park?"
The six-cylinder xDrive35i, which I tested, lists at $52,500 and the xDrive 50i V-8 version goes for $63,000. While the X6 isn't cheap, it faces off against such pricey vehicles as the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Audi Q7 and Infiniti FX45.
There is a large number of options, from a $1,200 rear-view camera and $1,900 navigation system to a $3,600 Sport Package and $900 Cold Weather Package. A rear-seat entertainment system is $1,700, and there's a $2,000 premium sound package.
The X6 looks muscular -- and heavy. Indeed, weights range from 4,894 to 5,269 pounds. Thus estimated fuel economy of the six-cylinder model is 15 mpg in the city and 20 on highways, although a driver could probably top 20 mpg on highways at a steady 65 mph with the aerodynamic X6. Figures are 13 and 18 for the V-8 model.
The X6 has a range of about 425-450 miles, but those looking for better fuel economy might want to wait for the hybrid version of the X6, which arrives next year.
The X6 has BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive and the automaker's first Dynamic Performance Control system, which ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the rear wheels. The system can help steer the X6 by directing torque to either of those wheels. The technology is said to be effective when a driver is accelerating or decelerating and "significantly enhances steering precision" and agility of the X6 at any speed. It's also said to provide more stabile traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
The X6 is the picture of stability partly because all of its "keep-you-on-the-road" features include an Integrated Chassis Management system that interacts with the drivetrain and suspension systems. It also has nearly 50/50 weight distribution. BMWs actually handled adroitly long before all the advanced stability features became available.
I found my test X6's steering to be quick but rather heavy. A $1,400 Active Steering feature is available that makes it easier to park. My test X6 had the lower-horsepower engine but was fast off the line and during merging and passing on highways. The ride was supple and handling was quite good. Powerful brakes are controlled by a pedal with a linear action.
Outside door handles are large, but it takes a little extra effort to get in and out. The $300 running boards thus might be a good option for some folks. Occupants sit high, and there's decent room up front in supportive bucket seats. Rear seats in the roomy backseat area are comfortable and can be had with an optional heated feature. However, rather narrow rear doorways can inhibit entry and exit.
The interior is luxurious in the typically subdued manner of some German automakers. Covers for the large front and rear cupholders help maintain a tidy cockpit appearance, and all doors have storage pockets.
The cargo area has a high load floor but is spacious. And rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to enlarge it. No spare tire gets in the way because the X6 has standard run-flat tires.
My test X6 had the convenient $500 automatic tailgate opening and closing feature, which goes a step farther by letting a driver vary the final position of the tailgate when open -- thus helping reduce the risk of damage in, for example, an underground garage with a low ceiling.
The X6 should be a hit among BMW buyers who want something markedly different.
2008 BMW X6 Prices: $53,275-$63,775
Likes: Unique new design. Fast. Roomy. Good handling. Supple ride. All-wheel drive.
Dislikes: Narrow rear door openings. High load floor. Odd transmission gear selector. Limited back window vision.