Like how the Cayenne received disapproval from Porsche fans when it was first launched, the BMW X6 didn't have it easy when it first arrived in Singapore seven years ago in April 2008.
But, fascinatingly, it seems that the Bimmer has been accepted for what it is over the years, even if it does possess the love-it-or-hate-it style statement.
Exterior
You couldn't possibly imagine that the Bavarian marque could succeed in making the X6 any more brash that it already was when it arrived here. But it seems the latest evolution of BMW’s tank completes that seemingly impossible task at hand with its new design language.
But, fascinatingly, it seems that the Bimmer has been accepted for what it is over the years, even if it does possess the love-it-or-hate-it style statement.
Exterior
You couldn't possibly imagine that the Bavarian marque could succeed in making the X6 any more brash that it already was when it arrived here. But it seems the latest evolution of BMW’s tank completes that seemingly impossible task at hand with its new design language.
Despite changes on its sheet metal, such as sleeker headlamps meeting the chrome twin-kidney grille, bolder lines on its sides and a short stubby tail that adds a little more attitude to it, the car is instantly recognisable as an extroverted X6.
Sitting 4,909mm long, 1,989mm wide and 1,702mm tall, this fastback SUV is longer and wider than the big and bold X5. Always with an eye towards function, it does, however, sit lower than its brethren, thanks to its coupe-like roofline that helps with both aerodynamics and aesthetics.
Sitting 4,909mm long, 1,989mm wide and 1,702mm tall, this fastback SUV is longer and wider than the big and bold X5. Always with an eye towards function, it does, however, sit lower than its brethren, thanks to its coupe-like roofline that helps with both aerodynamics and aesthetics.
Interior
As in the X5, there is a spell of fine materials spread across the X6’s cabin, with excellent fit and exceptional finish. The design, as such, is conventional, with an elegantly contoured dashboard, a driver-centric steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and the iDrive system, which takes centre stage.
While it's generally tasteful, we didn’t quite like the two-tone upholstery that came with the test car.
With a wheelbase of 2,933mm (which is similar to the X5), the X6 will easily swallow three full-sized adults with legroom to spare. The only setback here is the neck-bending exercise for taller passengers - due to the aforementioned coupe-like roofline.
As in the X5, there is a spell of fine materials spread across the X6’s cabin, with excellent fit and exceptional finish. The design, as such, is conventional, with an elegantly contoured dashboard, a driver-centric steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and the iDrive system, which takes centre stage.
While it's generally tasteful, we didn’t quite like the two-tone upholstery that came with the test car.
With a wheelbase of 2,933mm (which is similar to the X5), the X6 will easily swallow three full-sized adults with legroom to spare. The only setback here is the neck-bending exercise for taller passengers - due to the aforementioned coupe-like roofline.
Either way, even when the driver's seat was set to the highest, headroom wasn't a problem for a pint-sized writer like this one. But if you're a tall individual, it could take some time for you to get used to the driving position, in that if you set it to the highest, you could end up with a cramped neck but if you set it to a comfortable height, you may have problems getting a decent view of the front.
The boot space is generous, though. Unlike before, the rear seats can now be folded 40:20:40, allowing the capacity of the load compartment to increase from 580 litres (with rear seats in place) to an astounding 1,525 litres.
The boot space is generous, though. Unlike before, the rear seats can now be folded 40:20:40, allowing the capacity of the load compartment to increase from 580 litres (with rear seats in place) to an astounding 1,525 litres.
Drivetrain
On the straights, the X6 is in its element. Its capability to swallow distance like a grown German man downing his beer at Oktoberfest is uncanny.
At the lights, this tanker will seriously crush the boyracer on the left and the rich kid with his sports car on the right. Floor the right pedal and the full 450 horses and 650Nm of twisting force will hammer their way to all four wheels with gusto, accompanied with a growl from the exhaust that's inspiring and inviting. Before you know it, the pack is behind you and you're already breaching the 100km/h mark.
But given the Bimmer's size, the laws of physics cannot be ignored. The biggish SUV, while it no longer ploughs into corners, is still a little clumsy around the twisty bits. It does, nonetheless, have a steering that is graceful in motion.
When you're not busy slaughtering the roads, the X6 can be quite a joy to drive. It has probably also got to do with the seamless eight-speed automatic gearbox. Cog changes are done so precisely and incisively that you'll hardly find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
On the straights, the X6 is in its element. Its capability to swallow distance like a grown German man downing his beer at Oktoberfest is uncanny.
At the lights, this tanker will seriously crush the boyracer on the left and the rich kid with his sports car on the right. Floor the right pedal and the full 450 horses and 650Nm of twisting force will hammer their way to all four wheels with gusto, accompanied with a growl from the exhaust that's inspiring and inviting. Before you know it, the pack is behind you and you're already breaching the 100km/h mark.
But given the Bimmer's size, the laws of physics cannot be ignored. The biggish SUV, while it no longer ploughs into corners, is still a little clumsy around the twisty bits. It does, nonetheless, have a steering that is graceful in motion.
When you're not busy slaughtering the roads, the X6 can be quite a joy to drive. It has probably also got to do with the seamless eight-speed automatic gearbox. Cog changes are done so precisely and incisively that you'll hardly find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
Conclusion
To us, the X6 has always been more locomotive than automotive. It's huge on the outside, fast on the straights and thirsty on the move. But it is a status symbol that is certainly different from the rest of the SUVs you see here on the road.
Now with the $488,800 second iteration xDrive50i that you see here out in the market (the xDrive 35i and xDrive 30d are on indent basis), it almost acts as an extreme opposite of the eco-friendlier and gentler image BMW has portrayed with its sub-brand - BMW i.
Either way, there's just no doubt you have to admire this tank of a car, even if it does possess the love-it-or-hate-it style statement.
To us, the X6 has always been more locomotive than automotive. It's huge on the outside, fast on the straights and thirsty on the move. But it is a status symbol that is certainly different from the rest of the SUVs you see here on the road.
Now with the $488,800 second iteration xDrive50i that you see here out in the market (the xDrive 35i and xDrive 30d are on indent basis), it almost acts as an extreme opposite of the eco-friendlier and gentler image BMW has portrayed with its sub-brand - BMW i.
Either way, there's just no doubt you have to admire this tank of a car, even if it does possess the love-it-or-hate-it style statement.
