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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Attractive, edgy styling; typical BMW athleticism; excellent turbocharged power from either I6 or V8 engine; cargo space; standard electronic all-wheel drive. |
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The 2008 BMW X6 is an all-new hatchback model, designed to bridge the gap between the Bavarian company's popular 3- and 5-Series sports sedans and its athletic X-Series SUVs. The result is something BMW calls a four-door "Sports Activity Coupe" that offers the performance expected of a lithe coupe but the utility of a crossover.
The styling is aggressive and in keeping with the BMW family line, with the typical kidney bean grille, large air intakes, and fog lamps. Ten exterior colors and eleven interior leather options are available.
The X6 is available as either the xDrive35i, with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L I6 making 300 horsepower, or the xDrive50i, with a twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 making 400 horsepower. Both models have standard all-wheel drive and come loaded with the creature comforts one expects from the entire BMW range. |
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Value: |
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BMW has a well-deserved reputation for building some of the best cars in the world, and the 2008 X6 looks to further that track record. For those looking for the sports car performance of a coupe but the versatility of a small SUV, the X6 is the ticket. With a choice of either I6 or V8 power (both twin-turbocharged), sport-tuned suspension, increased clearance and cargo room, and the safety and security of BMW's advanced xDrive all-wheel drive system, the X6 goes a long way to create a brand-new market segment-what BMW dubs the Sports Activity Coupe. |
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Overview: |
BMW introduced its X6 at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and the company bills the car as the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, a four-door, four-passenger car that's not quite a crossover and not quite a coupe, but something in between. The 2008 BMW X6 joins the X3 and X5 in the X-Series, but it is distinctively different from those more traditional-looking SUVs. But like all BMW's, the focus here is on sportiness and performance.
The X6 comes in two trim levels-xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The xDrive35i derives its power from a twin-turbocharged 3.0L I6, which produces 300 horsepower and 300 ft-lb of torque.
The potent unit is also found in the 335i and 135i. The xDrive50i also benefits from twin-turbochargers, in this case feeding a brand-new 4.4L V8 making a hefty 400 horsepower and 450 ft-lb of torque at just 1,800 rpm. Both cars put their power to the ground through a six-speed automatic transmission and utilize BMW's efficient, intelligent, electronic xDrive all-wheel drive system. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Both models also benefit from an innovative new BMW system called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC).
It not only regulates power between the front and rear wheels but also controls torque side to side to each of the rear wheels, which helps steer the X6 through corners with the agility of a smaller car. DPC is an industry first.
Inside, you'll find all the luxury and quality you expect in a BMW. Eleven different leather options are available, with ash wood and brushed aluminum accents throughout. All four bucket seats feature an elevated seating position, and the rear seats are separated by their own console.
Front and rear sensors assist in parking, and dynamic cruise control enhances the highway experience. Dual-zone automatic climate control and power everything completes the model. The rear seats also fold forward in a 60/40 split, allowing for a cargo capacity of a generous 59.7 cubic feet.
The X6 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch alloys optional. Other options include HD radio, heated rear seats, a rearview camera, a power tailgate, satellite radio, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment, and navigation. |
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