Is North America Hating the X6?
 

Personally, I love the X6 package, but I see absolutely none at home and the odd one everywhere I travel. Can someone comment on actual units sold?

I absolutely hated it when it first came out, now i'm getting used to the look... and i'm actually starting to think that it looks pretty good.

I've seen a couple on the road, but still a lot more E70s compared...

A lot of people I know hate it!

I, on the other hand, love it! It's my dream car! And I mean dream car as in, if I could literally have any car in existence, it would be the X6. haha.

I hate it :)

Same here, wasn't crazy about them originally but they've grown on me...especially after driving a friends 50i TT :wow: fell in love. Still trying to get over the rear-end but no longer an issue with the release of the ///M variant...i love the ass of the X6 ///M.

I'm starting to see them all over the NYC area...a 35i pulled next to me on the hwy last weekend and gave me a thumbs up, i reciprocated and we had a little fun on the hwy :D

how did the 35i compare to the 4.6is in that scenario?

on paper the 4.6 should be faster right

X6 xDrive 35i:
Curb Weight: 4894 lbs.
Horsepower: 300 hp
Torque: 300 ft-lbs

I was pretty much just admiring but i assume after we gave each other props he wanted to test me out so he'd gun it and pull away a bit quicker than i expected...but i covered ground quicker than he probably expected, caught up and we did this back and forth till there was essentially little to no traffic ahead...at this point my exit was about a mile ahead so i dropped her into manual-mode, gunned it and he was behind a bit but gained on me.

All in all...the 35i definitely has some pickup (thanks to TT) and is quite impressive but i believe the 4.6iS is slightly quicker. But then again, i believe different results will be achieved, pending driver.

I don't think anyone except high-placed BMW execs really knows if they have hit their sales mark with the X6. I'm sure it's much, much lower than the E70s, and obviously a very tiny fraction of the ubiquitous 3-series. But that does not mean it failed, since it was designed from the get-go for a 'niche' market.

As for my personal sightings, I used to see them only once every two weeks, but lately it's been one every 3 to 4 days. Even saw an X6 Hybrid on the GS Parkway last week! Don't know if they started production on those, it may have been a test mule from their Woodcliff Lake office.

:thumbdown they don't do anything for me!!

If I want an SAV I'll stick with the X5 and if I want a sports car then i'd go with the M6.

I failed to mention that there is a black 50i and a VR 35i in my neighborhood. Recently, i was behind a (sinister-looking-black) 50i...turned out we were heading to the same destination. She was perfectly tinted and dropped just right...It had to be the best theme-looking X6 i've seen in person to date.

I believe BMW definitely exceeded expectations with the X6 and will at least meet expectations with the ///M variant. North America accounts for half of X6 sales...and i believe the number of X6's i've already seen is manifest. Funny thing, even friends tell me about their X6 sightings.

If you're not feeling the X6, i challenge you to test-drive (preferably the 50i)...it should convince you. If it doesn't win you over on it's sheer marvel and put a :D on your face, then i rest my case...

I've owned several BMW's, and generally like the direction they have gone with their designs. I'm okay with the X6, though I guess I just don't understand the point. Lacks the utility of the X5, lacks the handling of the 550i/650i. I just ordered my new X5 last month, and the big 6 wasn't even considered.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the X6 is a great car/SAV, but If I'm looking for a sports car, why would I want to go with the X6 when for the similar price I can have a true sports car (convertible even) with the M6.

http://www.india-server.com/cars/fea...vertible-2.jpg

Going to play Devil's Advocate here, because I'm not into the X6 looks.

X6 = 4WD (xDrive), M6 = not
X6 = higher sitting position for better road view, M6 = not
X6 = more cargo space than M6, though obviously less than X5. But 50i TT clearly much faster and nimbler than any current X5 (at least until the X5///M rolls out)

So you've got those 3 features over the current 'M' models, AND you come somewhat close to 'M' performance on the 50i TT variant.

