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2008 BMW X6 Full Review
Date Published: 6/21/08
Also in the 2008 BMW X6 Review:
2008 BMW X6
Sneak Peek
The 2008 BMW X6 is the latest addition to this German automaker's roster. This 4-door hatchback is slightly larger than BMW's 5-Series midsize cars and features a raised suspension similar to the company's X5 midsize SUV. X6 comes in two trim levels, each with a twin-turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. The xDrive35i has a 300-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, and the xDrive50i has a 400-hp 4.4-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and it includes steering wheel paddles for manual gear changes. Standard on both models is BMW's new Dynamic Performance Control, which works with the AWD system to distribute torque between the individual rear wheels. The system is designed to improve steering feel and handling response. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Standard on all is BMW's iDrive control system, which uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Optional is BMW's Active Steering, which is designed to quicken low-speed steering response.
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2008 BMW X6 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat room/comfort |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing a 6-cylinder X6 averaged 16.6 mpg. All X6 models require premium-grade gas.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Cabin decor is both upscale and sporty, with ample use of soft-touch surfaces and materials with visible, high-grade stitching.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
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2008 BMW X6 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| xDrive35i 4-door hatchback | $52,500 | $48,300 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| xDrive50i 4-door hatchback | $63,000 | $57,960 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
xDrive35i
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protecting airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, hill-descent control, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, cornering lights, fog lights, 255/50R19 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
xDrive50i adds to xDrive35i:
Powertrain
4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
20-way power multicontour front seats, navigation system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Load-leveling suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,750
|
$1,595
|
|
BMW Assist system, wireless cell phone link, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener, ambient interior lighting, auxiliary power outlet, cargo net.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i
|
$3,600
|
$3,275
|
|
xDrive50i
|
$3,100
|
$2,820
|
|
Increased top speed limiter, sport seats (xDrive35i), black headliner, shadowline trim, adaptive drive w/rollover sensors, electronic shock absorber control, 255/50R19 front and 285/45R19 rear run-flat tires.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i
|
$2,000
|
$1,820
|
|
Navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, rearview camera.
|
||
|
Rear Climate Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$900
|
$820
|
|
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, side sunshades, rear privacy glass.
|
||
|
Active Ventilated Seat Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i
|
$2,100
|
$1,910
|
|
xDrive50i
|
$1,100
|
$1,000
|
|
Ventilated front seats, 20-way multicontour front seats (xDrive35i), active driver seat. Requires Cold Weather Pkg. or heated front seats.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$900
|
$820
|
|
Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski bag, headlight washers.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
xDrive35i
|
$1,900
|
$1,730
|
|
Includes voice recognition, traffic information.
|
||
|
BMW Assist system
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Includes wireless cell phone link.
|
||
|
Rearview camera
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$400
|
$365
|
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,700
|
$1,545
|
|
High-definition radio
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$350
|
$315
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$595
|
$540
|
|
Head-up instrument display
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,200
|
$1,010
|
|
xDrive35i requires Technology Pkg. or navigation system.
|
||
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
20-way power multicontour seats
|
||
|
xDrive35i
|
$1,200
|
$1,090
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Heated rear seats
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$350
|
$320
|
|
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. or heated front seats.
|
||
|
Aluminum interior trim
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Wood interior trim
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Keyless access and starting
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
Power closing doors
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$600
|
$545
|
|
Power liftgate
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Running boards
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
Active steering
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$1,400
|
$1,230
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear run-flat tires
|
||
|
xDrive35i, xDrive50i
|
$950
|
$865
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 BMW X6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW X6 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 115.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4894 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 59.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I6 | Turbocharged dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 | 4.4 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 300 @ 5800 | 400 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 300 @ 1400 | 450 @ 1800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed automatic | 15/20 | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW X6 4-door hatchback |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 BMW X6 Review:
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