Mother Proof's view

I’ve heard some industry insiders and journalists poke fun at the 2008 BMW X6 (a brand-new model this year). It’s been called “silly,” “pandering,” “odd” and “inexplicable.” But I think the X6 is just misunderstood. Let me say that, for me, the X6 is a terrific blend of sports car and mom-mobile.

I know that many innovative designs (automotive and otherwise) sometimes must endure lots of name-calling and ridicule. So, let’s just start with the obvious: Yes, the X6 looks different, but in an unclassifiable way. It’s designed to look like an SUV; it’s quite small and curvy, yet its wide stance is bold and masculine. This is a vehicle that’s sexy without fostering the “Chick Car” label. Big, fat wheels and a brushed metal running board add some modern touches without being overly trendy. Visually, the X6 is just plain fun to look at. I hope that isn’t too odd, X6 naysayers!

There are only two rear seating positions in the back because of a built-in center console, which houses storage and cupholders. While this feature is surely causing some of you to turn away, I’m certain there are others who never use that center seating position (I rarely use mine). The legroom in the second row is abundant. The seats are contoured and comfortable for taller, bigger people, and they also fit a booster seat or child-safety seat properly. That’s not silly at all, methinks!

I also know that industry insiders are leery of the whole sports car/SUV blend, finding that it panders to people who want an SUV and can’t commit to a sports car. But if you can only have one car in your garage, how awesome is it that in the X6 you can take your sports car out and still take the family with you? The integrated entertainment system is great; the rear-facing screen pops out of the front seat’s center console and stores away easily. An entertainment system is a nice feature to have, but when it disappears completely it’s easier for my kids to forget it’s there, reducing their fixation on watching a movie on a trip to the grocery store. The built-in window shades are a dream for kids who want their privacy … er, who want to keep the sun out of their eyes. Here’s a vehicle that can treat your family nicely while you slalom through cones on a racetrack. Yep, pander away, BMW!

What’s inexplicable is how a person can drive the X6 without smiling, although I’m not smiling when I’m actually getting into the car. I hate when there are running boards and short doorways. When I step up onto the running board, I have to duck to enter the car. There’s some weird physics going on there. And the bolstered seats that I adore because they feel like they’re custom fit for me? Well, when I’m getting into the car, I have to scooch myself over the highest portion of the seat bottom. I’m essentially doing a side-split over the ridge of the bolstered seat, which makes the entry scenario not very graceful. Once I’ve managed to get into the car, it bugs me that the seat belt isn’t adjustable for smaller drivers.

I have to wonder how you’re supposed to get really heavy stuff into the X6. I mean, you’re not really going to be hauling pallets of bricks or anything, but the cargo area’s threshold is pretty high. It would kind of suck to put a heavy stroller back there. People with older kids don’t have to worry about the stroller issue, but for those with ginormous double strollers, you might want to consider a different stroller option.

But I still smile in the X6. I love the speed; it’s a V-6 with a twin turbo if you wanna be all technical about it. The X6 sticks to the road really well, and there’s no wobbly rolling in the turns. The steering and braking are tight and responsive. It’s such an enjoyable drive, just heading to the library, post office and dance class. I love the covered cupholders and little storage nooks that are perfectly situated for my stuff. Add to all this that I can fit a large load of groceries in the cargo area, and I’m trying to finagle how to get myself one.

For moms with smaller families who want a fast, sexy, sportier option than your average family-mobile (or if you’re looking for a second, not-so-family car that can handle the kids, too), take a look at the X6. Don’t let all those critics steer you away from a really great possibility.

*For more information on the 2008 BMW X6 and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to [email protected].

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 4

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair-Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove-On

Specs

2008 BMW X6

Base price: $52,500

Price as tested: $72,520

Engine: 300-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6

Fuel: 15/20 mpg

Length: 192.1″

Width: 78.1″

Ground Clearance: n/a

Turning Radius: 21.0′

Cargo space: 20.1-51.2 cu. Ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: n/a

Passenger’s side: n/a

Side Impact

Front occupant: n/a

Rear occupant: n/a

Rollover resistance: n/a