2011 BMW X6

Similar to the outgoing model year, the 2011 X6 is limited to only two trims- xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The base trim has been given extremities in terms of tech-complexities which include the presence of the power-flexing and memory function for the seats with leather upholstery. The higher trim boasts the more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 which is as exciting as ever. The loudness and thrust of the V8 have been restored in it without any compromise. Meanwhile, the xDrive35i is content in many regards and one of the instances of that is it tends to offer you a high listening curve with a 10-speaker audio system, 2 subwoofers, and 7-channel amplifier.

Apart from the interior charm, there is a considerable amount of superiority in stability and handling dynamics as well. The X6 gets Dynamic Performance Control, Hill Descent Control, and Dynamic Brake Control for tackling any upheaval. The standard Automatic front climate control maintains the temperature regulation in both trims quite easily. Therefore, the X6 is a luxury-packed SUV and is very much reliable to own in one’s garage. 

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Opting for the base xDrive35i would be a better choice as it is already equipped with a lot of features than the higher trim packs except for the more powerful engine and a few electronics. Also, the base trim is more fuel-efficient considering its importance in the SUV segment. The acceleration prowess would quench your desire and you don’t need a bigger one for the same. So save those dollars and invest somewhere else by owning the xDrive35i.

Powering the 2011 X6 are two engines which include the all-new 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 engine pumping similar 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque at just 1,200 rpm. The engine comes mated with a new 8-speed automatic transmission which transfers power to all four wheels. The xDrive50i gets a much more powerful 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine which is capable of pumping out a massive 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of maximum torque. Like the base engine, it is also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters in an all-wheel-drive layout.

In the real world, the 3.0-liter engine takes as little as 6.3 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from a halt and completes a quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds. On the other hand, the more powerful V8 engine accelerates even faster taking just 5.3 seconds to reach the same 60 miles an hour. 

The competition holds up quite well with each other given that they come cheaper than the X6. The BMW X6 might be exemplary in its 0-60 mph mark but it is outclassed by others when they all are dragging for a quarter-mile. The FX35 takes the lead there while the Cayenne and ZDX share the podium for the top speed phenomenon. Thus, one would rate X6 average in terms of value for money ratio in comparison to its rivals.

With the newer turbocharged I-6 engine, the base 2011 BMW X6 gets impressive fuel economy compared to the last generation. It gets an EPA rating of 16 MPG for the city, 23 MPG for the highways, and a combined rating of 19 MPG. Equipped with a decent 22.5-gallon gas tank, the range is quite impressive at 427.5 miles overall. The more powerful V8 engine sips more fuel and delivers a city mileage of 14 MPG, 20 MPG for the highways, and a combined economy of 16 MPG because of which the range slightly reduces. 

Both the BMW and Acura do a decent job of maintaining a good fuel economy in parallel to high-slope performance dynamics. The latter falls behind for its slightly smaller gas tank of 21-gallons resulting in a lower range. Porsche and Infiniti share slightly smaller figures but the FX35 fuel tank capacity helps it to hit nearly 500 highway miles. As per comparison, the lever favors X6 among them for its supreme reliability and practicality for the simple fact that others are incapable to go beyond the 500-mile mark. 

The BMW X6 will never be in the back seat when we discuss the interior charm and accents.

The permutation of power-adjustability happens to increase exponentially from 10-way to 20-way for the driver's and passenger's bucket seats. Moreover, the memory function and Nevada leatherette touch have been kept constant for both trims. The iDrive system, Vehicle & Key Memory, Anti-theft alarm system, and Active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation are the tech-showcases for which the X6 looks to have egoism. The high-bolstering and cushioning have been bestowed as well keeping long hauling in mind.

The BMW X6 has a considerably lower front row legroom compared to the Infiniti and Acura but has relatively better legroom at the rear. While they all range close to one another in their cargo capacities, the money to value ratio again comes into play. The rivals can fit 5 in a go with the same comfort as that of the X6 at a much affordable rate. If we have to pick one, it has to be FX35 for its all-around performance. The Acura ZDX sports a trunk volume of 27.5 cu.-ft, however, the Porsche lags in the aspect.

Standout interior features:

• Leather and wood trim interior parts
• Extended cabin heating
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather steering wheel
• 16-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats
• Leather seats

How intuitive is the 2011 BMW X6’s infotainment unit?

BMW has equipped the 2011 X6 with their latest iDrive system. This facet of the X6 includes Satellite Navigation, Radio Data System, and HD Radio. For your music needs, you get a 10-speaker stereo system along with 2 subwoofers and a 7-channel amplifier as standard but opting for the Premium Sound Package gets a 16-speaker surround-sound system with an iPod/USB adapter and a six-CD/DVD changer. There are some other features as well which are more safety-oriented like the Anti-theft with Engine Start/Stop assist embedded alongside. 

Standout infotainment features:

• LCD screen
• iDrive system with satellite navigation and hands-free communications system
• 10-speaker audio system
• CD player
• Radio data system
• HD radio

The Coupe sort of silhouette was very new for this market when X6 came into existence but lately, it has become a cornerstone for an all-new design language. The iconic kidney grilles on the wide front fascia in conjunction with the sleek Xenon adaptive headlights is just perfect for radiating calmness that it possesses. The chrome-accented exhaust tip when viewed in totality with the heightened bumper and adaptive brake lights looks amazingly attractive. Even the Star-Spoke 19 x 9.0 light-alloy wheels are so contrasting in their appeal that it would take a day to get over it.

As far as comparison is concerned, the BMW has the longest wheelbase of 115,5 inches with a hefty curb weight which challenges its stability. But guess what, even with all these demerits, it is exceptionally stable; all thanks to its sensor-bound frame and stability control package with which it has been privileged. On the other hand, the Infiniti FX35 is the lightest weighing 4279 lbs, with a relatively smaller dimensional boundary and decent ground clearance. The remaining two are also somewhat parallel to the Infiniti with the Porsche having the highest ground clearance of 8.7 inches and hence will offer comparable maneuvering.

Standout exterior features:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps
• Heated mirrors
• Keyless entry

BMW cares about its reputation when it comes to safety. The company has loaded the BMW X6 with an ample amount of active and passive safety features which works smoothly behind the scene without intruding unnecessarily. The list includes the big names like the Emergency braking assist and post-collision safety system. It does entail Electronic brakeforce distribution and Park distance control as well. The 2011 X6 has not been rated yet by the NHTSA and the IIHS for it is no less than a luxury vehicle. 

Standout safety features:

• Stability control
• Tire pressure monitor
• Emergency braking preparation
• Cornering Lights
• Adaptive headlamps
• Engine Immobilizer

The 2011 BMW X6 is a beast on its own but with its surging popularity, it carries a hefty price tag. It is worth buying to experience the sheer elegance of true German engineering, and not just that, it comes with the brand’s reliability tag. But don’t forget that there are other options as well and relatively cheaper at the same time as well which can be given a thought. So, choose BMW X6 but once you are done with other rivals’ analysis.