Completely understood...i love the M6 and would consider it if my circumstances were right for one. However just as the M6 is ideal for your lifestyle, the X6 50i or X5/X6 ///M would fit mine. I hate to compare the ///M6 to the X ///M's but to piggy back on StanF18's comments, they both offer the same seating but my lifestyle includes towing a variety of trailers. I could never imagine or wouldn't care to tow anything with a premium sports car. Different strokes i guess :dunno:

Because maybe it's your daily driver and you want the best of both worlds. If I lived further south, the ///M6 would be for me. When the new 6 series gets xdrive, I'm in. But for now, I'll be cmyX6go in about 10 weeks. :excited:

Stan hit the nail on the head.

I think people would be surprised - if you load both cars to the window line their trunkspace is about the same I believe. I have never had the need to stuff more shit in my car than that. Just came back from a driving vacation in the X6 - could easily fit 2 golf bags, large plug-in cooler, 2 suitcases, 5 fridgepacks of pop, a laptop bag and a pillow in the trunk, without using the underfloor space, and without encroaching on rear vision.

What people really should be saying about the space in the X6 is that it can only seat 4 (and good luck to anyone higher than 6' in the back), instead of the X5's possible 7 seats.

i just just saw a black x6 coming home from work today and i hate them. the front looks neat but as my eye looks to the back i cant stand it.. the rear is just awful. im done trying to like all bmws because i love the company. (Bangel's 7 started those feelings for me ) the x6 and the gt 5 mess are horrible looking.

so while im in the US you could say im hating it . ill be hating it in Germany too ! :bustingup

Nice!!! She'll look great on you...Looking forward to meeting her at next years tri-state meet :thumbup:

Thanks, Chilli. Too bad I won't have her for the fall meet. I'm so excited. LeMans told me about the performance package - 440 hp on the 50i. I don't need no ///M :zoom:

I'm really looking forward to the new 6er with the xdrive. Now, this is a disease. I haven't even ordered the X6 yet and I'm already looking forward it's replacement 2 or 3 years down the road. :D

:iagree: i cant wait to take a test drive in the X6M. i'm dying to drive one

The X6 is a special car, not another car of the bunch, thats why some people hate it, that what I love from BMW, they do take risks, they dont follow the competition like others....IMO
I own a 3.0diesel chipped with 300hp and 630Nm of torque, is the best of both worlds, a sport SUV, no problem hitting potholes, and great diesel economy without giving up performance.
Love my ride !!

I'm liking them, I saw a mean looking Hamann one the other day..

I can't disclose official numbers, but....

The original plan for the E53 was 200 units per day out of the Spartanburg plant. Then when orders grew, that number was doubled. Then it became, how many can the plant build? SO, if you take a similar sounding story and apply it to the X6...even in this tough economy.

I hate it, and after the initial burp of excitement, it seems like no one else cares for the X6 either. The economy doesn't help either.

Let's be honest. Who wants to pay $55k for something that's less practical, more expensive, and hideously ugly?

Answer. More than originally estimated. Way more.

It's practical for me and I think it's a great design. Everyone has different taste, that's why there are choices. Practical and ugly are subjective.

Besides, 400+ hp :zoom: I'll take it.

I'm the exact opposite with the rear. I love the way the rear looks on it but from the front looking back, the shape is entirely too odd. I never liked the 6-series front either and love that rear. The black X6 pictured above, even without its spoilers, looks great to me. It's got a very competitive stance.

All of the enthusiast car mags seem to hate the X6. I was about to spring for a 2010 X5 diesel, and then saw my first X6. Wow. Went with the 5.0 twin turbo. Being built right now, and should be delivered at end of this month. Very different vehicle than the X5 in many ways, and drives unlike anything this large should. I think that it is a work of art in motion, but many people think it's ugly. Certainly not very practical for a family (we have no kids but two cats who probably won't be riding on the two rear seats), but can haul a lot of stuff with rear seats folded down.

