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Did The BMW X6 Really Miss The Mark In A Big Way?

Agent009 submitted on 07/30/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:21 PM
from: www.latimes.com

[106] user comments | category: Report Cards

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Did The BMW X6 Really Miss The Mark In A Big Way?

Utility is not luxurious. Luxury is nonfunctional Jimmy Choo stiletto sandals are, strictly speaking, shoes, but their functionality is all but surrendered to sex and gorgeousness. I for one am delighted. The toughest, most versatile, hard-core watch in the world is a Timex Ironman, but wearing one of these ugly timepieces makes you look like a substitute gym teacher.

Luxury sport utility vehicles have to romance a compromise between utility and luxury, and the results are occasionally hilarious. I give you the 2008 BMW X6.

About as useful as a laminated pizza, the X6 is essentially a fastback version of the company's already smallish X5. The X6 has inspired the company's marketing department to new neologistic heights: Whereas BMW calls the X5 a sport-activity vehicle, or SAV, the X6 is dubbed a sport-activity coupe. The resulting acronym makes my inner 12-year-old fall off his chair.

PHOTO GALLERY: Quantum of Solace Bond Car and the craziness of Comicon
2008!

http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/2008-Comicon-87/

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Chip - 7/30/2008 3:42:41 PM

+10 Boost

I've driven the X6 several times now, and I'm actually really digging it. The 3.0 turbo six moves the car very quickly (especially considering its weight) and the car drove a lot better than an X5. Also, the extra small rear view from inside the car is positively Lamborghini-like and the window placement is perfect. This a stylish, fast, SUV alternative, so if it's utility you want, go elsewhere. If you need more room or dislike it's styling, get an X5 or again, go elsewhere.

But judging by the amount of pre-orders and demand, this car didn't miss the mark in terms of sales. My BMW dealers has 13 X6's on order and all are sold already.

reply to this comment

sector - 7/30/2008 4:19:31 PM

-9 Boost

I'm sure you'll find equal enjoyment driving a tank :)

having money doesn't always mean you're smart, this is the crowd BMW caters to.

HSCenterconsole - 7/30/2008 4:23:06 PM

+14 Boost

"having money doesn't always mean you're smart" -- auto001

That definitely applies to the Lexus owners who get the gold trim added to their cars. Classy -- riiiight.

sector - 7/30/2008 4:45:00 PM

-11 Boost

no, people who put gold pieces on their Lexus don't have money.

Maverick2020 - 7/30/2008 7:33:34 PM

+9 Boost

All great designs are extremely polarizing--you either love it or you f*cking hate it.

This is a niche vehicle. Not my cup of tea, but everyone I have talked to who has driven it has wonderful things to say.

HSCenterconsole - 7/30/2008 3:48:50 PM

+19 Boost

Isn't it sold out for the rest of year? I'd say that is pretty on the mark.

Personally, I feel a sport utility coupe is an oxymoron and would just opt for the 535xi or 335xi instead.

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09CTSVforMe - 7/30/2008 5:53:52 PM

-9 Boost

Popularity isn't necessarily an indicator of greatness. Ever listen to popular radio or see a crappy blockbuster movie?

I saw one of these on the road (finally) and my opinion is the same.

U-G-L-Y, AzteX6 ain't got no alibi, it's ugly, yeah, yeah it's ugly, uh-huh!

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 11:30:32 AM

+3 Boost

09:

popularity in a mass product doesn't imply greatness. but high demand for a product that costs a huge premium certainly does imply that it's quite special.

09CTSVforMe - 7/31/2008 2:18:07 PM

-1 Boost

"popularity in a mass product doesn't imply greatness. but high demand for a product that costs a huge premium certainly does imply that it's quite special."

How? That cannot be a patently accurate statement. I'll tell you what. My company recycles toner cartridges. I'll recycle one for you and charge you 3 times what it shoudl cost. That surely implies that it is a great cartridge!

