X6M track tested - 0 to 60 in 4.3s

[Year's_End]

IL Track Tested: 2010 BMW X6 M



When BMW introduced the idea of the SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) with the original X5, we scoffed appropriately. Then we drove it and were shocked that the ungainly beast was not ungainly at all. Then BMW took it a bit further and rolled out the X6. It appeared even more useless, yet it, too, was a surprisingly entertaining drive.

BMW didn't stop there, of course, as it rolled out Motorsport versions of both the X5 and the X6 earlier this year. There was no good reason for them to exist, but BMW went ahead and built them anyway. After testing the X6 M, we're glad BMW took the time.

You see, this X6 is so fast that its odd looks, big sticker and pointless existence don't really matter. You simply have to respect it for what it can do. And we're not just talking about going fast in a straight line. It stops and turns amazingly well, too. It's a triumph of engineering over design and marketing. Just take a look at the numbers if you don't believe us.

Vehicle: 2010 BMW X6 M
Odometer: 357
Date: 9/30/2009
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $95,025

Specifications:
Drive Type: All-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Engine Type: Twin-turbo V8
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 4,395cc (268cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 555 @ 6,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 501 @ 1,500
Brake Type (front): 15.6-inch ventilated cast-iron disc with two-piece rotors and 4-piston fixed calipers
Brake Type (rear): 15.2-inch ventilated cast-iron disc with two-piece rotors, and 2-piston sliding calipers
Steering System: Speed-proportional, driver-selectable hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion power steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent, double wishbone, coil spring, driver-adjustable variable dampers, self-adjusting active antiroll bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink, self-leveling air springs, driver-adjustable variable dampers, self-adjusting active antiroll bar
Tire Size (front): 275/40R20 106W
Tire Size (rear): 315/35R20 110W
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Dueller H/P Sport
Tire Type: Summer Performance
Wheel Size: 20-by-10 inches front -- 20-by-11 inches rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): Aluminum
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 5,256

Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 1.7
0 - 45 (sec): 2.9
0 - 60 (sec): 4.3
0 - 75 (sec): 6.4
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 12.6
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec): 4.1
30 - 0 (ft): 28
60 - 0 (ft): 107
Braking Rating: Excellent
Slalom (mph): 68.6
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.91
Handling Rating: Very Good
Db @ Idle: 43.3
Db @ Full Throttle: 70.4
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 66.0


Acceleration Comments: Very quick in default mode. Few will ever need to use "M" mode. Still, this thing absolutely honks with all the limiters turned off. Best run with minimal brake torque -- all while ignoring launch control "flag" indicator.

Braking Comments: First run was the shortest (107 feet!). Consistent pedal, but distances got longer with every stop (up to 112 feet).

Handling Comments: Skid pad: Truly an impressive-handling SUV. Corners dead flat, offers incredible feedback and has enough power to influence chassis. But why can't I disable stability control? Slalom: Stability control never is truly off, which is why "on" number is faster than "off" number -- get aggressive with it off and it will punish you.

[MCMLXXXIX]

wow! what a sick creation!
big 20x10 FRONT and x11 rear, i love suvs with wide wheels

what a beast

[ki__]

Wow...thats amazing

[Bobby_Light]

Unreal numbers.

[blue2fire]

.91g on the skidpad is pathetic. Even the TL does .93 and surprisingly stops from 60 in a shorter distance.

The Infiniti G37 bests this cars slalom speed.

[JayReplay]

This is just AMAZING! Twin Turbo V8.

Wait til BMS creates a JB3 for the X5/6 M. it will spank our 335s goodbye lol

[Vudoo4u2]

im actually scared 5250lb vehicles like this will be trolling around @ insane speeds

[radiantm3]

Remind me never to try and overtake one of those.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

.91g on the skidpad is pathetic. Even the TL does .93 and surprisingly stops from 60 in a shorter distance.

The Infiniti G37 bests this cars slalom speed.

...but it's a goddamn SUV.

The G37 has a height of 54.8". An X6M's is 66.3". That's basically a foot in difference.

[Z4MCJJ]

Originally Posted by J3Yer

This is just AMAZING! Twin Turbo V8.

