Tested BMW X6 35D

Golfer · 24-05-2008, 05:57 PM

Right firstly I covered 97 miles in high winds, it returned 30 MPG I did get it up to 35MPG at a cruise, it had 20 miles on the clock when I got it so it needs a few K to give it's best which should be 34 ish.
It handles very well and car-like very little body roll without Adaptive Drive, so you don't need that, The steering is IMO well weighted without Adaptive steering, so again ya don't need that.
Although the wind was howling the car was not noisey or pushed off line, however economy did suffer as would any cars.
Power wise it's more than adiquate but not what I call quick, if pushed over 3500 rpm the engine note is heard but not too intrusive,
to improve performance................. P-tronic box will fix that.
It drives very car-like and I covered most road types, right down to farm tracks................ no problems at all and it handled well.The large tyres were not noisey at all on any surface.
I really like the space the car has, 4 seats yes, good room in the rear yes, and the boot is just great with a under floor hide away of large space.
I found the rear seats very spacious and the drive very enjoyable, so much so I am going to order one.

I found most of the bad press unfounded and until you drive one for more than 10 mins you really can not judge it, the more miles I did the more I loved it.
The high driving position was great and I could see all round the car easily even the very small rear window was adiquate to easily see cars behind, when reversing you can adjust the cammera to full-screen and see very well whats behind. the sports seats are great and you do NOT feel "Sitting on top of the car" as with the X5. The X6 is miles away from the X5 IMO. and much the better for it.

The HUD was really good too. It is a great car and sooo unlike anything out there, many people showed interest in the car.
Interior finish is great too.

CarMad · 25-05-2008, 08:15 AM

Nice review, so are you thinking of getting one then? How 4x4 is it, higher off the road but it doesn't look X5 high.

Golfer · 25-05-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarMad

Nice review, so are you thinking of getting one then? How 4x4 is it, higher off the road but it doesn't look X5 high.

It is not as high as the X5 and does not drive like one ( thank god). I am keen on a deal I have set-up giving me almost all my money back in july for mine against one with most options, I like it a lot, it will not be quite as economical as the 635DS or as quick, but with the P-Tronic box it should be quite rapid and frugalish.
The high driving position is nice and the lack of body roll is great.

CarMad · 25-05-2008, 06:03 PM

Post some photos up if you go for a look again. Would be interested to see what it looks like in the read world rather than the glitzy shots.

Merlot · 26-05-2008, 08:35 AM

You are getting as bad as me Golfer. I've taken a year off from car changing so will use you as a proxy. FWIW I don't think its a silly idea as I guess you are missing the 4WD of the RS4 but Audi still don't do a decent lightweight, high output diesel - roll on their twin turbo V6.

Golfer · 26-05-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlot

You are getting as bad as me Golfer. I've taken a year off from car changing so will use you as a proxy. FWIW I don't think its a silly idea as I guess you are missing the 4WD of the RS4 but Audi still don't do a decent lightweight, high output diesel - roll on their twin turbo V6.

Yep maybe another Audi one day but not for me yet;

Here is what she will look like;
http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/attac...1&d=1211798375

Golfer · 26-05-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarMad

Post some photos up if you go for a look again. Would be interested to see what it looks like in the read world rather than the glitzy shots.

This is the colour I like;
http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/attac...1&d=1211798664

OliFH · 03-06-2008, 08:50 PM

what is the thinking behind the change John - just the elevated driving position?

Will BMW be offering additional insurance against a confused hippo attempting to mate with it?

Golfer · 04-06-2008, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OliFH

what is the thinking behind the change John - just the elevated driving position?

Will BMW be offering additional insurance against a confused hippo attempting to mate with it?

The change is "Rear Seats" mate, the 635D/S is a great piece of kit, but the family are moaning about discomfort of the rear seats

. So the X6 35D with bigger rear seats (which are quite roomy dispite the bad press) and larger boot space coupled to high drive positon fits the bill, I have been offered almost what I payed in Jan for the 6 in september

, so seems a good deal. Same running gear as the 635DS with 4 wheel drive, that looks good to me.

