You'd be nuts not to like this SAC
Back in 2008 BMW debuted the X6 for the first time. It was marketed as a 'Sports Activity Coupe' rather than SUV, since the coupe styling limits its utility level in favour of some better looks. Twelve years later BMW has released the third generation with a more aggressive styling. I was wondering if this SAC, as BMW coined it, makes any sense when there are so many SUVs to choose from.
It's weird to get so much attention in an SUV, or rather an SAC, either way, and one without some bolder badge. But this thing gets looks. I had people signalling for me to roll the window down just to find out more, and it seemed like it was everyone's favourite pick for an SUV. It didn't take me long to start to understand why.
With this third generation, BMW dropped the xDrive50i model, replacing it with the m50i. Under the hood is a 523 hp twin-turbo V8, and she is angry. The power delivery is intoxicating. It's an unnecessary amount of power but that doesn't matter, it's just a joy. Paired with a slightly lower ride height, (6mm, not much over the previous model,) the X6 feels more agile, and feels more focused than the X5.
Inside is surprisingly luxurious. It's like finding out your hotel room has a bidet; it's so much more than you could need, but damn it, I'm using it all the same. The seats are draped in a soft leather, wrapped around a frame that supports 'numerous electric adjustment options,' (I think they gave up counting) and completed with heating, cooling and massage functions. Oddly enough, it seems that you can have both heating and cooling on at the same time. Is there a need for that? Oh well, give the people what they want, or don't even ask for. Heated seats are commonplace now, but heated armrests? Now that is a lovely addition - and one we can hope trickles down to the more average car - and luckily for those who can afford it, the X6 supplies. The front cup holders, like the seats, have both heating and cooling functions so now you can keep your coffee as toasty as your butt. Apple Carplay is available and it works without having to plug your phone in, connecting you to the lovely Harman/Kardon speakers which flood the cabin with the soothing tones of Mongolian Throat Singing...or whatever you like to listen to.
The luxury and tech is seamlessly woven into the drive when you're not opening up that monstrous v8. The semi-autonomous driving works wonders as it navigates heavy traffic easily and even changes lane by itself. The heads up display is subtle but still noticeable, as one should be, and the 360 degree cameras make parking a breeze, considering visibility is not the best.
On the topic of visibility, the issue is mainly from the back end. The rear window - while not exactly small - leads to a minimal view because of the angle it sits. It's as if you're in the Shire, looking out of a window, but you are Gandalf, or perhaps a cave troll. You could easily reverse over a Mazda MX-5 without seeing it (good thing for those cameras). Are you the kind that likes to play guess the car behind you? Well, now you're playing expert mode. It's like a fox den. There aren't many worse rear views that come to mind, but the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ probably tops it. It's not quite that level, I think I got carried away...but this is supposed to be an SUV! I mean SAC. Because you're sitting so high but have such a minimal view, there's an immense and uncomfortable amount of space directly behind that you that can't be seen.
Now, with the sloping roof line you would expect a loss of rear headroom. I don't know how, but a 6'4" fellow can fit comfortably in the back with some room to spare. That's unexpected, and impressive. The X6 is a bit harder to get in and out of though, having to bend more than some folks might be expecting.
Is the X6 less practical than the X5, or any other SUV? Technically, sure, but in actuality you're likely not to notice. There is some loss of height so you wouldn't be transporting extra large items that the X5 might take, but these moments are extremely rare for most people. If you are in this rare group, you likely already have a, SUV or some kind of truck and can be your own judge for if you can sacrifice the space for looks. The trunk is long, with quite a bit of space, comparable to a large 5-door coupe, as that is essentially what it is. The seats fold flat enough that I was able to get a large painting in without issue. A tow hook is optional, and though I expect it to rarely be checked, you can add an off road package.
I expected to dislike this one. On paper, it just doesn't make any sense. It's a big vehicle without the usability. But I do like it. In fact I quite like it. It's extremely comfortable, luxurious, unnecessarily quick and I'll contend that it does look quite good, and is actually more usable than you might think. The X6 is for someone who likes SUVs but has less need for one. Someone who doesn't think the X5 looks good enough and would rather have a tall coupe. This is more of an image SUV, and it's done that well. In my week of testing, it seems universally adored. And if this somehow isn't fast enough there's always the X6M and X6M Competition available for those who need more.
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