Heavy Curve Climber

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

It is a very special segment that BMW is opening up with the X6. It is not convincing from all, but from most angles.

By Martin Woldt The

fact that Americans can hardly see anything other than a commercial vehicle in a station wagon is a noticeable difference to Europeans despite the similar basic disposition. As a result, automakers sometimes venture out in search of an imaginary roofline that is applicable everywhere and that allows for elegance and sportiness as well as lush space. That can be bad. But it doesn't have to, as we find when looking at the new BMW X6.

A question of perspective

According to the company, the first Sports Activity Coupe tries to mix a powerful all-wheel drive vehicle, a sporty coupe and a spacious SUV. And it depends a little on the point of view which taste buds are tickling. We like the looks from the front over the double kidney grille and the narrow headlights rather than those over the rear of the somewhat bull-necked shoulders. But here you go, we are a free country, and America is well known anyway.

Emancipated from the X5

This is of course not where the X6 is built by chance and is probably where its greatest potential lies. It shares the production line with the Z4 and the X5, from which it is derived, but at the same time clearly differentiates itself. At 4.88 meters, it is three centimeters longer than the SUV, and at 1.98 meters, it is five centimeters wider. The four centimeters lower, much faster sloping roofline results in a trunk that is 50 liters smaller, but with 570 liters it still has enough storage space to lift itself properly on the high loading edge. In the rear there is space for two separate rear seats. They are not actually uncomfortable. It is better to place giants in the front row. Getting in is more uncomfortable. The edge of the seat and the roof come uncomfortably close.

But space is a well-kept but subordinate category in this vehicle concept. Even the five centimeter wider track at the rear indicates what actually applies: Powerful standing under as many driving conditions as possible. The standard all-wheel drive in itself ensures flexible power distribution between the front and rear axles and thus good road contact.

Variable drive torque

For the first time in the X6, BMW is now using what is known as Dynamic Performance Control, which can also adapt the drive torque between the two rear wheels to the respective driving situation. In tight bends, for example, it ensures that the thrust on the outside tire is more powerful and that the vehicle can better control the outward centrifugal forces. This works even if the driver is nervous about taking off the accelerator at this point. How the engine power is distributed to the wheels can be clearly seen in the display, provided that you have got used to the fact that you can do a lot more in the X6.

More than a flattened SUV

Weaknesses in the driving dynamics could not actually be said of the X5. However, thanks to the new technology and the lowered center of gravity of the vehicle, the X6 allows a deeper exploration of the driving physics. He steers himself more confidently, even on slippery surfaces, and makes it clear that he wants to be more than a sporty, flattened SUV. With all this, it always remains a good-natured car that does not demand any feats of steering or braking from its driver.

But you don't believe him straight away. Especially not when you hear the dark rumble of the V8 petrol engine in the X6 xDrive 50i. The 4.4 liter twin-turbo machine moves the 2.2 ton truck from zero to one hundred in 5.4 seconds. You have 300kW / 407 HP available for this. The maximum torque of a huge 600 Newton meters is already at 1750 tours. Regulated 250 km / h at the top are not really a challenge. It is obvious that no reasonable consumption can be achieved with this top-of-the-range unit. The toy is shown with 12.5 liters in the data sheet. Anyone who stays below 15 liters in practice can actually opt for a different engine. Which in Germany will probably do most of them with the 30d. Unless you wanted to wait a while for the hybrid version,which X6 will also be available in the foreseeable future.

Stressed postage

At 55,800 euros, the 30d is almost 20,000 euros cheaper than the 50i, which sets its premises at 73,800 euros. There is also a diesel with 210 kW / 286 PS, for which you have to shell out 61,800 euros, and the entry-level petrol engine, also a bi-turbo, with 225 kW / 306 PS, which demands 56,800 euros from the postage.