BMW spun the luxury SUV on its tires in 2000 when it introduced the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. Now BMW is taking that idea a big step further with the new 2009 X6 Sports Activity Coupe.
While based on the X5 chassis, the ultra-sporty X6 SAC exhibits a sleeker and much more dynamic profile that's right in tune with the current wave of four-door luxury coupes. Indeed, it's no accident that the plunging rear hatchback roofline favors BMW's own stellar 6-Series coupe.
Under the angular skin, with its power-dome hood and super-sharp-edged character lines, is some of BMW's newest and most advanced drivetrain technology.
Power comes from a choice of twin-turbo engines; either a 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline-six in the X6 xDrive35i, or a 4.4-liter 400-horsepower V8 in the X6 xDrive50i. These feed BMW's xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system that has been upgraded with the new Dynamic Performance Control.
DPC uses a unique rear differential that varies rear wheels torque from side to side, and thus helps steer the X6 around corners. Unlike Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, DPC also works when you're off the gas. The results are handling abilities far above those of conventional SUVs, even the X5. With no cornering push, and gobs of grip, even in the wet, response is on par with a well balanced sport coupe.
It took BMW to put the sport in sport utility with the first x5. Now, with the x6, they've infused sporty coupe styling with all-weather, all-road steroids. And the result is perhaps the most intriguing vehicle of the year.
The low slung, high stepping X6 matches its BMW performance DNA with the brand's also well known luxury and style.
Four supportive sport seats surround a long center console for a truly intimate environment. Like most coupes, rear headroom is limited, but it's greater than a Mercedes CLS. Also, the rear seats do fold for a surprisingly large 60 cubic feet of cargo space.
The X6 is beginning to arrive at your local BMW dealer now, starting at about $54,000 for the xDrive35i and 65-grand for the xDrive50i.
