2009 BMW X6 User Reviews

Pros

for its engine and compared to other vehicles in its class ...90%

Cons

ride is smooth for a sport suv[coupe]

Purchased As New

power steering should not be an option,steering should be less stiff though the feel may be what the manufacturer is driving at

Pros

Not a "me too" car - you won't see dozens in traffic and parking lots

Cons

Gas economy a little disappointing - but virtues far outweigh this "con"

Purchased As New

I drove an X5, and then took a drive in the X6. There is a noticeable difference in power between the xDrive3.0i in the X5 and the xDrive3.5i in the X6. No worries about freeway merges or passing - the power is right there, right now. Comfort is amazing. Seats hug you and are very adjustable, having sufficient side bolstering to be very supportive in turns, and just every day slow and go traffic.
Driving characteristics are GREAT. Very sedan like in feel and execution. You just don't feel like you are in a top heavy SUV. You can corner on freeway ramps and except for the excellent visibility provided by all SUV (you sit up high) one easily forgets you are driving an SUV.
I found the iDrive system easy to master. The Bluetooth sync with my cell phone is FANTASTIC - don't know how I lived without it, and really miss this feature when I drive any of my other cars. Rear visibility is not as limited as the angle of the rear window would make you think. BMW has provided enormous side view mirrors, and the parking sensor system is standard. I don't have the rear camera (or the Nav system) but so far have not wished for (or regretted not having) either. I mentioned being a little disappointed by the fuel economy, but probably that's because this is just such an enjoyable car to drive. There is NO real feeling of speed - I had to set the speed warning feature, because the car feels as solid at 80 plus as it does at 55. So, based on the number times the speed warning has "chimed" I think my less than stellar (18 mpg) gas mileage has a lot to do with the "spirited" driving this car invites you into. Nice large trunk area behind the rear seats - which also pull down easily in a 60/40 manner if you have something long to haul. People stop at gas stations and ask about the car. Everyone who has been a passenger loves it. I'm so glad I bought the X6 - has provided much more enjoyment that I ever anticipated in an SUV/Crossover vehicle. Highly recommend to anyone who wants something a little different from the rest of the pack....read morehide

Pros

performance, looks, comfort

Cons

gas milage

Purchased As New

If you are looking for a car that will get you noticed and just about know one else will have, this is the car for you. I am in love with this vehicle and it offers me everything I expect from a new vehicle. Performance, style, comfort, reliability are just a few of my expectations. My previous car was the 2007 Cadillac Escalade with the 22" rims. Great car until everyone else had one. The X6 is a low volume niche car that is expensive and should keep enough people from affording one. The only con against the car is the gas mileage, but that is expected when you buy a 400+ horsepower V8 that can do 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. I would say that the rear backup camera should be mandatory (which I have) only because I can't imagine trying to back up without it. I realize that an $80,000 4 seater crossover, sport activity coupe, suv, or whatever people want to call it is pricey, but the Escalade is 75K the Range Rover 90K and only offer less performance and more maintenance costs.
If you are still uncertain I would at least say get the X5, but wait until the 2010 models come out and it gets the updated V6 and V8 engines, and the newly updated I-drive (which isn't nearly as complicated as people say it is)....read morehide

Pros

Unique styling, FAST, options

Cons

Obviously gas mileage, price

Purchased As New

I LOVE this car! I am a car enthusiast and do not buy a car without having researched it completely. I bought this after my Infiniti G35 coupe lease was up and I needed something to get me out of that depression. Believe me, I have a smile on my face!

I originally was going to buy the xDrive 35i until I drove the xDrive50i. Like the salesman said, "It's grin enhancing!" I don't think I quit smiling for at least an hour. Fast is not enough to describe this car. Remember, I came from a fast, 6 speed manual transmission on a sports car. I'm not missing it one bit. There really isn't too much of the "turbo lag" that you might expect. Although the vehicle sits up higher like an SUV, it can certainly handle the corners like a sports car. If feels very close to the road even though it's taller like an SUV.

My vehicle has every option except the active ventilation package and the rear DVD. I honestly thought that several of the options are unnecessary until I drove the vehicle for a week. The soft close doors ($600) are fantastic, allowing the doors to only need to touch the frame and the car pulls them shut. The heads up display ($1200) is surprisingly discreet although it can't be seen with my polarized sunglasses on. The nappa leather dashboard ($1900) is definitely not needed but it certainly is beautiful. The comfort access system ($1000) is nice in that you never have to have the "key" out of your pocket or purse. Just touch the door handle and the door lock. Hold your finger on the handle for just a little longer and the windows and sunroof shut. The automatic tailgate opening and closing is a must in my opinion (included in the premium package).

Although the vehicle only seats four, comfort is certainly not compromised. I always thought that BMW seats and leather were hard and uncomfortable after owning two Lexus vehicles. That is not the case with the X6 and the nevada leather. The front seats hug you and make you feel like you're sitting in a leather recliner. With the 20 way contour seats, you will always be comfortable. The back seats almost make me want to sit back there instead of up front! Some reviewers will complain about rear head room, but I haven't noticed a problem. The trunk space is incredible and is comparable to the X5 when the rear seats are laid flat.

