On the street, the X6 xDrive 50i is smooth and stealthy fast. It coasts effortlessly--fast seems, well, slow. Triple-digit speeds sneak up so easily, the X6 could be a citation machine for the lead-footed. Floor it and the V-8 rewards with a cranium-filling sonic massage.
The X6 appears most like an X5 on the inside. Our loaded 50i had a thick, heated steering wheel and leather-trimmed kneepads for cornering. In the back, BMW's product-packaging magicians managed to squeeze in plenty of legroom and just enough rake in the seats so that six-footers with normal haircuts shouldn't have problems with the low roof. The cargo area is deep, but not tall--still enough for four golf bags, claims BMW.
| 2009 BMW X6 |
| Base price range | $53,275-$63,775 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, AWD, 4-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Engine | 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft TT I-6, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Opt engine | 4.4L/400-hp/450-lb-ft TT V-8, DOHC,4 valves/cyl |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Curb weight, lb | 4900-5300 (mfr) |
| Wheelbase, in | 115.5 |
| Length x width x height, in | 192.0 x 78.1 x 66.5 |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 5.9 (I-6) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ, mpg | 13-15/18-20 (est) |
| CO2 emissions, lb/mile | 1.15-1.31 (est) |
| On sale in U.S. | Currently |