Besides, what makes you think a BMW isn't a "mass product"?

High demand for something that is overpriced could just as easily mean people have more money than taste. I'd venture to say MORE easily.

All I am saying is popular taste does not necessarily mean good taste...in anything.

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 6:54:41 PM

+2 Boost

Besides, what makes you think a BMW isn't a "mass product"?

well, let's see. 90% of the population--"the masses"--can't come close to affording one. it's a luxury product that costs 2-5x more than the average car. what makes you think it's a mass product?

MadibaP - 8/1/2008 3:29:21 AM

-1 Boost

"All I am saying is popular taste does not necessarily mean good taste...in anything."

Jerry Springer Show, WWF, BMW... Pattern anyone?

09CTSVforMe - 8/1/2008 9:56:51 AM

0 Boost

How many tens or hundreds of thousands are built and sold? They'll build as many as they possibly can sell. Sounds like alot of mass to me...

Non-mass produced cars are Bugatti, Koenisegg, Pagani, and even Lamborghini and Ferrari.

BMW may not be Tata, but they sure aren't exclusive.

FactsRule - 7/30/2008 3:55:51 PM

+11 Boost

Agent009, while you are wasting our precious time and space on this website, BMW, with the X6, is hauling in the big bucks that proves your article to be utterly false and laughable.

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SHOWTIME - 7/30/2008 4:03:13 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

LMAOOO!

SHOWTIME - 7/30/2008 4:41:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

wait, how am I getting deboosted when I'm laughing with him?

SHOWTIME - 7/30/2008 4:49:27 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

lol ummm, I'm laughing with him and not at him...basically I'm agreeing with him!

iBimmer - 7/30/2008 6:56:32 PM

+7 Boost

LOL! I'm boosting you back up mate! (I hope I won't get deboosted for the LOL though!)

The X6 is an amazing car, it has its presence on the street I'd take the V8!

FitzLA - 7/30/2008 10:23:48 PM

+2 Boost

Showtime, I boosted you back up too. No accounting for stupidity of some of these people.

SHOWTIME - 7/31/2008 1:28:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

lol thanks guys :)

Agent009 - 7/31/2008 8:21:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

FactsRule- Hey now I report all sides of the issue, whether I agree are not. This was a flip side of all of the glowing reviews and needed to be pointed out.

zorbeeze - 7/31/2008 8:52:52 AM

-2 Boost

And when you wrute your useless posts making fun of Lexus, well, they're laughing all the way to the bank as well.
Just because a product makes money does not mean it is not a crappy product.
Time will tell on the X6, and personnally i think time will prove you wrong and the X6 will not last.

MadibaP - 8/1/2008 3:23:25 AM

+1 Boost

Facts rule in that this is a stupid car for stupid people and a fool and his money are soon parted.

dlin - 7/30/2008 4:01:28 PM

+7 Boost

Good one 009. I wanted to post this article a while ago too.

But I really don't want to waste my time on such a car....

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_43LE - 7/30/2008 4:08:06 PM

+3 Boost

I think that BMW is the only company that could offer a vehicle like this and actually have good sales. The BMW name goes a long way for some folks.

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kthor - 7/30/2008 6:02:39 PM

+2 Boost

I believe you misspoke slightly. BMW design, quality, performance, and driving pleasure go along way for a lot of people. BMW created the mark. How could they miss it? Our center can't keep them in stock. Looks like a bullseye for its target market which is high end buyers who have the ability to appreciate what an incredible and special machine it is. Also, they can afford it without whining unlike so many kids err I mean people on this site. If it isn't for you then just shut up and go away....easy solution.

nsmatt - 7/30/2008 4:14:23 PM

+5 Boost

I personally love this car to death, and think it's absolutely gorgeous. I hear it handles like it's bending the laws of physics and is a rocket for it's size on the straights, I don't see what is so terribly wrong with it.

