My BMW X6 Test Drive

[Bartek Sikorski]

My sales rep recently offered to test drive the X6 for the weekend. I got the car on Friday morning and drove until Monday. When I was getting it I was told that it’s the same car which Kubica was using to drive around Montreal during last Grand Prix. I was happy to hear that even if it might not be true, probably more likely a friendly joke.

The X6 I drove was space grey with black interior, sport pack, comfort seats. Great car, performs very well compared to my X5, great acceleration with superb sound of the engine, very good steering and handling. Steering wheel had a nice feel and just perfect thickness. It felt more like driving a sport car then a SUV. Seating was also very confortable seat.

The car inside is very spacious, beautifully designed and crafted, comfortable for my two small kids in a back. They liked X6 very much, they were only complaining about not having a panorama sunroof. The only problem I found wasthe lack of headroom when getting into the car, but I think is a matter of habit.

At this point, I am seriously considering the X6 as my next car in two years.

[siko]

Siko's X6 Review

I went up to see my Dad's weekend toy and test drive it. Here's the lowdown:


The Good

Engine still rips even though it's hauling so much weight. Acceleration is fast and the beautiful torque curve of the engine ensure power at all gears and speeds. I can't imagine the upcoming V8TT

Interior is very comfortable, comfort seats are quite a treat. Ergonomics are typical BMW, being great. Like any X5, great interior. The cabin is roomy in the front, a little less in the back. The back is pretty much made average-to-short people or kids, not 6'2" like yours truly.

Driving dynamics are pure BMW… the feel of the car appears much closer to a mid-to-large size sedan (somewhere between 5er and 7er; closer to the 5er) then the X5. This is probably due to its lower centre of gravity. I didn’t get to push it but handling seemed again to belong more to a car then truck. In this respect, this car is a strange beast… it really seems to have a dual personality; 2/3 part sports car 1/3 part truck.


The Bad
4-seater??? I know many cancelled their order when they heard it was only a 4-seater. Personally I wouldn't mind so much since I don't haul many people around, but it should be at least an option;
* 4-seater w/console OR
* 5-seater

Also rear visibility is poor. Your rear-view mirror can be converted into a vanity mirror since you won't use it on the road.


The Ugly
As much as I love coupes, and as much I love this car, it is a bitch to get into this car, front and especially rear.

Again being 6'2" I have to be careful going into the car for fears of banging my head. As for the rear, I literaly have to scoop down and slide in.

That said, it wouldn’t be enough to sway me away from buying this car (if I had the money ).