2011 BMW X6 Review
Price
from: RM698,800
to: RM958,800
Installment
from: RM6,664/mth
to: RM9,144/mth
2011 BMW X6 at a glance
The 2011 BMW X6 is different from the rest of the SUV pack. Glaringly, it only has four seats and limited space. Meant for the rich who find luxury SUVs boring, the 2011 BMW X6 is styled excitingly, drives brilliantly and yet ride plushly.
2011 BMW X6 quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Crossover |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
2011 BMW X6 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
BMW is back to the usual design controversy with the X6's unique looks. BMW calls it the first Sport Activity Coupe, but we think it is another crossover. Whatever the name, the 2011 BMW X6 is certainly different-looking, even for a crossover. Whether that is good or bad different is totally subjective. One thing is for sure, the larger-than-X5 dimensions give the BMW X6 an imposing road presence. Overall, the 2011 BMW X6 looks muscular and aggressive, the side profile reminiscent of the quirky Ssangyong Actyon.
Handling
Being a BMW, the X6's handling is expected to be good. Beyond expectation is the impressive agility around corners and through bends. Equipped with xDrive with variable torque vectoring and Dynamic Performance Control, the 2011 BMW X6 drives even sharper than the already excellent BMW X5. At low speeds, the two drive similarly, but up the tempo, and the BMW X6 grips at another level, while keeping body roll minimal. The advanced all-wheel drive system gifting the 2011 BMW X6 superb cornering ability by sending power from front-to-rear and even side-to-side of the wheels as when needed.
Comfort
The suspension setup captures the perfect balance between brilliant handling and a compliant ride, insulating the 2011 BMW X6 from any harsh surfaces. Cabin refinement is good as any luxury cruiser should be, with minimal wind intrusion, but the large19-inch wheels generate some road noise. Drivers sit high for a good view out, but rear visibility is limited. Ample adjustments for the steering wheel and large supportive seats allow drivers of any height to get comfortable. Controls, however, require time to familiarise before use.
Quality + Reliability
Except for some difference at the centre console, the 2011 BMW X6 shares the same dash architecture as the BMW X5. Which means the use of fine-grade quality materials, pieced together with attention to details. The classy cabin's overall interior quality befits the BMW X6's high-end luxury status. BMWs have a good reliability record, and the 2011 BMW X6 should continue that. Still, with the great deal of underlying technology, mechanical soundness may no longer be sufficient as much more has the potential to go wrong.
Performance
Mated to the smooth six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder churns out 306 bhp and 400 Nm of torque at 1300 rpm. With enormous torque from such a low rpm, and so many horses on tap, the 2011 BMW X6's engine gives a performance worthy of the chassis. Numbers do not lie: the BMW X6 reaches 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.7 seconds.
Roominess
Although longer and wider than the BMW X5, the X6 is a four-seater. Makes you wonder where all the space went, until you realise how sloping the roof really is, and how a cubby hole has taken over the space for the middle rear seat. Driver and front passenger enjoy copious amounts of head- and leg-room, however rear passengers make do with just sufficient headroom, but at least the legroom is good. The boot is also penalised by the roofline, being long and wide, but too shallow for heavy usage.
Running Costs
With the latest direct injection technology, the 2011 BMW X6 has commendable fuel economy among large SUVs, especially when taking into account its performance and size. Maintenance will be costly, but typically long service intervals should help. Road tax of around two thousand ringgit will be dwarfed by the huge insurance bill. The BMW brand will mitigate the depreciation, but as the X6 sits in a new crossover sector, potential depreciation might be higher than for conventional SUVs.
Value for Money
The Porsche Cayenne sells upwards of RM 550K, the Land Rover Range Rover from RM 659K and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport from RM 569K. At RM 569K, the BMW X5 could well be the X6's greatest obstacle to sales success. The 2011 BMW X6 offers great handling and unique style, but little on practicality and space. All of the mentioned SUVs have more space, and for many, that is reason enough to overlook the BMW X6.
Equipment
High-tech gadgets include hill descent control, park distance control, all-wheel xDrive system, rear self-leveling suspension system, roll-over sensors, active steering and head-up display. 19-inch wheels, run-flat tyres, foglights, rain sensors, xenon headlights, panoramic glass roof, iDrive controller, colour monitor and multi-function audio system are standard. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including anti-lock braking system, brake assist and traction control, and airbags are standard.
Environment
Although market trends have only started heading the direct injection technology way, BMW has taken the lead in this aspect for some time now. And they are reaping the rewards with the 2011 BMW X6's 3.0-litre engine using less fuel and producing lower carbon dioxide emissions than comparable ones. Emissions stand at 262 g/km—barely reasonable in absolute terms, but excellent when considering the BMW X6's performance and size.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Unique menacing styling
Brilliant to drive for its size
Useful high-tech gadgets
Only seats four
Compromised rear visibility
Costly to buy and run
