2009 BMW X6 Waterville ME

November 3, 2009   By Aaron Gold, DriverSide Contributor



2009 BMW X6-Series
DriverSide Overview
BMW calls the 2009 X6 the first Sports Activity Coupe -- never mind that Subaru created something similar in the Outback SUS or that coupes traditionally have two doors. Semantics aside, the X6 is unique in today's market. Despite its all-wheel-drive system and the big, brawny shadow it casts, the X6 was designed to be a purely on-road machine - just check out its tires, which are low profile and very, very wide. The X6 offers a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, both with twin turbochargers, and an innovative suspension and rear differential electronics that bring fast driving and safe driving together in physics-defying, exhaust-blatting, tire-squealing harmony.








What's to Like
The butch styling is brilliant, the big trunk makes it as practical as an old Honda Civic hatchback, and both engines are simply fantastic. And then there's the fact that it drives like a car -- not just any car, mind you, but a BMW.

What's Not to Like
Big power and big weight means big fuel consumption, and the racy profile means most adults will find limited headroom in the back seat (assuming they don't knock themselves out on the low roofline while trying to get in).

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The X6 really does drive almost exactly like a sports sedan. We say "almost" because the steering has a very slight SUV-like on-center dead spot. But in our mix of open freeway, backcountry roads and wet and dry racetracks, we found that the X6 basically goes, turns and stops like a proper BMW. Thanks to the Dynamic Performance Control rear differential, the X6's electronic stability control system is less reliant on the brakes, which makes spirited driving with the electronic nanny switched on much more enjoyable.

Engine and Drivetrain
The X6 xDrive35i comes with BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, while the xDrive50i packs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, both mated to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque of the six moves the X6's bulk with authority, while the V-8's 407 and 442 numbers pull harder, respond quicker, and sound better, though it tends to jerk occupants' heads backwards when starting out. A small price to pay for such brute power. Both engines though tend to display an admirable absence of turbo lag, which is a huge plus.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The Dynamic Performance Control rear differential is based on a BMW patent from 1928, but it was only with the advent of computer control that BMW could really put the system to good use. By fitting a planetary gear set to both rear wheels, DPC can actually cause one rear wheel to spin faster than the other, even if the driver lifts off the gas. This differential allows the electronic stability control system to correct oversteer with less use of the wheel brakes by simply...

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