Acceleration

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
7	8	7

Six-cylinder or V8, any X6 has strong acceleration from a stop and in highway passing and merging. Neither engine shows any noticeable turbo lag. BMW estimates for 0-60 mph acceleration are 6.5 seconds for the xDrive35i and 5.3 seconds for the xDrive50i. These times seem accurate. Both models suffer from non-linear throttle response. The transmission is smooth and prompt, particularly when using the manual shift gate or steering-wheel paddles.

Fuel Economy

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
3	2	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing a 6-cylinder X6 averaged 16.6 mpg. All X6 models require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
3	3	6.3

Models previewed had the available Sport Package and 20-inch wheels. The sport suspension allows even the smallest pavement imperfections to filter through the cabin. Rougher roads bring out unwanted body motions and lots of impact harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
6	6	7.1

Dry-road grip and balance are very good on X6 models with the sport suspension and 20-inch wheels. On wet surfaces, X6s so equipped become more skittish, with lots of slowing required before entering corners. In any case, steering feel is excellent, and the brakes deliver short, controlled stops.

Quietness

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
5	6	7

Six-cylinder models have a slightly gravely engine note under acceleration that never completely goes away while cruising. The V8 has a muscle-car soundtrack at open throttle and recedes nicely into the background. Some wind rush gets into the cabin by way of the exterior mirrors. The high-performance 20-inch tires roar intrusively on most types of pavement.

Controls

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
5	5	6.1

X6 mirrors the X5 SUV for control layout, with most functions governed by BMW's iDrive console knob and center dashtop display. Using iDrive for audio and climate controls becomes second nature once users become familiar with its operation. The navigation system, though, remains among the more complex to decipher and program. The available head-up instrument display can show navigation route guidance--a nice convenience.

Details

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
7	7	7.4

Cabin decor is both upscale and sporty, with ample use of soft-touch surfaces and materials with visible, high-grade stitching.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
7	7	7.3

Well-bolstered bucket seats provide plenty of support for any driving situation. A padded knee rest for both front passengers is a nice touch. Legroom is good, but headroom is tight, particularly when the seats are raised. Setting the seats higher is necessary in order to see over the unusually tall dashtop. Compared to BMW's X5, X6's narrow door openings can complicate entry and exit. X6's sloping roofline creates unacceptably large blind spots to the rear corners and pinches visibility directly aft.

Room/Comfort (rear)

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
3	3	5.2

Overall space is no better than a compact sedan. Headroom is especially tight, another side effect of the sloping roofline. Narrow doorways inhibit entry and exit.

Cargo Room

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
6	6	4.2

X6's hatchback design affords more cargo room than a traditional coupe or sedan. The cargo hold extends back a good amount, but it's not very tall. A large under-floor storage area is welcome, and the lid has a convenient strut to support it. Interior storage consists of decently sized door pockets, but the center console and glovebox are on the small side.

Value within Class

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
4	3	6.2

X6 is a study in compromises. It accelerates and handles like a sporty coupe, but it will never be as agile due to its sheer size and heft. Its hatchback design makes it slightly more versatile than a sedan, but X6 is neither as roomy nor as comfortable as a sedan or SUV. With prices that can easily exceed $70,000, X6 is not a strong value, especially when BMW's own X5 is more practical, not much slower, and costs much less when comparably equipped.

Total Score

xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels	Class Average
56	56	68.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		68
High Score		78