2010 BMW X6

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 BMW X6's trump card is its sports car-like performance, which is especially unique considering that it's an SUV. All trims come standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.

• "When I say the X6 drives like a car, I don't mean that it's car-like -- I mean it drives almost exactly like a car. I drove the X6 on highways, back roads, and wet and dry racetracks, and aside from a slight on-center numb spot in the steering, the X6 feels like a very tall BMW 3-series. Amazing." -- About.com
• "It will come as little surprise that the X6 is a very good driver. It has much more in common with a sport sedan than with any SUV, with typically BMW traits: direct steering, strong brakes, firm damping, and superb body control." -- Automobile Magazine
• "What separates the X6 from others of its ilk is that it really backs up the claim to be what BMW likes to call a Sport Activity Vehicle, with performance numbers well beyond the realm of reasonable for ordinary SUVs. Looking at the data, you can see that the X6 matches up with the much-lauded 335i." -- Road and Track
• "Underway, the X6 is an opulent experience for four adults. Power is fluid and seamless, while handling and control is more like a precision tool in the grasp of an experienced craftsman. Spirited cornering is virtually flat at even elevated speeds." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Acceleration and Power

The base xDrive35i model features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. Likewise, the xDrive50i comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Test drivers offer praise for both engines, noting they provide fantastic acceleration for a midsize SUV. They are both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission which comes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a sportier experience.

The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 model, but the 2009 X6 xDrive35i nets 15/20 mpg city/highway, while the xDrive50i offers a lesser 12/18 mpg. Fuel economy isn't a strong point for the X6, although it's about the norm for a luxury midsize SUV. For much higher fuel economy, consider the Lexus RX 350, which boasts an 18/25 mpg rating and costs a whopping $20,000 less than the X6. The Infiniti FX's 16/23 mpg rating is also excellent for the class, and it costs several thousand less than the X6.

• "Six-cylinder or V8, any X6 has strong acceleration from a stop and in highway passing and merging. Neither engine shows any noticeable turbo lag. BMW estimates for 0-60 mph acceleration are 6.5 seconds for the xDrive35i and 5.3 seconds for the xDrive50i." -- Consumer Guide
• "The six-speed transmission is a slick shifter, either as an automatic or manually shifted with paddles on the steering wheel." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• "This twin-turbo 6 is such a smooth, delectable source of motivation that it could be used to power a dentist's drill and you'd be happy to climb into that chair and pry open your mouth." -- New York Times
• "The X6 xDrive 50i is smooth and stealthy fast. Triple-digit speeds come so easily, the X6 could be [a] citation machine for the lead-footed. On highways, the X6 cossets you in such style and comfort, it feels, well, kind of slow. Then you look down and find you're doing double the speed limit." -- Motor Trend

Handling and Braking

True to its BMW heritage, the 2010 X6 is a great handler and boasts an especially sporty ride for an SUV. It comes standard with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system -- a feature that's just optional for most competitors. A $3,700 Sport Package comes with Electronic Damping Control, which provides more precise and agile handling. Though it provides a sportier ride, it may be too firm for those who are just looking for a comfortable daily driver.

• "The X6 is quiet and rock-steady at high speed, with nicely tuned speed-variable power steering and big, capable brakes. The SUV delivers the fun and feel of a sport coupe through twisting mountain roads and absorbs bumps admirably in city construction zones." -- Detroit Free Press
• "Despite a curb weight past 5200 pounds, the X6 xDrive 50i often handles like a much smaller vehicle. Ride is a combination of traditional BMW firmness with a bit of the roll you get with tall vehicles." -- Motor Trend
• "I can't help comparing it to a modern fighter jet that is so unstable that a computer is required to keep it flying straight. The X6 goes straight just fine, but throw it into a corner and a bunch of computers finesse the car's attitude to make sure you hit your apex. The result is a truly precise and dynamic ride that doesn't fail to impress." -- Road and Track
• "[W]hile its incredibly fast and has ridiculous levels of grip, the steering is almost totally numb, so it takes time to develop faith in the chassis' ability." -- Jalopnik
• "Dry-road grip and balance are very good on X6 models with the sport suspension and 20-inch wheels. On wet surfaces, X6s so equipped become more skittish, with lots of slowing required before entering corners. Some testers find the steering to be too heavy at low speeds. One test X6 suffered from touch brake-pedal action, making it difficult to stop smoothly." -- Consumer Guide