Wait til BMS creates a JB3 for the X5/6 M. it will spank our 335s goodbye lol

You're talking straight line right?....both the X6 and the 335i are tug boats...the 335i absolutely sux ass on the track.

Please don't flame...I got rid of my 335i because of it's poor track performance.

[blue2fire]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

...but it's a goddamn SUV.

The G37 has a height of 54.8". An X6M's is 66.3". That's basically a foot in difference.

I can totally understand where you come from but what is the point?

It wont go off road at all and it wont carry anymore people or luggage than the 2 cars i talked about. It has to therefore be compared to normal cars, no brownie points for higher ride height if it isn't of any use.

The idea of badging it an complete M and making it handle and brake worse than middle of the road Japanese sedans that cost significantly less than half the price is mind boggling.

[charcoalwan]

4.3s really?? ... dont really feel that fast on mine ,, but i have to say the Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 501 @ 1,500 is nuts . cuz when u do about 50-55 km/h already @ 13-1400 the power is so instant, and comparing highway passing this beast is way faster than my old M3

[Guibo]

Originally Posted by blue2fire

.91g on the skidpad is pathetic. Even the TL does .93 and surprisingly stops from 60 in a shorter distance.

The Infiniti G37 bests this cars slalom speed.

X6M / TL / G37
Skidpad: 0.91g / 0.93g / 0.91g
60-0: 107 / 106 /106
Slalom: 68.6 / 69.2 / 67.8

Those are all pretty close.
These are not
1/4 mi: 12.6 / 15.0 / 13.7

The TL was on Michelin Pilot Sport 2's, which are a pretty good performance tire. But add 1500 lbs to the TL and see how well it performs, even with fatter tires. Or, more relevantly, see how the X6M compares to more direct rivals, Porsche Cayenne and MB ML AMG.
I would not consider the G37 and TL "middle of the road Japanese sedans." These are very accomplished and technically advanced premium-brand Japanese sedans. A Nissan Maxima is a pretty fine Japanese sedan; its performance is considerably worse than the X6M.

That being said, BMW should not be making these monstrosities IMO.

[footie]

Truly shocking acceleration figure, one can only imagine what this engine will be like in the next M5/6, especially if as South says it's to get KERS too.

[dmlgc]

"It appeared even more useless…
There was no good reason for them to exist.."

I never get these comments , you could apply them to just about every bmw.
3 series is useless because it doesn't have huge cargo area to carry stuff, z series is useless because it only carries two people, 5/6/7 series useless because they don't carry any more people than a 3 series and are bigger.

It's just the borg mentality that rubs me the wrong way. It's good that the car is getting driven and judged on performance rather than the way it looks or its lack of "purpose".

[Berduderunner]

My dream car... I might crash if i see one on the road

Is a 12.6 1/4 mile the fastest stock BMW ever? If it's not it's damn close...

[EmPower]

Originally Posted by footie

Truly shocking acceleration figure, one can only imagine what this engine will be like in the next M5/6, especially if as South says it's to get KERS too.

Gawd I need to start saving/ win the lottery/ rob a bank...

[Tallest]

this car shoudl be made illegal.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by dmlgc

"It appeared even more useless…
There was no good reason for them to exist.."

I never get these comments , you could apply them to just about every bmw.
.

Well, unless you live in Germany and travel on autobahns one could say that buying a BMW by regular city driving Jo Blogs is akin to an amateur chubby guy in 40s buying the most expensive sneakers he could find because he thinks he will run really well in those, but in truth he hardly ever uses them beyond 10% of their potential and it just makes him look good wearing them. And sure, they are comfy. This is what buying a BMW sports sedan or SAV really is. A car has so much more potential yet we hardly use it but because we know this potential is there we pay big money because the product is worth it. Not to us, oh no, but just does.

So X6 has any right to exist as any other BMW. they are all kinda useless in a sense that a honda civic will do the same job of getting you from A to B.

[mtechnik3]

Really impressive. Good post, thanks.

Looking forward to seeing numbers when this is engine transplanted into the F10 5er.

[MUFCbmwbear]

I'd buy one....but not until I had a M3 and a M5. One must prioritize his M purchases

[d3l0n]

this is crazy

if m5 gets this m5 should be doing 3.9! wooot!