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By Cars.com StaffCars.com
October 1, 2009
The X6, one of BMW's recent forays into SUV territory, is a tallish fastback that the company calls a sports activity coupe. With seating for four, it's basically a midsize SUV with four doors, extroverted styling and a choice of two powerful engines. The X6 competes roughly with the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes M-Class. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive is standard, and the X6 comes in two trim levels: the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Both models seat four, and the xDrive50i's V-8 will propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. (Skip to details on the: BMW X6 M) New for 2010 BMW updates the iDrive controller in another effort to make it more user-friendly. HD radio and a power liftgate are now standard. The available backup camera gains a Top View feature, and automatic high-beam headlights are a new option. Exterior If you took BMW's Z4, raised it up and lengthened the rear quarters to add two more doors, you would get something of the X6's profile. The scalloped headlights, twin kidney grilles and stacked tail are classic BMW.
The four-seat interior incorporates a shelved dashboard that houses the navigation display without adding an extra hump in the center, as many BMW dashboards do. Metallic rings grace the dual-zone climate controls, and BMW's iDrive system operates the navigation and entertainment systems.
Both engines incorporate direct fuel injection and two turbochargers. The xDrive35i uses a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, while the xDrive50i uses a 4.4-liter V-8. BMW says both engines promise minimal turbo lag and a flat torque curve that begins under 2,000 rpm.
The xDrive50i has upgraded brakes with aluminum calipers. BMW's Integrated Chassis Management coordinates the Dynamic Performance Control differential with stability and traction control systems to optimize the X6's stability. Safety features include:BMW X6 M For the first time, BMW's motorsports division has souped up the X5 and its X6 counterpart — also marking the first M car with all-wheel drive. The X6 M steps up from the 400-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 to a twin-turbocharged version making 555 hp. Torque is rated at 500 pounds-feet. BMW says the zero to 60 mph time is 4.5 seconds. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered with M-tuned Drive, Sport and Manual modes, the latter of which is activated with the console shifter or aluminum steering-wheel paddles. In addition to revised suspension geometry, bushings and tuning, the M suspension lowers the X6 by almost a half-inch. BMW has also tweaked the stability system and xDrive all-wheel drive to maximize performance, more proactively shifting torque rearward when called for. A display on the instrument panel shows the driver how much power is going to each wheel. The brakes are also beefed up, with larger discs and calipers. The X6 M doesn't hide its special status — especially with its huge air intakes in the front bumper for cooling the brakes, water-cooled turbo intercoolers as well as the engine. The M also features unique 20-inch wheels, front fender vents, quad tailpipes and rear diffuser. The side skirts are also body colored rather than black. Back to top Find a NEW BMW X6 for SaleFind dealers and new car inventory in your area.
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