bmw x6 sport 2011

BMW’s in-house tuning division has finally caved to customer pressure and set its team of engineers to work on its X5 and X6 utility vehicles in an effort to counter performance offerings available from main rivals Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. I recently spent a week with the sporty BMW X6 M and must admit that I came away impressed. The X6 M is an enthusiast’s dream with its incredible twin-turbocharged, 4.4-litre V8 M engine which offers up a scorching 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. All this power is impressive, but even more impressive is the fact that this heavy hitter remains surprisingly fuel efficient due to the assistance of BMW's High Precision Direct Injection.

The X6 M has been engineered to push the limits of what was previously possible with a vehicle of this type and guarantee a driving experience characteristic of a BMW M product. With virtually zero turbo-lag and the assistance of Launch Control, the X6 M will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds as the six-speed, M Sport automatic transmission delivers this prodigious power to the ground. Acceleration is linear and predictable throughout the power band and few drivers will ever truly tap what seems like limitless power reserves as the X6 M hustles down the road. There is an electronically set speed limit (250 km/h) should your enthusiasm over-power your commonsense.

Aluminum paddle-type shift levers are fitted within easy reach of the driver allowing him or her to keep their hands on the three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Its thick rim is easy to hang on to as you navigate through the twisty bits. Traction was incredible as the combination of sticky tires, BMW’s proven Xdrive all-wheel-drive system and intelligent and adaptable Dynamic Performance Control are all at work to distribute power where needed and keep you tracking straight and true.

How is this performance possible you ask? Well BMW claims that the M TwinPower Turbo unit boasts faster turbo-charger response than any other turbo engine in the world. This incredible feat of engineering incorporates a patented cross-bank exhaust manifold and two twin scroll turbochargers which guarantee maximum power flow and optimum transfer of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger rotors. The end result is an awe-inspiring 126-horspower per litre!

Another cool feature is something I wish more of the designers of high-performance cars would consider. A simple M button resides on the steering wheel which allows the driver to access his preferred sport settings in short order, should the opportunity arise to have some fun. Having been stuck trackside navigating through endless menu screens whilst trying to remember the order-of-operations for the usually complicated dance with the numerous switches, buttons and toggles required to put these cars in play mode is never fun. BMW’s single button solution is a great idea.   

 Is the latest variant of BMW’s “Sport Activity Coupe” superior to its competitors? It beats most on price, specifications and performance, but some potential customers might be put off by its rather odd looks. Luckily BMW also offers the X5 M, which packs the same punch in a package similar in shape and design to its rivals, and in all honesty, a look that should retain its curb appeal a little longer.