Controversial it may be, but BMW's X6 sport activity vehicle (the Bavarian brand insists its crossovers are anything by utilitarian) moves into 2017 with no significant changes, following a redesign in 2015.
Okay, not everything is the same: the X6's MSRP goes up a thousand bucks, to $70,400. That's for the xDrive 35i model, powered by a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine that generates 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque; for $86,700, the xDrive 50i variant gets a turbo 4.4L V8 capable of cranking out 445 hp and 479 lb-ft. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Fuel consumption estimates, according to Natural Resources Canada test methods, are 13.0/9.8 L/100 km for the 35i model, and 15.4/11.3 in 50i trim.
The X6 shares a platform and running gear with the more conventional X5 crossover, but BMW's intent here was to create a more aggressive vehicle that sacrifices utility for more attention-getting styling. There's less headroom in the back seat than the X5 offers, and while the cargo area remains perfectly usable, there's far less room for bulky items under that sloped tailgate.
BMW doesn't have many competitors, here. There's the similarly-profiled Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and that's about it, a tacit acknowledgment that there just isn't much of a market for SUVs and crossovers masquerading as tall-riding sports cars.
On the outside, standard kit in the xDrive 35i includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive (steerable) Xenon headlights, adaptive brake lights, heated auto-dimming side mirrors with power fold function, and heated windshield washer jets.
Convenience features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and front seats, power tilt-and-telescopic steering, power tailgate, 10-way power front seats, power tailgate, Dakota leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Safety items include front and rear park assist, backup camera and rain-sensing wipers.
The options list is long: there's Nappa leather ($3,900), Bang & Olufsen stereo ($4,900), Merino leather ($5,900), performance package (up to $5,900), dynamic adaptive suspension ($1,500), driving assistant plus ($2,500), night vision with pedestrian detection ($2,500), and a rear seat entertainment system ($1,950).
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
