Review: BMW E71 X6 (2008-14)

Review: BMW E71 X6 (2008-12)

Overview

Released in August 2008, the BMW E71 X6 was a large, four-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the E71 X6 range initially consisted of the xDrive35i and xDrive35d, with the xDrive50i following in December 2008. In December 2009, a high-performance M variant was released. In October 2010, the range was updated as the xDrive35d was replaced by the xDrive40d and an eight-speed automatic was also introduced for all variants except the M. In July 2011, the five-seat xDrive30d was released – all other X6 variants, however, had four seats.

Compared to the E70 X5 on which it was based, the E71 X6 was 23 mm longer (at 4877 mm), 50 mm wider (1983 mm) and 76 mm lower (1690 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged at 2933 mm. Like the E70 X5, the E71 X6 had double wishbone front suspension and an ‘integral IV’ rear axle which served to separate the drive and damper functions, the wheel mounts and axle subframe.

EfficientDynamics

The xDrive40d and M variants also had ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting.

xDrive

The X6 was fitted with BMW’s permanent ‘xDrive’ four-wheel drive system which had an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could also be fully engaged (50:50 front:rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer). The X6 was also fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Performance Control’ rear differential which sought to minimise understeer by apportioning torque between the rear wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW E71 X6 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, hill descent control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the BMW E71 X6 xDrive30d included 19-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), dual zone-climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, head-up display, cruise control, satellite navigation, TV tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights with washer jets, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a rear view camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, tinted windows, a cargo blind and net, 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

Beyond, this the X6 xDrive35i and xDrive35d/xDrive40d were further equipped with a twelve speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, voice recognition a proximity key and directional headlights.

The xDrive50i added 20-inch alloy wheels, a sixteen speaker stereo, four zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Nevada’ leather upholstery, front seat power lumbar adjustment, front seat memory settings and an alarm system; the xDrive50i was also fitted with 385 mm front and rear discs brakes, self-levelling pneumatic rear suspension and BMW’s ‘Dynamic Drive’ system.

BMW E71 X6 M

The range-topping M variant was distinguished by its sports suspension (modified anti-roll bars and lower ride height), high performance braking package, heated front seats and power sunroof. The X6 M was also fitted with ‘Adaptive Drive’ with electronically adjustable dampers and active-anti-roll control; the Dynamic Drivesystem also included an ‘M Dynamic’ mode which raised the control thresholds for the electronic stability and traction control systems.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E71 X6 (March 2008)
• Specifications: BMW E71 X6 (January 2012)

Review: BMW E71 LCI X6 (2012-14)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the BMW E71 LCI X6 introduced mechanical upgrades, cosmetic updates and a fifth seat as standard. The X6 range was also expanded with the introduction of the M50d, powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with two small, high-pressure turbochargers and a larger, low-pressure unit. One of the small turbochargers operated from just above idle, with the larger turbocharger operating from 1500 rpm. At 2700 rpm, a vacuum-modulated exhaust flap would open to supply air to the third turbocharger.

Visually, the BMW E71 LCI X6 could be identified by its front fog lights which were repositioned to the upper air inlets, reshaped grille frame, angled grille bars and horizontally-aligned LED tail-lights. The E71 LCI X6 was also fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Performance Control’ as standard, which could transfer power from the inside rear wheel to the outside rear wheel if a risk of understeer was detected; early-stage oversteer could also be counter-acted by transferring power from the outside rear wheel to the inside rear wheel.

Features

Compared to their E71 X6 predecessors, standard features for the BMW E71 LCI X6 were extended to include internet connectivity. The M variant was also fitted with adaptive headlights and a ‘powerdome’ bonnet.

BMW E71 LCI X6 M50d

The BMW E71 LCI M50d could be identified by its 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey metallic, titanium-coloured grille bars, Ferric Grey metallic exterior mirror and High-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases. Inside, the M50d had Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim strips. The M50d was also fitted with ‘Adaptive Drive’ suspension as per the M variant.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW E71 LCI X6 (January 2012)
• Specifications: BMW E71 LCI X6 (April 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: BMW E71 X6
• Behind the Wheel: 2013 BMW X6 M50d Review