Test Drive: BMW X6 xDrive35d - Business Class
The scene is well known to anyone who has ever flown an airplane. “Business class passengers are asked to use the front entrance, and everyone else is asked to use the rear entrance to the aircraft.” - This is an official notice that is announced before each flight. It is clear that business class is more comfortable, there is more space, better food, and you get a newspaper. These are the benefits that the buyer of every BMW expects, and especially the new BMW X6 ...
BMW unveiled the X1999 in Detorit in 5, the first model badged as the X in its name. In 2008, Detroit also introduced the X6, the first model in the newly created SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) class. From the very presentation, this car attracted a lot of attention not only from the public, but also from buyers due to its original, even somewhat unusual appearance, which no one has yet offered. The BMW X6 violates some of the established norms and forms of the coupe. The car has five doors, four seats, a large luggage compartment and excellent driving comfort. The X6 takes the coupé category to a higher level with its SAV functionality. This is why the new SAC sub-segment was created, combining the advantages of a coupé and a SAV. Although it bears the X markings and shares certain similarities with the X3 and X5, the BMW X6 is a completely customized model for a specific customer category, developed on a modified 5 Series platform. interpreted in a new, extremely sporty style.
The design language of the BMW X6 is an authentic visualization of driving performance, provided by a powerful engine, intelligent xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). We do not find many oddities ahead. The front is a variation on the theme of twin lights and the distinctive mask of the refrigerator's kidneys. The impressive new architecture, with its strong hips and beefy fenders, has not erased the hallmark of BMW's identity: the twin-kidney grille that makes this car a recognizable member of the Munich family. The X6 is 4mm long, 877mm wide and 1mm high. Compared to the BMW X983, the car is a few millimeters longer and wider, but slightly lower. Although opinions are divided on appearance, the new BMW X1 exudes magical appeal for all controversialists. This is expressed in political vocabulary, both for the right and for the left, and everything that tells us that the goal has been achieved. The X690 never goes unnoticed, as six-time state rally champion Vladan Petrovich confirmed to us: – Petrovich was short.
If comments about the exterior are divided, then there is no “error” inside. The X6 is a real BMW. Clean lines and shapes, perfectly organized cockpit enriched with leather and aluminum inserts. Everything is subordinated to the driver, and what the reigning Serbian rally champion told us, of course, means a lot for the BMW X6: - in jest, in the style of a sports driver, - concludes Petrovich.
While this is an interesting mix of several vehicle categories, the rear seat space completely eliminates any bragging rights. The backrest of the BMW X6 offers two separate seats with improved coupé-like lateral grip. Although it looks tall from the outside, coupe at its best, the lowered roof requires some care, and those more than 186 centimeters away from roof contact are only 3 centimeters apart. They will not need to stretch their legs because there is enough knee room. However, the specially shaped rear side windows and massive rear pillars are ideal for those who are worried about too much light. The innovative body shape also brought with it a large tailgate with a volume of 570 or 1.450 liters with a double bottom. Overall, the BMW interior specialists have done a great job. We notice that much more love has been invested in the design than in the competition. The iDrive team makes an outstanding mechanical impression, like some kind of vault lock with a dial. But even though it is simplified, we will still be critical of this complex system. Example: Several treatments are required to redirect airflow from the head to the feet. First we have to press the iDrive command, then move, turn, press ... Now we finally have warm feet, but our attention is no longer focused on the movement, and we are almost in the opposite lane.
The BMW X6 xDrive35d shows us exactly what modern diesel cars are capable of. This is a real German oil prince. The specialists in Munich relied on a traditional six-cylinder in-line three-liter engine. Thanks to variable twin turbocharging technology (staged charging with two Garret turbochargers in series), this engine is as agile as the 500 horsepower Otto engine. The small turbocharger determines good gas intake at low revs. The larger turbocharger turns on at 1.500 rpm and operates independently at over 3.000 rpm. Indeed, in addition to this engine, you hardly want a gasoline V8. The unit develops a maximum power of 286 hp. at 4.400 rpm and "bearish" torque of 580 Nm in the range from 1.750 to 2.250 rpm.
In addition to all of the above, the BMW X6 pleased with its low fuel consumption. Although we thought the factory data (in the table below) was only the signer's wish, due to the high efficiency of the complete assembly, low consumption was easily achieved. Ideally, the sophisticated xDrive all-wheel drive transfers 40% of the torque to the front wheels and 60% to the rear wheels. However, if you want to differentiate your new SUV from its many competitors, Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) is the argument. It is a system with variable torque distribution not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the rear left and right wheels. A special feature of the X6 is the Adaptive Drive active suspension, which works in conjunction with the FlexRay transmission system necessary for the Adaptive Drive to function properly. The data distributed by FlexRay is collected using numerous sensors that monitor vehicle speed, steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, impacts and body position, as well as many other parameters necessary for the system to work effectively. Based on this data, Adaptive Drive acts on the shock absorbers and anti-roll bars (balancer) by means of solenoid valves inside the shock absorbers and swing motors that control the anti-roll bars. The driver determines how the system works by selecting the appropriate Sport or Comfort mode.
Indeed, the feeling behind the wheel of the BMW X6 is special. While driving, the car exudes a sporty spirit and looks forward to every inch of the distance traveled. The steering wheel is like a good lover, straight and sensitive at the same time. Thanks to Active Steering and Active Suspension (Adaptive Drive), driving this car is a special experience. It's the same with the rear passengers. Body tilt is virtually non-existent, and the two rear-seat passengers, in addition to sporty enjoyment, will be "honored" for the amount of luxury this vehicle provides. This also applies to comfort, which is top notch, with the conclusion that the car on bumps and bumps still reminds you to drive a BMW and not a competing model. The suspension is slightly stiffer in Sport mode, while Comfort mode (determined by a button next to the gearbox) offers a much softer interior trim, but passengers still feel like they're on solid footing. There was no question of excellent racing potential on the asphalt, we did not doubt it for a minute. But how does the BMW X6 handle the field?
With the new X6, BMW has pushed the boundaries of the automotive industry by demonstrating that a two-ton SUV can have fantastic handling and neutrality, with an all-new design that creates a macho image stronger than ever. Who is it for? For those who want a large SUV, which already in the production version provides an original design, neutral cornering, stability at high speeds plus high-class quality. It is intended for those for whom the X3 does not show enough status, and the X5 is too sick and conservative. And, of course, for those who are ready to set aside about 97 thousand euros for a car, this is the cost of a test copy. On the BMW X000 xDrive6, the basic specification should be set aside € 35 72.904.
Video test drive: BMW X6 xDrive35d
