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Fitting in the eye-catching BMW X6 was a concern when we first drove this ultra-sporty people mover last spring. Yet, after two months in our long-term fleet, we've pretty much resolved that issue.
Just like a sports car or sport coupe, you have to watch your head! And, even the back seat makes up for any entry and exit difficulties with excellent comfort and luxury.
We do wish the hatch opened higher without having to fiddle with latches to extend it, and at 8,200 miles on the odo, fuel economy of 16.3 miles-per-gallon of premium is low.
Still, our X6 xDrive 35i is a very unique vehicle, and it is the price you pay for style, exclusivity, and the fact that no other crossover utility adheres closer to BMW's world class performance.
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With so many crossover utilities entering the market, it's hard to standout. That's not a problem, however, for the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. Its fastback, hunkered-down styling always gets noticed.
Plus, after 4 months and 11,200 miles on the odometer, it's proving to be a versatile all-weather crew and gear mover. Fuel economy is 16.2 miles-per-gallon of premium. While that does not sound very good, our X6 with its 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6 is doing 10-15% better than the V8 powered X5 we put through the mill in 2007.
In the X6, you cruise effortlessly in a genuine lap of luxury. That is, until the road turns, and then the X6 really shows its sporty DNA. The X6 may be a crossover utility, but it is still 100% BMW.
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No matter what the weather or road, the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe always turns heads. This steroidal fastback is truly one of a kind.
And, it does get around. After 5 months the odo has crossed 13,000 miles. We are, however, most thankful that gas prices are way down from last summer since test mileage is a paltry 16.1 on premium gas.
We've had no mechanical problems with our X6 and flawless operation of its 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6.
One novelty of the X6 is a rear hatch that opens to two levels. While seemingly great for low roof garages, we find it a nuisance, especially when it's raining.
The X6 is a curious but fine effort, and it proves to us that whenever BMW discovers a new luxury niche, they will fill it.
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Without a doubt, the BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle is one unique utility. This coupe-styled 5-door crossover manages to satisfy both our need of a multi-purpose family hauler, and our desire for a fun loving driving machine.
After 7 months, and the odometer nearing 16,000 miles, we continue to marvel at the prowess of it's 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6. There is more than ample power, so much so, that we think the optional 4.4-liter V8 is not needed. That's good since the xDrive 35i manages only 15.8 miles per gallon of premium.
There is compromise in the rear quarters. Kids love the snug, individual seats, and the DVD video system, but adults will just find it cramped.
We are having some electrical gremlins, from a sticky electronic parking brake, to a reluctant iDrive system. Still, while it's hard to put the BMW X6 in any obvious niche, it appeals to both sides of our brain with ease.
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The BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle turns heads for at least as long as it takes to say its whole name.
This squatty, muscular, coupe-styled 5-door crossover is a looker, but one that also manages to be a true multi-purpose vehicle. Perfect for both big family hauling and big driving fun.
The odometer has passed 18,000 miles in only 9 months, so it's certainly proving to be a staff favorite. The standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower inline 6 is a fine choice. There is never shortage of power. Fuel economy has also finally started to edge up, although a 16.1 miles per gallon of premium is hardly stellar.
We have driven the X6 hard and its 20-inch tires show it. The tread is quite worn. However, that's not unusual for such aggressive performance tires.
Other past issues include minor electrical grimlins, and the tight rear seat.
Positives, besides being a great drive, include its luxury appointments, and kid-friendly dual screen DVD system.
The two position hatch, while a bit of a nuisance to operate, is a paint and dent saver when parked in low roof garages.
The BMW X6 is unique in style, versatility, and performance. And, that may be its biggest plus of all.
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Our 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Vehicle delivers the best combination of crossover flexibility, head-turning styling, and driving excitement, we've yet encountered.
It's very popular with our crew, racking up almost 20,000 miles in 10 months. The standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo-6 serves our power needs well, although fuel economy has slid to 15.9 miles per gallon of premium.
Those miles have taken a toll on tire wear, and the electrical gremlins we noted earlier, including an intermittent electronic parking brake, have calmed down.
Still, no other utility vehicle gets our heart pumping up like the BMW X6.
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Leave it to BMW to invent another benchmark. Our 2009 BMW X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe was the first of what is quickly becoming a flood of swoopy crossover utility vehicles.
But rivals have a very high level of performance and luxury to top.
The X6's standard 3.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo-6 serves our power needs well. But with that comes fuel economy of a thirsty 15.9 miles per gallon of premium.
We do wish BMW could find performance tires that were as tireless as their vehicles. After 11 months and 21,000 miles our X6 is already in need of new rubber.
But that's the price you pay for a versatile hauler that handles like a slot car. The BMW X6 is a trendsetter for sure, blazing a trail that few other utilities can follow.
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