SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: I like almost everything about this vehicle, from its sleek yet muscular styling to its true-to-BMW performance and handling. It hits most of the marks, so it would require living with the negatives, such as the unexpectedly high step-in height, the limited rear sightlines and the four-seat interior.

The X6 may weigh nearly 5000 pounds, but it sure handles as if it is much lighter. It's easily tossed around without getting upset, with typically precise and direct steering feel, and the twin-turbocharged I6 powertrain pulls like a mule.

I also like the cavernous cabin. Without measuring, the cargo bay looks vast as well, despite the sharply sloping hatch. The exterior design has been the subject of debate--I'm on the side of those who like efforts to make boxy SUVs more stylish without losing too much functionality.

SENIOR EDITOR KEVN A. WILSON: No sale here. All of the toys work, certainly. I like the head-up display for the speedo, I've come to understand and live with iDrive, and you've got all the gizmos you'd want in this ride. I'll even concede that "looks different" can be equated to "looks good" or at least "interesting." But who's it for? Why?

If your object is to move four people in style and comfort, well, my choice would be not to ride so high up in the air and not to have such a massive crate to maneuver. The perfect mission for the X6 would be as chase vehicle on the Dakar Rally; I don't think that's what it'll be used for. And the fastback roofline means it won't hold anything tall and compromises your ability to see out of the vehicle.

Most of all, I'm not as excited about the underlying vehicle as others. It doesn't measure up to BMW ride-and-handling standards, though it's certainly solid. There's so much roll stiffness that your head bobbles on the slightest rough pavement; it's great on smooth portions of interstate, but so is any Kia. At least, its steering feel is extra-heavy and numb.

As a fashion statement, I suppose the X6 works fine.


2008 BMW X6 xDrive 35i
IN FLEET: April 10-24
AS-TESTED PRICE: $63,325
DRIVETRAIN: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; awd, six-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 300 hp @ 5800-6250 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4894 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 17/16.0 mpg


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M

Double ya t f??

At least they aren't all reading the same script. Each editor has their own mind.

M

But they're driving the same car...

Whatever...

Well obviously one of them (KEVN) doesn't know what he's talking about...lol!

M

Although I have no doubt X6 handles great for its size, it's very likely it cannot be compared to 3 series in that department... people who have unrealistic expectations regarding SUVs will probably be disappointed.