I was not a huge fan of the iDrive system when I saw my friend's BMW 3 years ago. I haven't had any problems with it. Spend about 30 minutes getting used to it and you'll love the amount of control that you have from the driver's seat. Unlike any other car that I've driven or owned, you can make any and all adjustments while the car is moving. This is unusual (and possibly dangerous) but I thoroughly appreciate it. If you're the type of person that can not multi-task, then do not make too many changes while driving. But, you really won't need to with the voice activation system. You can make almost any change needed by pushing just one button. Incredible! The stereo system is fantastic as well and you can change the equalizer with each component. By the way, I highly recommend the ipod adapter which allows you to maneuver through your playlists and artists on the display.

I was in a hurry to get the vehicle home the day I bought it, so I have not gone over everything with the salesman yet. Because of that, I have been reading the manual to try and discover all that the car can do until I meet with him. Honestly, the vehicle is smarter than many humans that I know! The car calls BMW itself to report when it needs something for goodness sakes!

If you don't want to buy this vehicle after reading this review, then you probably never wanted to buy it to begin with. Words can not describe how fantastic this vehicle is. DRIVE IT! You'll fall in love immediately!...read morehide

Pros

Great looks, great performance, solid build. Kudos to BMW.

Cons

none yet

Purchased As New

This is the Persimmon/Oyster combination; it looks fabulous. The vehicle was made in the first batch of 2009s. It has most of the options. I did not get the sport package due to BMW's caution about driving in snow and ice conditions. When backing up, the sensors give me the input I need, and I do not find the camera to "mandatory".
The i-drive is not as complicated as I had expected.
I love the sportiness and the attendant handling. The brakes are more than up to the task of stopping this heavy vehicle. The vehicle drives as though it is smaller than actual.
Over the years, we have had a couple of M-Bs and a Porsche. I rate this X6 as my best ever....read morehide

Pros

very easy to handle, Active steering, heads up display makes it more comfortable

Cons

too many blind spots, needs the parking camera assistance!

Purchased As New

Bought in the first week of December 08. It attracts lots of attention! After the first month the communication ( I-Drive)acted up, otherwise fine.The tires are noisy(sport RF). Very comfortable otherwise.

Purchased As Not Purchased

This is one of the best reasonable price of the offroad vehicles.
It looks aggressive and powerful besdie the luxury standards of BMW automotives. I do think it will get very good reputation on the coming years.

Pros

A Great Ride!

Cons

Draws too much attention

Purchased As New

My husband surprised me Christmas Day with the 2009 model. Beautiful car (Alpine white)! Draws constant attention, so if you like to keep a low profile (which I do but couldn't resist its allure), this is NOT the car for you. Oh, and it drives so well!! I have the xDrive35i with sport package and gas mileage is OK as long as you don't gun it on the highway (which I can't seem to help myself, he-he). We are empty nesters, so 4 seats is not a problem; although, online the car may look small, in person the car is large. It's comfortable and spacey enough and the interiors are to die for (Chateau Nevada leather w/ alluminum trim). I'm thankful that hubby included the rear view camera (rear visibility would be the only drawback if you don't order this option). I live in Puerto Rico so the cost was (I admit ridiculously expensive) about 45% more. But I love my car!!!!...read morehide

Pros

fantastic looks

Cons

tiring driving in the city

Purchased As New

I own this car for 3 months now and I am deeply satisfied with my choice. Fantastic looks, powerful engine , not for soccer moms, a real driving machine

Its a bit rough to drive it in slow traffic and really comes to life after 50 mph. Rear view camera is a must,.... Bridgestone RF are quite rough, I heard that Pirelli RF are much smoother

Fuel consumption is a small issue, but is my fault .. I love the sound of the engine so I am taking every opportunity to stretch my right foot....read morehide

Pros

Precise steering, nimble, a real drivers car

Cons

Rear visibility is poor

I've owned this car for 7 months/12k miles. First, ignore the comment on poor gas mileage, BMW will tell you (if you ask only) that REGULAR/87 fuel is perfectly fine. My experience: 17.5 mpg/city and I drive the car in a somewhat "sporty" fashion. If you expectation is 20 mpg+ this is not the car for you. Note: On a weeklong trip I averaged 22+ mpg highway so given a 300hp/twin turbo drivetrain I'd say that's very impressive.
Absolutely zero car problems thus far - get the Michelin tires even if that means removing the deplorable Bridgestone Dueler tires - no comparison between the two.
Winter performance: Good to excellent. This is Buffalo and need I say anything about the winter weather. Comparable all wheel performance to Acura MDX (previous car) - almost but not quite as good probably due to the 18" low profile rubber. By the way - the Michelin's (standard) are all season tires.
Seating comfort/position: Near Perfect
Road/cabin noise: Negligible
Options: Heated steering wheel (excellent), fold down rear seats.
Net/net: If you can accept a 4 person ONLY SUV and appreciate the engineering genius of BMW and find 17+MPG around town acceptable you will not find a better car.
Final thought/Safety: Was in a near crash situation on a highway exit, rainy night, poor visbility. Car in front had gotten sidways and forced a 40+ mph evasive manuever on slick roads ........ the X6 was racecar precise allowing me to lock up the brakes due to a panic situation and still produced a controlled, no skid lane change! I am convinced that in most ANY other car there would have been a very different (and unfortunate) outcome....read morehide