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BMW X6 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 BMW X6 ranks 12 out of 14 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 26 published reviews and test drives of the BMW X6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Dubbed by BMW as a "Sports Activity Coupe," the X6 is the German automaker's newest entry in the SUV segment. BMW already produces the X3 and X5 crossovers, but the X6 is unique in that it combines sleek coupe looks and sporty BMW performance with SUV utility.

While the X6 definitely makes a splash with its excellent handling, several reviewers complain about its high price tag and impractical nature. "The design of the 2008 BMW X6 might be polarizing, although we have yet to meet someone who loves it, and it will take that kind of love to fork over the money for one," says CNET. "Although it has excellent cabin electronics and superior handling, it is far from a practical car." The X6's gadgetry has earned it at least one honor so far -- it's one of Wheels Media's Urban Truck of the Year finalists. For more affordable options, consider the Lexus RX 350 or Infiniti FX.

The 2009 X6 is available in two trims -- the six-cylinder xDrive35i and eight-cylinder xDrive50i.

• "Although we were blown away by the X6's on-road capabilities, we can't help wondering if luxury SUV buyers are looking for -- or will even push the vehicle enough to notice -- this level of performance. After all, the heavier, slower, and half-as-capable Range Rover is an aspirational luxury SUV for many." -- Car and Driver
• "X6 is a study in compromises. It accelerates and handles like a sporty coupe, but it will never be as agile due to its sheer size and heft. Its hatchback design makes it slightly more versatile than a sedan, but X6 is neither as roomy nor as comfortable as a sedan or SUV. With prices that can easily exceed $70,000 with options, X6 is not a strong value, especially when BMW's own X5 is more practical, not much slower, and costs much less when comparably equipped." -- Consumer Guide
• "[T]he X6 won me over with its unique and lovely looks, comfort and performance. It's the best SUV BMW has built yet, and it's the standard to beat for other luxury-sport crossovers." -- Detroit Free Press
• "The X6 is neither practical nor a car for the masses. Compared to the 6-Series or other luxury coupes, it offers expanded capability and the convenience of four doors. It has the passenger room of a mid-size sedan, with about double the cargo volume. But compared to a crossover or SUV, it has only four-passenger seating, tight rear-seat accommodations and restricted cargo space." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• "Nobody needs to own a BMW X6. Think of it as a nice reward to yourself for having had, say, the foresight to short Bear-Stearns in January. It's a good choice if your neighborhood is already overrun by Porsche Cayennes, Range Rovers, and Lexus LX570s." -- Gear Log
• "The X6 is not particularly useful. BMW refers to their SUVs as SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles), and if ever a vehicle deserved to have "utility" dropped from its name, it's the X6. The X6 can't go off-road and its lack of back-seat headroom makes it a lousy vehicle for hauling four adults. (It does, however, have a colossally big trunk.) It's incredibly expensive and sucks down fuel at an alarming rate. And yet I still love it. I don't just mean 'like it a lot'; I really do love the X6." -- About.com

X6 Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)

More than anything else, the 2009 BMW X6 stands out for the way it drives. "The all-new X6 from the Bavarian Motor Works is unquestionably a fine performer," says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It is, after all, a BMW, with all that entails: superb handling, two powerful engines, supple ride and, of course, high prices." The X6 is available with six-cylinder and V8 engines. Read More

X6 Exterior - 7.4 (Good)

With its sloping roof, the X6 is especially sporty-looking for an SUV, but not every reviewer likes the look. The Car Connection asks, "The 2009 BMW X6 has some striking elements, but is it really beautiful?" There's no question that the X6's exterior makes a statement, but its radical styling divides reviewers. One auto critic even describes its exterior as a "military weapon." Read More

X6 Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The all-new X6's interior is high-quality, upscale and chock full of high-tech features. "Cabin decor is both upscale and sporty, with ample use of soft-touch surfaces and materials with visible, high-grade stitching," writes Consumer Guide. However, as with other BMWs that feature the iDrive system, reviewers are disappointed in the X6's complicated cabin controls. Some reviewers also have complaints about its rear seats. Read More

X6 Safety - NA

The 2009 X6 has not yet undergone crash tests. However, buyers can rest assured that it comes with high-end safety features. "The X6 comes with all the safety features you'd expect at this price: antilock brakes, electronic stability control, and curtain and front-seat side air bags," says the Detroit Free Press. Read More

X6 Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 BMW X6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 BMW X6 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More