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Driving Impressions

All BMW X6 models come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive, which varies the power between the front and rear axles electronically. The X6 marks the debut of Dynamic Performance Control. DPC uses two planetary gear sets and two clutch packs in the rear differential to multiply torque to individual rear wheels. Sending more power to an outside wheel helps steer the vehicle through turns. We couldn't feel system working, even when we drove the X6 on a racetrack, but we can say the X6 handled impressively.

That statement is made with a caveat. While the X6 handles well, it doesn't feel like a sports car, due mostly to the high center of gravity. There's just no getting around mass, and the X6 weighs around 5,000 pounds. A 5 Series sedan, by comparison, weighs less than 4,000 pounds.

While we've driven V8 and six-cylinder models, all of them have been outfitted with the Sport Package with Adaptive Drive/Active Roll Stabilization, and 20-inch wheels with run-flat tires. We found that both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i had stiff suspension settings that combined with Active Roll Stabilization to help them corner flatter than any SUV. However, even with the Sport Package, the X6 has more body lean and tire squeal than you'd get in a BMW 3 Series. So don't expect the X6 to match the handling of a sports sedan.

We found the stiff suspension settings and short sidewalls on the X6s we drove can take their toll on rough roads. Even with the Electronic Damping Control in the Comfort setting, the X6 reacted harshly to sharp bumps and the ride was generally stiffer than many drivers would prefer for everyday use. We're guessing the standard 19-inch wheels and tires will help provide a softer ride, but they're still run-flat tires with short, stiff sidewalls, so we recommend you test drive the X6 before you buy to make sure you can live with the ride.

A 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine comes in the X6 xDrive50i. It makes 400 horsepower from 5500 to 6400 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque from 1750-4500 rpm. BMW says the V8 is capable of powering the X6 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It certainly feels that quick. The 4.4-liter turbo doesn't have the immediate grunt from a stop of a larger V8, but after initial throttle application it makes power quickly and keeps it coming. Passing is a breeze, and the 4.4-liter V8 provides more power than you'll need for most purposes. Properly equipped, the xDrive50i can tow an impressive 7700 pounds.

The six-cylinder engine in the X6 xdrive35i isn't too shabby, either. It's BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, which produces 300 horsepower from 5800 to 6250 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque from 1400-5000 rpm. According to BMW, this engine makes the X6 capable of a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time, which is quite quick for a vehicle of this size. The six-cylinder returns decent EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg City and 20 mpg Highway. With the towing package, the xDrive35i can tow a substantial 5940 pounds. Given the $10,750 cost difference, we'd recommend the 3.0-liter six, as it makes as much power as we need and provides better mileage.

Both engines work through a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can shift manually via a pair of standard aluminum steering wheel shift paddles or through the gearshift. Tapping the paddles up or down shifts gears automatically; there is no need to put the gearshift in a sport mode. That gearshift, however, is a bit odd. Instead of the familiar gated PRNDL, it remains stationary and the driver hits a button and bumps it forward for Reverse or backward for Drive. Another button puts it in Park. It takes some time to get used to, but it takes up less space, which BMW uses for cupholders and small items storage.

Optional Active Steering varies the steering ratio based on speed. Active Steering makes the X6 easy to maneuver in tight quarters and keeps it stable at speed. We like it.

We liked the X6 brakes. A racetrack is the best test of brakes, and we heated them up pretty good in several laps. They remained strong, with no fade or pulsing evident. In hard stops on the track and the road, the X6 remained composed and stable, even coming down from more than 100 mph.

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