About your question of how many are being built; I was told by the sales manager at SunMotorCars BMW in Mechanicsburg, PA that only one out of approximately 10 or 12 X vehicles produced in South Carolina plant are X6's. Both X5 and X6 (in all varieties for worldwide distribution) are made on the same production line. I think that BMW has figured that the X6 would be a limited production "niche" vehicle, which has seemed to be an accurate prediction so far. All I can say, is once you drive an X6, the X5 feels much heavier and less agile. Certainly not for everyone, but a very exciting driving machine.

I think it's a terrible looking truck. I'm glad I don't see more of them on the road.

First of all, the X6 is not a truck. It may have the same wheelbase (although a wider track) than the X5, but mechanical design is very different. You have every right to think that it looks horrible. But don't trash it as something useless unless you have enough professional driving experience and ability to put the very unusual X6 up against any other 4 wheel drive sports vehicle. Its sort of like me saying that I think that all music by the composer Prokofiev (English spelling) is crap. I don't like most of his music, (except perhaps for his Romeo and Juliet ballet score which I have performed dozens of times), but it is still great music. It's just not to this 40 year career major orchestra musician's taste.. But for me to dismiss his music as unworthy and useless just due to my small personal bias against his idea of musical form and harmonic usage, highlights me as an ignorant and arrogant fool, rather than somewhat who agrees that to many, the music of Sergei Prokofiev is beautiful...just not to my ears.

Please do not automatically believe anything with the words 'sales manager' in an automotive job title. Sales of the X6 are great. One out of 10 or 12? HA!:rofl:

Just ask anyone who has been on a plant tour in the last 6 months what the model mix is. All I can say is: production schedule keeps going ^. Mechanicsburg is not that far from SC, and we are holding the annual Eurofest this weekend. Free entry to see hundreds of new and old Ferraris, BMW's, Rolls, Lambos, MG's, Bentleys, Triumphs etc. This years featured marque is Morgan. Live bands, lots of food. AND plant tours. Come on down!

Hey Beethoven - First off, reread what I wrote. I didn't say it was useless. If it gets you from point A to point B, no vehicle is useless. It's a hideous looking Truck, Car, SAV, SUV, blah, blah, blah. It reminds me of the Pontiac Aztec. I'm glad I don't see more of them on the road. Maybe you should lower the music so you can open up your ears and your eyes. :rofl::rofl:

I think they look awkward standing still, but moving on the road they look very good.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think the 7 and 5 series look hideous, with the Bangle Butt (good that Bangle has left BMW), but some people think they are fantastic. So for you to say, without suggesting that this is only your personal opinion, that the X6 is ugly, etc. is rather small minded and arrogant. I owned my first orange 2002tii BMW back in 1972 before all the 20 somethings were born. That was when it didn't matter that the car looked like a bath tub on wheels. It was amazing. Most people had never heard of BMW except for those of use who were in the know. Now, those of us who were the early adopters of BMW's work are being overrun by people who I personally think have no business driving such a fine machine. Most of them have never been properly trained in driving skills, and they own their BMW's for status. But I won't tell them that they have no right to drive a BMW, just as you have no right to proclaim that the X6 is ugly without stating that is just YOUR opinion, which is certainly valid. And don't call me Beethoven. I am simply a working musician. He was a genius. Bet you didn't know that he wrote his 9th symphony when he was completely deaf. Probably doesn't matter to you, but it sure does to me.

Last time I checked, this was an open forum to express your opinion on BMW X models. You're clearly taking things too personally, but I'm not surprised. Lighten up a bit. Thinking the X6 is ugly does not constitute oneself as small minded and arrogant. I've seen multiple companies do modifications to the X6 to make it look better, but I still don't think it works. To me, the lines of the car just don't flow.

Since you're brand new to the board and always talk about how great your driving skills are, I'm going to cut you some slack. For what it's worth, I have been a BMW owner for the last 18 years, have attended countless driving and race schools and enjoy all aspects of BMW. Some models I dislike, others I love. I'm sure you probably figured I was one to fall into your "20's bucket", but you're actually wrong.

