Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Mid-Size Luxury Coupe SUV |
| Body Style | 5-Door SUV with Sloped Roof (Coupe-SUV) |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | BMW X6 xDrive35i (Also available: xDrive30d, xDrive50i, xDrive35d, X6 M) |
Key Specifications (xDrive35i Petrol)
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Steptronic Automatic |
| Power Output | 306 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,300–5,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Full-Time All-Wheel Drive (xDrive with Dynamic Performance Control) |
| Dimensions | 4,877 mm (L) × 1,983 mm (W) × 1,690 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,933 mm |
| Weight | ~2,180–2,300 kg (Kerb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 liters |
| Fuel Economy | ~12.5 L/100 km (combined) |
| Boot Space | 570 L (seats up) / 1,450 L (folded) |
Exterior Design
Revolutionary coupe-style roofline atop a full-size SUV platform
Aggressive, wide stance with sculpted fenders and high beltline
Distinctive twin kidney grille, dual round headlights, and flared air intakes
Rear profile features a high tailgate, steep glass angle, and subtle spoiler
Optional 20" wheels, sport body kits, and adaptive LED lights
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Premium interior layout borrowed from the X5, with more sport-focused accents
High-quality leather, real wood/aluminum trims, soft-touch plastics
Sports seats standard in higher trims, with bolstering and heating
Strict 4-seater layout initially, later models offered a 5-seat option
Rear headroom compromised by sloped roof, but legroom is ample
Features & Infotainment
6.5" iDrive display standard; optional 8.8" screen with navigation
iDrive rotary controller with intuitive menus (older UI vs modern BMWs)
Available features include
Head-Up Display
Rear-seat entertainment system
Harman Kardon or Logic7 sound systems
Adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, soft-close doors
Bluetooth phone + voice control standard in higher trims
Safety & Ratings
Standard Safety Features
ABS, DSC, DTC, multiple airbags
Hill Descent Control, trailer stabilization
Dynamic Performance Control for torque vectoring
| Crash-Test Ratings | Not independently tested by Euro NCAP or IIHS |
Extremely rigid body structure and full active safety suite
Driving Performance & Handling
xDrive35i: 0–100 km/h in ~6.7 seconds
Excellent grip and cornering stability from Dynamic Performance Control (torque-splitting rear differential)
Heavier than a typical SUV, but surprisingly nimble
Steering is sharp, though artificial in feel
Ride comfort is firm, especially with larger wheels and sport suspension
Fuel Efficiency / Range
xDrive35i: ~12.5 L/100 km combined
Diesel variants (e.g., xDrive30d): ~8.0 L/100 km
| Range | ~650 km per tank for petrol, ~850+ km for diesel |
Start/stop and brake energy regeneration introduced in later models
Practicality & Everyday Usability
| Boot space | 570 L – decent, but slightly less than the X5 |
Rear seats fold flat (40:20:40) to expand cargo space
Rear door access and headroom limited for tall passengers
Low driving position for a crossover provides sporty feel
Visibility compromised at rear; parking sensors and cameras recommended
Warranty & Maintenance
| Original Warranty (Europe) | 3 years / unlimited mileage |
Maintenance
Oil and brake service every 20,000 km or as needed (CBS)
Turbo engines require high-quality oil
Common repairs
High-pressure fuel pump (N54 engine)
Transfer case and rear diff wear
Brake and tire costs are higher than average due to weight
On-Road Price & Value for Money
Original MSRP (UK, 2008): ~£44,000 – £55,000
Used Market Today (UK, 2024): £5,000 – £12,000 depending on trim and mileage
Offers a lot of performance, luxury, and presence for the money — but ownership costs are high
Comparison with Rivals (2008–2010)
| Model | Power | 0–100 km/h | Boot | Price (2008) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X6 xDrive35i | 306 hp | 6.7s | 570 L | £48,000 |
| Mercedes ML350 | 272 hp | 7.8s | 551 L | £45,000 |
| Audi Q7 3.6 FSI | 280 hp | 8.5s | 775 L | £47,000 |
| Porsche Cayenne V6 | 290 hp | 7.6s | 540 L | £50,000 |
| X6 leads in | Sporty design, handling innovation, and dynamic flair |
| Falls behind in | Cargo utility, rear-seat comfort, and off-road ability |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Pioneering coupe-SUV design
Strong engine lineup, especially inline-6 and diesels
Sporty, agile handling for its size
Premium interior and build quality
Bold road presence
Cons
Rear-seat and boot practicality compromised
Firm ride quality on M Sport trims
Expensive maintenance (brakes, suspension, AWD components)
Lower fuel efficiency vs X5 or sedans
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.2 / 5) |
True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.
A bold, sporty, and niche-defining SUV that favors style and driving dynamics over outright practicality.
Final Verdict
The 2008 BMW X6 (E71) was the first of its kind — blending SUV muscle with coupe drama. If you're after something with road presence, performance, and a touch of exclusivity, the X6 delivers. It’s not for traditional SUV buyers, but for the bold and design-driven, it’s a compelling choice — even today on the used market.
More BMW reviews: BMW 1 Series (E87) Review, BMW 2 Series Coupe (F22) Review and BMW 4 Series UK Review.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting a raised driving position and useful family practicality, premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Suv/Crossover |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.