2012 BMW X6 Video Road Test and Review

The BMW X6 is a full-size sports-activity 'coupe', or SUV with a dramatically-sloping rear roofline.  The four-seat BMW X6 (five with the optional rear bench installed) appeals to luxury buyers looking for distinctive styling without much concern for overall practicality, as the large crossover offers 60 cubic feet of interior storage space with the back seats out of the picture.  Handling for the X6 is above average thanks to the inclusion of standard all-wheel drive, good weight balance and a healthy infusion of electronic driver's aides, and the vehicle also comes with side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, forward airbags and the availability of the BMW Assist telematics system.

The BMW X6 xDrive35i (MSRP $59,600) represents the entry-level edition of the crossover.  The xDrive35i features a sunroof, HID headlights, heated leather seats (with 10-way power adjustment up front), the iDrive interface, a power tailgate, parking sensors and a CD player paired with HD radio and a USB interface.  The xDrive50i trim (MSRP $70,200) adds BMW Assist, a voice-controlled navigation system and more adjustability for the front seats.

BMW offers an extensive array of options packages to go with the X6.  The Premium package includes a navigation system, four zones of climate control, keyless entry and a rearview camera, while the Premium Sound package includes a surround sound audio system.  The Active Ventilated Seat package installs ventilated sport seats that automatically adjust to keep driver and passengers in place, and the Cold Weather package provides a heated steering wheel, seat heaters for second row occupants and headlight washers.  The Sport Package offers an active suspension system, more aggressive trim and either 19 or 20-inch wheels, while the Technology package includes a heads-up display and a sideview camera.

The BMW X6 xDrive35i comes with a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine under the hood.  Capable of generating 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, this motor returns fuel mileage of 16-mpg in city driving and 23-mpg on the highway and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.  The xDrive50i steps up to a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that can be counted on to provide 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque while delivering fuel economy figures of 14-mpg city and 20-mpg highway.  A eight-speed autobox is also included with the eight-cylinder unit.

A list of cars similar to the X6 includes the 2012 Porsche Cayenne and 2012 Acura ZDX.

See more details about the 2012 BMW X6.