2011 BMW X6 Review
The X6, one of BMW's recent forays into SUV territory, is a tallish fastback that the company calls a sports activity coupe. With seating for four, it's basically a midsize SUV with four doors, extroverted styling and a choice oftwo powerful engines. The X6 competes roughly with the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes M -Class. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive is standard, and the X6 comes in two trim levels: the xDrive35i andxDrive50i. Both models seat four, and the xDrive50i's V-8 will propel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Walkaround
A new eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on the 2011models and replaces a six -speed automatic. The xDrive35i has BMW's new single-turbo 3.0 -liter inline six-cylinder (replacing twin-turbo). Tapping technology normally found in hybrids, the 2011X6 gets regenerative braking that charges the battery only when the car is braking, coasting or decelerating. BMW says this improves fuel economy up to 3 percent. If you took BMW's Z4, raised it up and lengthened the rear quarters to add two more doors, you would get something of the X6's profile. The scalloped headlights, twin kidney grilles and stacked tail are classic BMW.The four-seat interior incorporates a shelved dashboard that houses the navigation display without adding an extra hump in the center, as many BMW dashboards do. Metallic rings grace the dual-zone climate controls, and BMW's iDrive system operates the navigation and entertainment systems.

Summary
 Both engines incorporate direct fuel injection and turbocharging. ThexDrive35i uses a new 3.0-liter inline- six-cylinder with one turbocharger, while the xDrive50i uses a 4.4-liter V-8 with two.Power ratings are unchanged on the new six- cylinder, but BMW says itis more efficient. BMW says both engines promise minimal turbo lag and a flat torque curve that begins under 2,000 rpm.