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sector - 7/30/2008 4:15:45 PM

-3 Boost

The X6 is about as purposeful as an abstract painting :)

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kthor - 7/30/2008 6:06:09 PM

+4 Boost

Once you get past adolenscence you may find that you appreciate art. Having an amazing experience is what life is all about.

ICON - 7/30/2008 9:39:45 PM

+1 Boost

auto, you cannot help continually showing us how truly ridiculous and intellectually undeveloped you are.

bmwman1963 - 7/30/2008 4:18:06 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

I would buy the X6 over any SUV on the market, if I needed one.

The X6 is freakin' beautiful when you see it in person, photos do not reveal the true beauty of this machine.

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sector - 7/30/2008 4:34:58 PM

-4 Boost

I couldn't avoid seeing one the other day... it's uglier in person :)

Hachee2001 - 7/30/2008 5:02:14 PM

-4 Boost

That's great, if you don't need the space. The only reason, IMO, to get any SUV-like car, is because you need the space. I haven't driven the X6, but I've got a 2008 X5, and it's fine for what it is, but I get much more pleasure driving my "underpowered" 2004 325xi.

IVANURI97 - 7/30/2008 5:32:01 PM

-3 Boost

I agree, it is uglier in person. Neat concept for those not in need of space. That back window and shape of the rear reminds me just a little of the Pontiac Aztec.

FitzLA - 7/30/2008 10:27:14 PM

+4 Boost

Hachee, Space is not the only reason. I don't have one, but I would buy one. I like a sport car, but I also have a second home up in the mountains where we get a lot of snow. I would love to have a sports car/suv all in one. I would eliminate the need for a suv AND a sports car.

vladyxa - 7/30/2008 4:22:18 PM

+8 Boost

It's all matter of personal preferences.

So it does not mean that if some wanna-be writer from LAT wrote that X6 is useless piece of junk, it necessarily is.

Personally, I might think this LAT person is stupid moron. Is it true? Not necessarily. But, some people might think so.

Does it matter what he thinks and says about X6? Not at all. Everyone will stick to their personal opinion on this car.

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sstainba - 7/30/2008 5:07:47 PM

+2 Boost

I love this car. Just ordered one the other day. It drives very nicely and is a helluva lot bigger than my e46 coupe. I don't need something massive, but I do need something with 4 doors and enough room to carry some modest sized purchases home. And actually, I read the other day that this thing has "more cargo space" than an X5. Though, admittedly, I do not have the numbers.

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Bmw8ter - 7/30/2008 5:36:13 PM

+1 Boost

More cargo space doesn't necessarily translate into more "usable" cargo space.

truthpursuit - 7/30/2008 5:32:01 PM

+3 Boost

Trendy flash in the pan!!!

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answer - 7/30/2008 5:52:42 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

In that picture it looks pretty cool, but not cool enough to actually buy.

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FitzLA - 7/30/2008 10:28:56 PM

+8 Boost

Someone has a little jealousy issue.

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Dr550 - 7/30/2008 7:14:17 PM

0 Boost

"Shallow, low IQ people" will by rebagded Infiniti Armada's and Lexus Landcruisers.

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Dr550 - 7/31/2008 2:34:35 AM

+2 Boost

Ignorance is bliss. A Lexus is made from Toyota Motor Company. You are happy driving a Toyota. I mean Lexus.

silver1 - 7/31/2008 6:09:30 AM

-5 Boost

and rebaged Mercedes Smart and the dumb ones who puchase the All new up coming-7series-Mini-cooper, which both share 100+percent the same parts. The dumb techs that works on your AMG S-Class are the same dumb tech that's working on your AMG S Class are the same ones thats working on your AMG Smart.

Same goes for the Ultimate Driving Falling apart machine on the 750-7series-Mini cooper

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 11:38:08 AM

+3 Boost

you're a complete moron silver.

NItePhire - 7/30/2008 7:31:31 PM

+2 Boost

So when we dont have anything to write about all we have to say is BMW sucks/does everything perfect or the same about Lexus and we can sit back and watch the fanboys versus the haters. I love it. You should work for Fox.

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steve27t - 7/30/2008 7:57:43 PM

-3 Boost

We had a bull market in stocks, we had a bull market it housing and we are having a bull market it cars and horse power. It will end. Maybe it already has?
The X6 makes little sense, like a Louis Vuitton bag, except maybe a Louis Vuitton bag has the same interior space as a cheapo bag from Marshalls whereas the X6 is a jacked up coupe. The horse power wars will end soon, and some sense will return to this market. OK the super rich will still be there but your average car buying public will not be chasing 300hp plus family cars.

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quizz - 7/30/2008 9:26:51 PM

+1 Boost

I can see its appeal, although I would not buy it for myself. If I want "utility" I buy the X5, and if I want sporty passenger, the 535xi Wagon. Either is better than the X6. The X6 has the weight of the X5, without the utility, and looks sporty, without the handling of the 535xi, so what's the point?

It's purely for looks. I'm paying extra for looks that isn't so dazzling that it justifies the premium IMO.

Great for some people, but I'd take the 535xi instead.

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VegasAutoPhile - 7/30/2008 10:47:28 PM

+5 Boost

Hey guys,

I have observed quite a few postings/debates over this particularly polarizing vehicle over the past few months and decided to finally chime in with my 2 cents.

*Let me preface this by saying I consider myself to be what I would call a true (all around) auto enthusiast. Meaning, I love cars, all cars (not all, but you know what I mean) without being a card-carrying fan boy of any one particular badge. I have owned (in the past five years or so), Mercedes Benz (E class), Audi’s (A4-Wife’s, A6-Myself, Lexus(07 IS-Wife, GS 430-Myself) and I am currently driving an 07 BMW 750.

I at first (especially from the photo’s) thought this thing was a dog. It seemed mis-proportioned and simply did not see the purpose and thought that BMW was reaching with this one. However, I have to say that since seeing it in person, it has a presence and has grown on me. It looks almost an angry (aggressively spec’d) in a menacing sort of a way, and after reading the reviews, documenting the impressive performance despite its portly weight, my perspective has changed.

I am actually now thinking that this vehicle might be perfect for someone like myself. Someone that never had any intention of owning an SUV as I love the way that a fine car drives. These days especially, after having lived with the 750 for a year, I love the combination of sport and luxury more and more on a daily basis.

Although, there are those times, when I need to run down to Home Depot and pick up something of size, that neither of our vehicles will accommodate. Thus, I find myself looking at this mutated version of a sporty, BMW driving, aggressive looking mutant with just enough space to facilitate my occasional Home Depot trip and saying…………”I get it”.

I don’t want or need a full on school-bus like a Suburban-ish type of rig, but I don’t want to give up the speed and feel of a fine sport-lux sedan either. And this thing moves and handles with the best of them (I’m looking at the TT V8 version), essentially out performing my 750 in a straight line and corners. Plus it has a TT engine, which I am also a big fan of, as Dinan will be able to chip this for another 100 BHP and TQ easy. So, I what I would be giving up on the space (essentially rear seat legroom) that is the least frequently used, I would be gaining in general, all around/real world performance, and the accommodation of the Home Depot occasions.

So, it’s not for everyone, and I am as surprised as anyone that it is for me, but I think it might be the right mutant for the job!

quizz - 7/30/2008 10:52:48 PM

+2 Boost

Good reasons Vegas. A narrow market but enough of them to justify the existence of this model. On the flipside, I would prefer this model to the Z4.

Audiphile - 7/31/2008 12:34:12 PM

-1 Boost

In spite of Vegas's lucid remarks, this X6 is neither fish nor fowl to me. It's part sport SUV, and part AWD sport sedan - i.e., a jack-of-all trades and master of none.

For instance, BMW's own X5, a true sports SUVs, has more usable room, a more comfortable rear seat, and performs about as well as the X6. The Porsche Cayenne GTS, another true sports SUVs, also has more usable room and rear-seat comfort, and performs even better than the X6.

The Audi S6, an AWD true sports sedan, corners about as well as the X6 but is lighter, faster and offers more rear passenger room. It's also prettier.

Make up your mind which one you want - sport SUV or AWD sport sedan. You'll be happier than if you try to cover all bases with the X6.

Imola48isX5 - 7/30/2008 10:08:07 PM

+3 Boost

The X6 has a whole lot better precense on the road than in pictures. I do not dislike it. I am just sad to see bmw creating the unessecary new designs when they use to just have their 3 sedans 2 coupes and 1 suv. But they still set performance standard that other companies are striving after.

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EL34 - 7/30/2008 10:43:36 PM

+5 Boost

BMW #1

In my driveway.

:-\

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silver1 - 7/31/2008 6:15:34 AM

-7 Boost

My Lexus#1 in your driveway

silver1 - 7/31/2008 6:19:48 AM

-7 Boost

Did I mention my hybrid burns clearner and gets better gas? Where's your hybrid?

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 11:41:46 AM

+2 Boost

did we mention that sales of your beloved lexus are down 30% in june? and that the SC is being discontinued because lexus is abandoning the segment? and that the LFA is going to be at the auto show for the 6th year as a prototype (snore)? and that the average lexus buyer is a 60 year old woman?

komododave - 7/31/2008 3:24:00 PM

+2 Boost

Hold on now enthusiatx, it's possible that Silver is a 60 year old woman.

silver1 - 7/31/2008 3:44:37 PM

-1 Boost

"enthusiastx11"

Did I mention that Lexus Profit percentage is much higher than BMW and Mercedes? So who are the dummies?

kthor - 7/31/2008 5:02:18 PM

+2 Boost

The dummies would be Lexus customers who are getting their heads knocked off by Toyota selling cheaply built rebadges for waaaaay too much money; thus the high "profit percentage". Hooray.

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 6:57:49 PM

+1 Boost

silver:

please do share lexus "profit numbers" with us. since toyota doesn't disclose any financial information for the lexus brand, i'm curious how you know this.

kthor - 7/30/2008 11:56:46 PM

+1 Boost

If you don't know what it is why are you spewing the same nonsense as the ignorascenti? It is an amazing handling, beautifully individual, high seating position, with xDrive/DPC, with a flexible and very useable interior space. Perfect for the high-end niche that it is targeting. Now get over it. It doesn't fit in your already existing compartments of expectation. So What. It is New.

reply to this comment

kthor - 7/31/2008 3:14:38 PM

+1 Boost

I don't believe you have done your homework on the useabel space issue. It has more space under the luggage compartment cover than the X5, which is saying a lot! It has more space than many other more traditional wagon shaped SUVs such as the FX. If you need to deliver a washing machine, rent a truck. BMW has said from the beginning that it is a niche vehicle. It is brilliant at what it does. If you have different goals, so be it, there are other fish in the sea....

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09CTSVforMe - 8/1/2008 10:02:43 AM

0 Boost

"same nonsense as the ignorascenti"

You mean nonsense like making up words like "ignorascenti"? lol

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NItePhire - 7/31/2008 7:26:32 AM

-1 Boost

So was the R class..

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MadibaP - 8/1/2008 3:21:44 AM

+2 Boost

Its an idiot buster segment!

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MPowerDK - 7/31/2008 2:03:30 AM

+3 Boost

I have never driven it nor the new X5, but i like them both. If i had the money i would take the X6 over the X5 because it looks more sporty. The trunk space is not bad almost like the X5. But due to increasing gas prices i would problably take an 335 coupe:) if i only had the money.

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xj13 - 7/31/2008 2:14:32 AM

+5 Boost

Love the X6, class all the way.........

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PrancingHorse - 7/31/2008 5:44:19 AM

-4 Boost

bmw fart sniffers will buy a Trabant if you stick a bmw badge on it.

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ICON - 7/31/2008 12:31:51 PM

+3 Boost

PrancingAss...
Once again,showing your lack of class and inability to have an adult conversation.

lovecars11 - 7/31/2008 8:29:12 AM

-3 Boost

I really feel sorry for anyone who drives a BMW as clearly they have never driven a decent car or and blinded by the badge. They are truly rubbish.

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kthor - 7/31/2008 3:10:54 PM

+1 Boost

If you are going to be a retard at least try to be funny.

spiritfilled - 7/31/2008 8:31:23 AM

+4 Boost

So what is it then that makes people love BMW so much that they'll buy anything with its badge? are you blaming that on the company or on the people? If no other car brand can have as many loyalist and fanboys and what have you, then the company has done something no other company can.

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sector - 7/31/2008 10:11:19 AM

-3 Boost

BMW is the product of marketing genius, as witnessed by their mantra "The Ultimate Driving Machine". In the segments they compete in, nearly all of its competition perform or out perform BMWs, but people don't realize this and continually believe in the supposed "magic formula" only BMWs have and no one else. This is laughable.

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 11:37:15 AM

+4 Boost

BWM is the product of marketing genius?

No. BMW is the product of engineering greatness. every BMW handles well, has great weight distribution and is offered with a choice of wonderful engines. not to mention that most of them are very handsome cars.

product comes first, then a brand develops.

besides that, most of BMW's marketing is weak. other than the website and the brochures, there's not much good out there.

kthor - 7/31/2008 3:20:51 PM

+2 Boost

I wish toylex would hire a more credible shill than auto001 to bash the great German brands. She/he is too stupid to take seriously. It's tiresome.

PlanB - 7/31/2008 10:59:37 AM

-1 Boost

This vehicle is the answer to a problem nobody had except for a very, very small few. This just proves to me that if its engineered to perform well, even cars with an identity crisis such as this one will always be wanted. And having a BMW logo on it doens't hurt either.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 11:33:30 AM

+4 Boost

one of my neighbors has one.

it handles better than all its competitors.
the twin turbo is a wonderful engine.
and it's incredibly styling--especially next to the rolling shoeboxes that are most SUVs.

not to mention, it sells like crazy. and at a premium.

great job bmw.

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Germancar_fan01 - 7/31/2008 12:20:07 PM

+1 Boost

The X6 is showing ppl that BMW can make anything and bring in big bucks...still a good car :P

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ubercool - 7/31/2008 12:43:58 PM

-2 Boost

They don't make very good two seat sports cars btw!!!

kthor - 7/31/2008 3:28:15 PM

+3 Boost

Why do you spend so much of your time thinking and writing about it? Deep down you know it is better than your boring brand favorites and you are envious.

If you really believed it was ugly why would you feel so compelled to continue to spend all day, everyday saying things about it? Maybe you are obsessed with the X6 because you love it so much.

(Just a few observations from someone with a degree in psychology.)

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lovecars11 - 7/31/2008 5:39:53 PM

-1 Boost

You guys said it all, clever marketing has won BMW owners, many of whom are not drivers, two very different things. Even a Hyundai has better interiors and drive better, wake up people. Put a BMW badge on a cardboard box and all the BMW supporters will say it is the best box ever without any facts. I feel so sorry for you people.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 7:00:24 PM

+3 Boost

what do you drive?

enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 7:00:27 PM

+3 Boost

what do you drive?

MadibaP - 8/2/2008 5:37:45 AM

+2 Boost

Now here is a truth!

huu76 - 7/31/2008 6:25:32 PM

-1 Boost

This guys brave, calling the X6 a useless hunk of crap with no purpose when the marketing world is claiming that no self-respecting yuppie should be without one.

Money talks, and we'll see how quickly all these Sports-Activity-fill in the blank segments bleed BMW's limited money supply.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/31/2008 7:01:36 PM

+3 Boost