BMW`s promotional literature for the new X6 model characterizes its appearance as individual and extravagant. The X6, especially the V8 version is for the bold personality; the over-achiever; the conspicuous claim to fame. With available 21-inch wheels and a new twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 engine, the X6 50i suggests some fancy footwork is available, and backs it up with a performance suspension, 400 horsepower and 450 pounds-feet of torque. With this much under foot, the 2,265-kilogram X6 50i leaps off the line (0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds), handles like a sports car and emits a stereophonic roar through its twin rectangular exhaust pipes. The drivetrain features BMW`s Intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive, and Dynamic Performance Control. The latter, offered as standard equipment by BMW for the first time, is designed to distribute drive forces between the two rear wheels to enhance steering precision, increase agility and safely manage sudden steering inputs at speed. Transmission is a six-speed automatic with sport mode and paddle shifters.
If the V8 is a bit too much, you can choose the six-cylinder X6 35i, with its truly superb 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine. It makes 306 hp and 296 lb.ft torque, and is quite capable of moving the X6 along at an exhilarating clip. Next year, look for a hybrid version, and further in the future, maybe a diesel. For the time being, the gasoline powered X6 35i returns 10.9 L/100km and the X6 50i returns 12.5 L/100km combined city/highway. As a driving machine, the X6 50i is uncannily controlled; its optional active steering supplying just the right amount of feedback and response. The X6 surprises with its tenacious grip and prodigious power on the dry track, and sophisticated stability control on the wet surface.
There is a rear-camera system available to help when reversing, which is good, as rear visibility is just about non-existent through the tiny rear window. Fortunately, the side view mirrors are big and very effective. The rear seats in the X6 are designed to hold only two passengers, so there`s a big center console back there. The seats prove far more comfortable than your standard three-person bench seat. The X6 has a respectable 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats folded. Concerning its appearance, although the X6 is eye-catching for sure, it sits way high in relation to the wheels, with big gaps between wheels and fenders. Starting at $63,900, the X6 35i will arrive at BMW dealers on April. The X6 50i, starting at $78,100, will arrive later in the summer.
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