I’m always excited when I read/write about powerful speedsters that are readily available in Nigeria so this write up might appear a bit too youthful. To fulfil all righteousness I’d start with a brief history of the car.
SUV or Coupe? Why not have both. The BMW X6 is a mid-sized luxury crossover released for sale in the late 2008 for the 2009 model year by German Automaker BMW. The X6 was marketed as a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) by BMW. It combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive, all weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance and looks of a coupe (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof etc).
The concept model debuted in the 2007 Frankfurt Motor show and production began in 2008 in Detroit. It’s slightly longer, wider and lower than the X5, seats only four and since 2011, optionally five.
Now let’s talk about my favourite part; the performance. There are a wide variety of engines available for the X6. You can get a 3.0Litre Diesel engine or a 3.0L turbocharged V6 petrol engine. However the bit I’m interested in is the massive 4.4 twin turbocharged V8 that shoots out a colossal 555horsepower; that’s 5 more than you get in a Ford GT, 55 more than you get in a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and 145 more than you get in a Ferrari 360 ”Astonishing”. 
The power is fed to all four wheels through a uniquely designed gear box which you can have in flappy paddle semi-automatic mode or fully automatic 6 speed mode. The X6 accelerates from 0-100km/h in five seconds which is really fast for a utility vehicle. It also has a top speed of 170mph/275km/h which should make it one of the fastest CUV’s in the market.
The power is fed to all four wheels through a uniquely designed gear box which you can have in flappy paddle semi-automatic mode or fully automatic 6 speed mode. The X6 accelerates from 0-100km/h in five seconds which is really fast for a utility vehicle. It also has a top speed of 170mph/275km/h which should make it one of the fastest CUV’s in the market.
Then there’s the aesthetics. The X6 looks spectacularly awesome from any angle and even from a distance. I saw someone driving it a couple of weeks back, in Unilag and I was like WOW. The exterior styling is so youthful, so invigorating, so dynamic and so gorgeous, even Leonardo Da Vinci would marvel at it. The Interior isn’t really as exciting but still looks great especially if you have it in flush red.
In terms of gadgetry, all the elementary thrilling things you want like air-con, power windows, power steering, stereo sound system etc come fitted as standard. However if premium packaging is preferred, be prepared to pay a huge extra as you can spend up to 30% more just tuning it up.
There are lots of other added high tech features too. You can get a 6speed automatic transmission with aluminium paddles fixed to the steering wheel, adaptive Drive suspension, 20inch alloy wheels with run flat tires, BMW’s new servotronic power steering, cruise control, dynamic stability control, launch control and BMW’s electronic xDrive which if detects slip in any of the front or rear axle can react in a tenth of a second to send full power to whichever wheels have the most grip; so skidding is almost impossible on this car..
Though somewhat practical in terms of boot space, issues like fuel economy and maintenance costs are of little importance to the X6 as it is a luxury crossover meant for people who know their cars and want to make a statement, so if you’re out for something affordable and economical, look somewhere else.
PRICING
Naturally, you wouldn’t expect this beautiful thing to come cheap, Online prices start at $52000 and can rise up to $80000 if you want the full options, so expect a 30-40% increase here in Nigeria. You can get the 2008 model in the range of N7-9M and the 2012 model in the range of N13- 14M and considering all the excitement you get for your money, I think it’s worth it. If you’re looking to buy something exciting this Christmas, make sure you pop into Coscharis on the Island to check this car out.
OTHER REVIEWS
Top gear didn’t really like the exterior of the X6 or the truth that its in no way an off roader "dont make the mistake of driving it in Bar Beach or youd be towing it out with a trailer" but who cares.
Other reviewers generally appreciate the uniqueness of the 2013 BMW X6, a four-seat SUV with up to 555 horsepower. However, they say it’s an overall impractical purchase for nearly every SUV shopper.
Test drivers say the 2013 BMW X6 performs better than any SUV has a right to. They say that even its base six-cylinder engine provides great acceleration, and that it handles better than most SUVs. However, they note that its hefty curb weight negatively impacts handling, and that sedans or smaller crossovers with similar cargo capacities can offer better performance. Although the BMW X6 is technically an SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive, it’s in no way an off-road vehicle. Plus, the X6’s fuel economy isn’t stellar. Base trims get 16/23 mpg city/highway or 8km/litre according to the EPA. That’s like going from Ikorodu to the Island twice a day, you’d be out of fuel by Thursday afternoon. Models with larger engines get even worse mileage.
The BMW X6’s interior may be small compared with other crossovers, but reviewers say it’s well-made and well-equipped. It only seats four, which is unusual for an SUV, and it costs much more than many SUVs that offer more cargo and passenger space.
I see the BMW X6 replacing the Range Rover’s soon to end dynasty. It’s more stylish, more powerful and definitely more appealing. It’s also about the same price and to my eye, it defines what the luxurious Nigerian driver wants better than the Range Rover.
The BMW X6 is the kind of car meant to be driven only during weekends and special occasions, Cinema chilling on Friday, Social event on Saturday and Church service on Sunday that’s all.
I said in my Range Rover review that if you proposed to Agbani Darego in an Evoque, she’d have no choice but to say I do, however I believe if you take her out in this beauty, you wouldn’t need to propose to her, she’d literally beg you to marry her before the end of night.
To end, ive included Top Gears rather harsh analysis of the BMW X6
The BMW X6 full review
Reviewed by raffis
on
4:00 PM
Rating:
Reviewed by raffis
on
4:00 PM
Rating: