by Robert Mcmartin

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 04, 2009

This is meant to be a review of the 2008 BMW X6. The only question that keeps popping into my mind is BMW - WHY?

What was the reason that BMW, decided that the brilliant 6 series needed an SUV version. Wasn't the X5 enough for BMW, did their reseach show that there was a demographic population of millionaire rednecks waiting for a balls to the wall, high speed, All Wheel Drive. Were there people out there who thought a supercharged Range Rover was just too wimpy?

If Form follows Function, and to an engineer it must, what function must the X6 perform?

Can it take the family camping in the mountains, or deserts? Not really, while it has good ground clearance it has difficulties with really rough ground and as a four wheel drive lacks ability with slippery terrain and high obstacles.

Can it tow a trailer, caravan, or horse float? Yes, but it lack of boot space means you will either be selective in what you take, or alot of stuff is stored in with the horses.

Can it handle the day to day requirements of a family?, Yes, but only just. The limited boot space and high tail gate makes it difficult to load groceries, bikes, prams and the other paraphenalia of a normal family.

The X6 is a very strange beastie, designed for a non-existent reason, to appeal to a narrow market (I don't know which one) and so expensive that it makes a Range Rover Vogue look cheap in comparison.

But, (I know we are not supposed to start a sentince with but) if speed is what you are looking for, if the ability to drive over kerbs, pavements and potholes are needed and to be able to look good in a foreign car, is what matter to you. Then the BMW X6 is the car for you.

Yes, people BMW have designed the perfect car for urban drive bys, or if your name is James Bond, or Jason Bourne, then this is the car you want to be able to leave the scene of the incident, drive quickly away while being chased, (or chasing) bad guys, police and other unsavoury types, all while looking good, and ensuring you are merely shaken and not stirred this car is the car for you.

(Of course it also helps if you are paying for the petrol with a government charge card, stolen funds, extortion, or drug money, as this car can soak up gas faster than Robert Mugabe can soak up foreign aid).

If you have a family and need a car that can take the rough with the smooth, ensure that you arrive at your destination quickly and looking good, then the X6 is for you.

I'm sure the only reason it exists is because of the Porsche Cayenne, a high priced go faster SUV, for those people who believe that size and the amount you foolishly spend on a car matters.

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