Test Drives

[amh]

Thought we should put our test drive results in one place.

Had a short drive today and here are the initial impressions FWIW:

Negatives:

Rear visibility via rear view mirror and outside mirrors barely acceptable. For some reason the driver's side mirror seemed to blur objects at a distance but CA said there was no film on the mirror. When backing into a narrow space, rear camera and mirrors are the only options. I can live with it but thought it was a close call.

Did not like the door sill/ mini running board. Made ingress and egress an irritation. Either it was my hard workout yesterday or this stretch when entering front and rear but my hamstrings didn't like it! Rear entry is bothersome. Front exit is a pain with the sport seats side bolster and mini sill.

Rear headroom and storage space has been commented on before-personal needs will dictate.

Positives:

This is a driver's car and totally different feeling than an X5 4.8. You can feel the weight difference and the suspension is much improved in my opinion. Curious to see if the numbers bear this out. My wife thought it more fun than the 535i we drove back to back. Great handling vehicle. Fun. As willing for action as a 335 although obviously in a different way.

Front seat comfort is as good as the X5 or the 535. Acceleration is good enough that I feel no need to wait for the V8. Ride with the 20's is still excellent for a sport vehicle and equal to the X5 with 19's. CA said there are no all season 20" tires available for the X6 but I would have to check before believing that.

Sound system and ergonomics typical BMW-no news there.

In short, everything here from a drivers perspective is excellent (imo) and the personal tradeoffs regarding space, convenience, seating, and rear visibility will be the determining factors. It is a tough choice if you already have other BMW's that give you the fun factor. I don't think there is much overlap between the X5 and X6.

I will have to drive it much more and harder before I decide to give up my 335 coupe but I can see going down to two cars with this and a 535 for my wife.

[palbay]

amh, Nice writeup on your drive.I'm hopefully going to get a drive in this coming Tues.I really don't understand why BMW could not make the rear door swing open a few more inches.Would,IMO,solve most of the rear ingress/egress issues,along w/ some "OS" handles.I think the "dirty back of pants" door sill thing is unfortunately a "life w/ an SUV" issue.Even w/ my X3,I live w/ dirt on the bottom of my pants from the door sill.Thanks. PalBay