BMW X6 XDRIVE30d
Flashy Choice
X6 is more about fashion, so might as well just slot a basic motor into it.
What's new?
BMW Thailand has added a new entry-level version for the X6 model range: the xDrive30d complementing the other variant officially on sale, the xDrive35i.
In an effort to make the 30d as competitive as possible in the Thai market, BMW has detuned the power of the original 3.0-litre turbo-diesel from 235hp down to 218hp. Because of that, the 30d attracts 40% excise tax instead of 50%.
Such a tactic has allowed the diesel-powered X6 to become a good B2.2m cheaper than the 35i petrol head, which retails for B8.899m.
The X6 30d becomes the third model in the Thai BMW lineup to get a detuned diesel to evade the 220hp barrier, the other two being the X5 xDrive30d and 730Ld.
In comparison to its X5 sibling, the X6 is B400,000 more expensive at B6.699m. So the choice between the two is quite clear: the X5 is for practical minds and X6 for fashion-conscious buyers.
The more crucial question is whether saving money for the X6 30d over the 35i is worthwhile when the latter has got significantly more performance.
Cockpit is essentially an X5’s.
What's cool?
Despite the lesser amount of performance, the 30d still has more than enough grunt in real-world driving and doesn't necessarily feel inferior to the 35i.
The meaty amount of torque the 30d has also makes the X6 utterly easy to move around, especially for poseurs who are most likely to be attracted to the SUV for its coupe'-like appearance and 2+2 interior layout.
And if you take into consideration close rivals like Range Rover Sport TDV6 and Mercedes-Benz ML300 CDI, the X6 blends a nice driving experience with fluid performance and a good chassis balance.
This may not matter to potential buyers of the X6, but the 30d is substantially more frugal than the 35i - at a significant margin that makes its 1.4sec deficit in the 0-100kph acceleration seem more than justified.
Diesel provides ample real-world punch.
What's not?
For those needing some levels of performance from the X6 will certainly find the 35i to be more enjoyable due to its wider rev range and instantaneous power delivery from nearly idle speed. You would also feel its chassis being put to better work.
Since the X5 and X6 are common relatives, the X6's fascia doesn't feel special enough as on the exterior. And just be sure practicality isn't a priority: the X6 takes only two persons in the rear, boot has limited height and heavily sloped rear windscreen makes visibility restricted.
Okay, the 30d is B700k dearer than a top-spec ML300 CDI, but the Bimmer has got funkier looks and a more satisfying drive.
Ride can be fidgety on Thai roads.
Buy or bye?
The first thing you need to ask yourself is exactly why you are yearning for an X6. Is it because you are in love with its coupe'-cum-SUV appearance or are you treating it as kind of performance 4x4?
If it's got to do with the latter, then the 30d isn't exactly an automatic choice. But we would reckon that those who really want good performance from a BMW won't come to the X6 in the first place.
The X6, for all its inherent compromises and flaws, is more about emotion or, to put it another way, pertains to fashion and a unique package that can't be found in the luxury car market.
Which really means that the 30d begins to make good sense with a basic motor that's still easily tractable, thanks to the merits of turbo-diesel technology.
And when you can save that amount of money - enough to get you another fashionable form of transport in the guise of the Mini Cooper - then the X6 in 30d form sounds pretty useful for hair-dressers.
Rear takes only two persons.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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