The BMW X6 SUV: Is It a 4x4 Too Far?

Author: Jo Alexander

The recipe for the BMW X6 seems quite simple, take the mechanics, size and stature of a 4x4 and then combine it with the body shell of a coupe, which is designed to seat four people. Surely however, if you have gone through the expense of buying and running a large SUV you would expect that it could carry more people than an averaged sized hatchback. Especially when Volvo XC90 does the job of carrying seven people so well.

Nevertheless BMW believe that the X6 offers the latest evolution in sports utility vehicles combining dynamic excellence with driver enjoyment, and designed to take on rivals in the form of the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and Mercedes ML63. However with uncertain petrol prices, high running costs and growing public antipathy towards large 4x4's many previous SUV owners are returning to more humble hatchbacks and saloons.

Inside the BMW X6, the driver is still afforded the lofty driving position that would be recognised by any 4x4 owner, however it is the performance and handling that provides the biggest surprise. Underneath the bonnet is a 4.4 litre V8 engine, which produces 400 bhp and is able to propel this giant of car to 60 in 5.4 seconds.

The BMW X6 comes with an 8 speed automatic that can be controlled by paddles on the steering wheel should you feel the need to make the gear changes yourself. However its BMW's Dynamic Performance Control software that really allows this SUV to shine. The DPC senses the power and grip available to each wheel, and so when one starts to slip, power is automatically transferred to another wheel that has more grip.

From the outside the BMW X6 is certainly an imposing sight with its large 20 inch alloy wheels, powerful xenon headlights, and sleek coupe style body. This is a vehicle sure to stand out on the road, especially when you consider it is wider and longer than the more conventional BMW X5.

There is no getting around the fact that the BMW X6 is a very large 4x4, that will dwarf most vehicles on the road, and perhaps will not be the most subtle way to travel in the current troubled economic climate. However it is also true to say that BMW has introduced a new type of 4x4 and created a stylish and smart looking vehicle, that despite its size and weight handles and looks more like the four door coupe that it was designed around than a standard SUV.

Review of Wrangler Jeeps

Wrangler Jeeps have been manufactured since the late 1980’s in a number of different models. Popular models of Wrangler Jeeps for sale include the YJ as well as the TJ. The Wrangler Jeeps are the only light-duty vehicles offered in North America with solid axles front and rear. These axles are known for their durability due to their overall strength and lack of rubber boots to get torn on twigs and rocks. All Jeep Wranglers come standard with 4 wheel drive. The Wrangler Jeeps are also the only utility vehicle that has a removable top and doors.

The Wrangler YJ was manufactured from 1987 until 1995. These Wrangler Jeeps came with two distinct body styles: one was created as a two door convertible and the second vehicle was actually a two-door truck variant. These Wrangler Jeeps were manufactured with a broad wheel base, a lower ground clearance and the interior provided drivers and passengers with as much comfort as possible. Over 685,000 YJ Wrangler Jeeps were created before their production ceased. YJ Wranglers also came with a number of different kinds of trim including a base trim, the Laredo trim, Islander trim, Sport trim, Sahara trim, Renegade trim, and the Rio Grande.

Next in line for Wrangler Jeeps is the TJ Jeep created from 1996 until 2006. Like its predecessor, the TJ was made with two distinct body styles: the two door truck and two door convertible. The vehicles were offered with a variety of different motors as well as different transmissions. Improvements were made in the manufacturing of the TJ which caused the vehicle to deliver far better on the road handling and a more comfortable ride as well. In the year 1999, the TJ Wrangler Jeeps manufactured came with bigger fuel tanks in addition to safety seat tethers and a rebuilt dashboard was introduced three years later. The TJ Wrangler was available in several trims including the base trim, X trim, Sport trim, Sahara trim, and the Rubicon.

The JK Wrangler Jeeps have been produced since 2007 and are still being manufactured today. This model is offered in four different body styles including the two-door, and four door convertible as well as the two-door, and the four door truck. All of the latter vehicles are produced with a 3.8 Liter V6 engine and the vehicle is sold with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions. The JK Wrangler is currently offered with several different trims including the X, the Sahara, the Rubicon, and the Unlimited trims.