Take it easy and welcome to X5World. :thumbup:

Hi C's Bimmer, and thanks for the message and welcome. I just tried to post a reply, but it didn't go through, so I'll try again. I was too harsh in my criticism of those who dislike the look of the X6. Most of the car mags see it as an answer to a question no one every asked. For our use, it is perfect. Lots of room, and a monster of a vehicle. But after seeing the X6 in different colors, it has become obvious that this machine is very sensitive to color. I originally ordered one in vermillion red, but when I saw one it looked too much like a giant cough drop for my taste. Also saw one in dark blue, gray, and titanium silver, but none of those worked. Made car look too heavy and huge in the rear. But then I saw one in mineral silver (only available on 6 series and X6), and it was totally different. Actually elegant, with flowing lines. Went back to look at it three times in different lighting, and it looked very different every time, but still beautiful. How can a color make such a difference with one particular vehicle? Luckily, we had time to change my order from original red to mineral silver, and I should have my X6 by end of this month.

Just like the original Bangle designs, the X6 is very polarizing among the BMW community. But unlike companies like Lexus and Mercedes, who seem to playing cat and mouse with each other, trying to appease the masses, BMW is coming out with some bold statements that clearly separates them from their competition. In the end, I think that this will be to their benefit (especially in the European market). But as you can see in this forum, the jury is still out.

Is your last name Bond or Fitipaldi ?

LOL! My wife does call me James. :rofl::rofl:;)

Alright dude...Knock-off the X6 hating or I'll have to come find your asz, and I'll bring Doc Lev and Dranged with me too!! ;)

Seriously, hope you're well?

We connected alot back on E60.net...I had a 550 that I traded in for X6 -- and not regretting it I might add :nanana:

Ha! What's going on man!?!?! How the hell are you? Doing great. Family is great. Can't complain.

I hate to say it, but your 550 was cooler than your X6, but then again, you know my love for E60.net. ;) :p:

Hi again, Midwest,
Since you live in Minnesota, and drive an X6, how does it handle in the snow? Do you have all season tires or the 20" performance setup? It doesn't snow much here in the DC metro area, but when it does, you would think that the sky was falling. Everyone driving around like chickens with their heads cut off. Actually rather funny.

I'm well bros..Glad you're all doing well too...

Love the X5 and M5 too - one hell of a garage to have. Was at the dealer today and he had a black X5M on the floor -- 500++hp :wow:

Got to say as much as I loved the 550, the X6 is meeting my everyday driver needs better. I like the ride height, allows me to do some hauling, towing and I love the looks too. Check mine out - Monaco Blue on Saddle with some sweet 20's!! Johnny promised me I could still come to the E60 Minnesota meets too, so I got life by the short hairs :bustingup

Bought a set of 18's for the winter and it should prove to be quite capable when it gets nasty here in Minnesota - any day now!

Take Care (GO VIKES!!)
Rick

Well, this is my first year with it in snow and I expect big things!! I've only owned RWD Bimmers before and had snows one each of them...Never had a problem - but caution was warranted.

My X6 came with 20's which will not work in a midwest winter..It's not just the snow, but the temperatures too - just too unstable.

I was able to find a one year used set of 18" Pirelli RFT Snows on OZ Wheels for winter..Perhaps someone else with winter experiences in the X6 can chime in?

Good deal on the Pirelli's. They should do well in snow since they are usually made with a softer compound than Michelin or Continental. One of the reasons I went with the X6 rather than the X5 was the rear axle dual clutch drive assembly that should allow the vehicle to handle much more predictably in slippery conditions (and according to BMW, the rear axle left to right torque split works off throttle as well, which is unique to any all wheel drive vehicle I have driven). Of course, once I actually saw an X6, I was smitten. After reading you post about changing out your 20" performance tires for the Pirelli's, I don't feel so bad about ordering my X6 with the standard 19" Bridgestone rft's that come with the 5.0 sports package. I just won't have the same driving dynamic on dry surfaces as the 20" performance setup. Best of luck with the Minnesota winter.

Nice combo. :thumbup: