BMW X6: Over the top in the Ultimate Driving Machine

Mr Taylor -

Reading your review of the X6 makes it quite clear that your have never owned a BMW. While there are some things in your review that I agree with, there is one glaring factual mistake that I must bring to your attention. BMW has been producing automobiles since 1928. In that time they have never, ever sold a car with a V-6 engine configuration as you claim in this review. Surely any automotive journalist worth his media credential is aware of this fact, as it has been one of their key selling points to the marketplace for years. Their inline six cylinder engines, which are know for smooth operation, are increasing rare in today’s automotive market and continue to provide BMW with a key differentiator compared to their competition.

John Cloutier

As a long time car enthusiast and club owner, I can say that the author is not very knowledgeable of the current automobile industry. My guess is he’s too old fashioned and needs to catch up on the times… or better yet quit.

BMW makes good cars that handle very well. The steering is so directly connected to the wheels that it is unbelievable, not many car makers can match that or the unique good ride and excellent handling combination.
Unfortunately BMW dealers are complete JERKS. They think that the customer owes them a favor. The cars themselves are not great value for money either. Every small feature costs extra . There are many useful features which have become standard equipment on cars priced half of a BMW and are optional extra on it. The fuel economy of most BMWs are also mediocre given todays gas prices.
Now most people might say that a typical BMW buyer is not looking for good gas mileage but believe me high ownership cost coupled with mediocre reliability and gas mileage will prevent wannabe BMW owners from joining the fold.
Competition is tough in the entry level luxury car market with the Japanese being the value and reliability/dependability leaders (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti) , a resurgent Cadillac and M-B and a strong Audi . BMW has to fix its dealers’ attitude first before it begins to make other changes to make its cars appeal to an even wider range of customers.

One last comment, the future of diesel powered passenger cars looks bleak. Diesel is already close to $5 a gallon and the extra cost emissions equipment required to meet the 2010 emission norms( strictest in the world) would make any diesel powered passenger car unattractive in spite of a diesels better fuel economy.

Dear Mr. Taylor, how old are you? It’s clear that you don’t fit the X6 image… The X6 is a stunning car and the currently sales just proofs how wrong you are…

Alex,

You apparently did not read the following article posted on World Car Fans before you wrote this article.

“In its first year of production, BMW will produce 40,000 units of the new X6 Sports Activity Model with half of those heading for the U.S. Dealerships and according to BMW AG chief executive officer, Mr. Norbert Reithofer, it has already sold out. There are still reportedly some dealership that have a few models left although there are some that are reporting they have a waiting list.

There were a large number of doubters about the X6 when it was first launched stating the interior space was too small for an SUV and driving performance could not be strong enough for this model to be labelled as a coupe, but it seems that BMW have had the last laugh. The X6 opened up a new niche in the automotive market which will surely be entered by other premium manufacturers over the next few years.

The success of the new model is likely to spur the German manufacturer into action to create yet another SUV in the form of the X4. Whereas the X6 is based on the X5 platform, the X4 would be based on the X3 thereby creating a smaller version of the SAV.”

Looks like the X6 is doing quite well for BMW.

Hey, BMW, put a diesel in it! Then you could compete with the Touareg.

OK, Mr. Taylor. I haven’t commented on your previous postings to your new blog here, as I was waiting to see what direction you would take. However, the time has come to make some noise.

The caption to your blog title says, “It’s all about the product.” However, you now have three posts about new(ish) vehicles which are primarily NOT about the product. Additionally, your sense of understanding about the business model of the companies you discuss seems somewhat warped.

Chrysler is releasing the Challenger SRT8 because people wanted it. Admittedly, they aren’t going to recover all of the R&D costs for the vehicle in one year, but they are netting positive cash on every vehicle sold (especially since the first 12-18 months of production is already sold).

And BMW could care less about the cost of fuel. They don’t sell $53k vehicles to people who are considering riding the bus. The X6 is designed to appeal at a visceral level, not an economic one. (Even a 330i doesn’t appeal at an economic level, but I don’t see then languishing on dealer lots.)

If you want to make your blog “all about the product,” focus on the product. If you want to talk business, change the caption, so those of us interested in the product will know to look elsewhere.

Thank you.

This is certainly a case of answering a question nobody asked. Perhaps BMW should go back to its roots and produce a lightweight, sporting good-looking car. The new 1 series seems to be an attempt to head in that direction but another $72,000 2 1/2 ton SUV is probably not what anyone needs at the moment.