2010 BMW X6: Road Test
2010 BMW X6 ▼
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- MSRP: $56,300 - $88,900
- Invoice: $51,795 - $81,790
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Our road test for the 2010 BMW X6 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 BMW X6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 BMW X6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 BMW X6 help you decide if a 2010 BMW X6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.3 |
The xDrive35i and xDrive50i have strong acceleration from a stop and in highway passing and merging. Neither engine shows any noticeable turbo lag. 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. No hybrid or M has been made available for testing so far.
FUEL ECONOMY
| xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an xDrive35i averaged 16.6 mpg. An xDrive50i averaged 14.3 mpg in mostly city driving. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
The sport suspension smothers pavement imperfections fairly well. Rougher roads bring out unwanted side-to-side body motions and some impact harshness. No X6 models without the Sport Package and 20-inch wheels have been made available for evaluation.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
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. Some testers find the steering to be too heavy at low speeds. One test X6 suffered from touch brake-pedal action, making it difficult to stop smoothly.
QUIETNESS
| xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.9 |
Six-cylinder models have a slightly gravelly 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 | 7.2 |
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 | 7.5 |
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 with 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
The rear-seat area is only for two, and there's little more room than in most compact cars. 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 | 8.3 |
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 |
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. Non-M models can exceed $80,000 with options, while the M and ActiveHybrid approach $100,000. No X6 is a strong value, especially when BMW's own X5 is more practical, not much slower, offers thrifty diesel power, and can cost much less when comparably equipped.
Total Score
| xDrive35i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | xDrive50i w/Sport Pkg, 20-in wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 59 | 69.8 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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