Merlot · 05-06-2008, 06:23 PM

Well I sat in an X6 today and really liked it. Mind you I like the new X5 too. Demand appears to be strong for both but they are pricey - I specced a twin turbo diesel X6 up to £52k reasonably easily and, of course, everyone wants the M Sport which is not due till next year. The X series does not offer what I want from my BMW but I understand why they sell.

John, what about a car like mine (535d M Sport)? They are very good value nearly new, have a huge back seat (the kids moaned about my 6 series too) and handle better than a 6 series in the wet if you get the 19" wheels with the non-runflat tyres. Weighes nearly 500kg less than an X6 too!

24-05-2008, 05:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Golfer Audi RS4 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,272	Tested BMW X6 35D Right firstly I covered 97 miles in high winds, it returned 30 MPG I did get it up to 35MPG at a cruise, it had 20 miles on the clock when I got it so it needs a few K to give it's best which should be 34 ish. It handles very well and car-like very little body roll without Adaptive Drive, so you don't need that, The steering is IMO well weighted without Adaptive steering, so again ya don't need that. Although the wind was howling the car was not noisey or pushed off line, however economy did suffer as would any cars. Power wise it's more than adiquate but not what I call quick, if pushed over 3500 rpm the engine note is heard but not too intrusive, to improve performance................. P-tronic box will fix that. It drives very car-like and I covered most road types, right down to farm tracks................ no problems at all and it handled well.The large tyres were not noisey at all on any surface. I really like the space the car has, 4 seats yes, good room in the rear yes, and the boot is just great with a under floor hide away of large space. I found the rear seats very spacious and the drive very enjoyable, so much so I am going to order one. I found most of the bad press unfounded and until you drive one for more than 10 mins you really can not judge it, the more miles I did the more I loved it. The high driving position was great and I could see all round the car easily even the very small rear window was adiquate to easily see cars behind, when reversing you can adjust the cammera to full-screen and see very well whats behind. the sports seats are great and you do NOT feel "Sitting on top of the car" as with the X5. The X6 is miles away from the X5 IMO. and much the better for it. The HUD was really good too. It is a great car and sooo unlike anything out there, many people showed interest in the car. Interior finish is great too. __________________ Three may keep a secret, if two of them are Dead. Benjamin Franklin After three days men grow weary, of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy. Benjamin Franklin Last edited by Golfer; 25-05-2008 at 04:59 AM.

25-05-2008, 08:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
CarMad Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 10,895	Nice review, so are you thinking of getting one then? How 4x4 is it, higher off the road but it doesn't look X5 high. __________________ BMW 330i e90 M-Sport - Review

25-05-2008, 06:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
CarMad Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 10,895	Post some photos up if you go for a look again. Would be interested to see what it looks like in the read world rather than the glitzy shots. __________________ BMW 330i e90 M-Sport - Review

03-06-2008, 08:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
OliFH Can't afford a 911 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Posts: 288	what is the thinking behind the change John - just the elevated driving position? Will BMW be offering additional insurance against a confused hippo attempting to mate with it? __________________ 2007 Cayman S, Arctic Silver

26-05-2008, 08:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
Merlot Subaru Impreza WRX Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: On a B road Posts: 2,897	You are getting as bad as me Golfer. I've taken a year off from car changing so will use you as a proxy. FWIW I don't think its a silly idea as I guess you are missing the 4WD of the RS4 but Audi still don't do a decent lightweight, high output diesel - roll on their twin turbo V6.

05-06-2008, 06:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
Merlot Subaru Impreza WRX Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: On a B road Posts: 2,897	Well I sat in an X6 today and really liked it. Mind you I like the new X5 too. Demand appears to be strong for both but they are pricey - I specced a twin turbo diesel X6 up to £52k reasonably easily and, of course, everyone wants the M Sport which is not due till next year. The X series does not offer what I want from my BMW but I understand why they sell. John, what about a car like mine (535d M Sport)? They are very good value nearly new, have a huge back seat (the kids moaned about my 6 series too) and handle better than a 6 series in the wet if you get the 19" wheels with the non-runflat tyres. Weighes nearly 500kg less than an X6 too!