BMW introduced the X6 in its lineup in 2008 and stormed the market with its unique-looking coupe-shaped SUV that polarized customers with its love-it or hate-it look.
The German automaker made the first generation of the X6 based on the same platform as the second generation of the X5 (E70), and the car was a disruption for the SUV segment. Moreover, BMW didn’t even call it SUV but SAC, which stood for the Sport Activity Coupe. Apart from its underpinnings, the vehicle didn’t share any body panels with the X5 and offered some unique options tailored specifically for it and unavailable for its sibling. Still, the vehicle came in a difficult moment, right before the world financial crisis struck the automotive segment. But the model survived and thrived.
With its menacing look and big size, the X6 had a commanding look on the road. Its organic-shaped headlights resembled a bird of prey and flanked the narrow grille. Underneath, the automaker offered customers the option for a regular bumper with a rectangular-looking lower grille or the one from the M-Package that sported a trapezoidal air intake flanked by oversized scoops for the fog lamps. In addition, BMW added an underbody element that mimicked a skid plate, although the car was not intended for serious off-road use.
From its profile, the coupe-shaped greenhouse of the X6 created a sporty look for the vehicle, although the tall stance didn’t offer the same feeling. Still, the windshield was raked even more than in the X5. On the rear fascia, the automaker installed the taillights extended from the sloped-down tailgate’s vertical metallic panel towards the rear quarter panels. A fat bumper with an apron underneath it concealed the exhausts, and their number varied from two to four, depending on the engine version, flanking a diffuser.
Inside, the automaker created a four-seat cabin with no option for an additional seat in the back for a third passenger. At the front, customers found high-bolstered bucket seats, unusual for SUVs and crossovers. The driver fronted a mixed instrument panel with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer flanked by the gauges for the fuel level and engine temperature and an LCD for additional information. Depending on the engine and options, a steering wheel with or without paddle shifters was fitted. Atop the center stack, in a separate cluster, BMW installed the iDrive infotainment system that was controlled via a rotary knob placed on the center console.
Under the hood, BMW installed a range of turbo diesel or gasoline inline-six or V8 engines, all paired with six-speed automatic transmissions. The all-wheel-drive system was standard across the range and was electronically controlled to send the most torque to the wheel with the best traction. Furthermore, the LCD placed on the dash could show where the torque was sent.