Hey Cool Car Fans,
I was at the car wash last week and while I was there I spotted this sweet 2009 BMW X6 that had come through the wash and was being dried off. I couldn’t help but ask the owner, who’s name was Char (I’m assuming that she spelled her name kind of like Cher only with an a instead of an e), if I could take a few photos of her ride. She said she didn’t mind and she told me that she had owned six BMW’s and this was her favorite one of the bunch.
If you’re not familiar with this vehicle, let me share with you a little bit about it. The BMW X6 was based closely on the popular X6 Concept vehicle. BMW launched the X6 coupe-crossover for the 2009 model year, but don’t be fooled because it’s really a sedan on steroids. They have called it a “Sport Activity Coupe”, which is really the first of its kind. It’s for people who want the functionality of an SUV, but like the performance and styling of a sedan. Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs in the coming years.
It’s not just any twin-turbo, but one that delivers 300hp in the X6 xDrive35i and 400hp in the xDrive50i. This ride fetches $55,900 and $66,650 respectively, depending on how the model is fully equipped. Each of these vehicles get around 18 – 20 mpg on the highway. So, you can get performance with gas mileage that is similar to an SUV, but how many SUV’s do you know with a twin-turbo 4.4l V8 and 407hp at 5,500 RPM’s? Talk about a cool car that drives like a road worthy rocket ship that will go from 0 to 62 mph in about 5.4 seconds.
Even the xDrive35i has a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 with 307hp is a fantastic option and plenty of performance for most drivers. BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, but I’m sure other automakers will be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles as more people spot these on the road. Land Rover recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept that looks interesting, but it’s hard to beat the BMW for all around quality and performance at a great price.
If there is one shortfall of this vehicle it’s that it only seats four people instead of five like the X5 model. However, the rear seating is on the same level as the front seating with incredible amenities in the vehicle. This includes Google to car features that allow you to send a map to the car from Google through your computer, along with sport and steptronic manual shift modes, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to name just a few. You get luxury with fantastic performance and just an all-around very cool vehicle for Colorado or any location with a change of Seasons.
Cool Car Guy Rating: Extremely Cool
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Auto Consultant – John Boyd: The Cool Car Guy
John is an auto consultant with his license at a car dealership in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com or Twitter @coolcarguy
I delivered some pretty cool cars in December of 2006 to clients, including this sweet, low mileage and hard to find, red BMW X5 4.8is just in time for Christmas.
In 2005, this vehicle had a base MSRP of $68,800 and I’ve seen them loaded for as much as $96,500! This baby had it all, including the $1,800 Navigation option, which is always a nice feature on a high-end vehicle. Standard features on the 4.8is in 2005 were a 6-speed automatic transmission, digital compass mirror, panorama moon roof, rear door window sun blinds, ski bag, heated rear seats, park distance control, rain sensor, adaptive headlights, and a premium sound system. There were dozens of other features and amenities on this baby – it lacks nothing!
Electronically controlled valve timing is done through the Double-VANOS system, flattening the torque curve, minimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions. This is one of the reasons why the 4.4 and 4.8 litre engines are as good on gas mileage as the smaller 3.0 liter without having to sacrifice performance. In 2007, BMW has eliminated the 4.4 and is only offering the X5 in the 3.0 liter and the 4.8 liter engines.
