BMW X6 Off-Roading

[blitzkrieg79]

Hey guys,

I know BMW didn't release a thorough X6 specs yet but I am wondering if anyone has any clue to BMW X6 off-road abilities? None of the X series so far are good at off-roading (pretty sad if you ask me for such an expensive vehicles), here is one example of "great" X5 off-roading: http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2007/08/04/taking-a-crossover-offroad-means-trouble/#more-391

The only article I was able to find about X6 off-roading abilities seems to suggest it is better than X5 at least but does anyone know any specific numbers such as approach/departure angles, ground clearance, suspension/transmission (low range) details? It would be neat if BMW offered an off-road package for X6 since it looks like it was inspired by the Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar car, air-suspension would be great. But I won't hold my breath because BMW is not known for off-roaders nor great off-road technology, but hey, since they use Mitsubishi turbos in their new engines maybe they could buy some off-road technology from them too.

Anyway, here is the article with X6 Off-Road: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071126.007/pair-of-bmw-x6s-shredding-sand-dunes-in-uae

[ToolFan]

Clearly in the first link, the really soft sand is not a good match for anyone! I have seen defender 90's sink immediately and Hummers, its all in the tires and rims. If you go to any tire dealer, they will let you know which tires are good for sand and good for mud. Like the TSL Thornbirds, they spec and a good light mud and sand tire, but suck in deeper med. I went with a BFG goodrich Mus Terrain and it could go through the thickest of mud.
If you have ever been to a beach, you know some sand is like gravel and some is like talcum powder. Different consistencies.

[blitzkrieg79]

Clearly in the first link, the really soft sand is not a good match for anyone! I have seen defender 90's sink immediately and Hummers, its all in the tires and rims. If you go to any tire dealer, they will let you know which tires are good for sand and good for mud. Like the TSL Thornbirds, they spec and a good light mud and sand tire, but suck in deeper med. I went with a BFG goodrich Mus Terrain and it could go through the thickest of mud.
If you have ever been to a beach, you know some sand is like gravel and some is like talcum powder. Different consistencies.

Oh I know that good set of off-road tires will help out in a rough terrain but it's a widely known fact that neither X3 or X5 (good tires or bad tires) can really compete with LR3, Landcruiser, H2/H3, Pajero/Montero when it comes to off-roading. I just wanted to find out if someone has any clue as to whether BMW did something to X6 to improve it's off-road ability compared to X5. As BMW stated, X6 is supposed to be like a combination of a coupe with a 4x4 SUV (whatever that means). Anyway, thanks for the reply.

[Beemerup]

Blitzkrieg79...i would reccomend to you the Pajero/Montero for offroading. The X6 is simply not for that purpose. It always cracks me up when nay sayers get all up in a twirl that an expensive x-whatever "can't" do what some other 4X4 can do. Apples and oranges, my friend. That's why you have speicalized vehicles to do specific things.

[cross5x]

Blitzkrieg79...i would reccomend to you the Pajero/Montero for offroading. The X6 is simply not for that purpose. It always cracks me up when nay sayers get all up in a twirl that an expensive x-whatever "can't" do what some other 4X4 can do. Apples and oranges, my friend. That's why you have speicalized vehicles to do specific things.

+10 :thumbup:

[blitzkrieg79]

Blitzkrieg79...i would reccomend to you the Pajero/Montero for offroading. The X6 is simply not for that purpose. It always cracks me up when nay sayers get all up in a twirl that an expensive x-whatever "can't" do what some other 4X4 can do. Apples and oranges, my friend. That's why you have speicalized vehicles to do specific things.

I am not trying to offend anyone or anything, just ask a simple question, how come BMW doesn't offer offroad packages for its X series, after all they have high ground clearance, rather short front overhangs and a rather stiff ride, all they really need is an air adjustable suspension and a low range transfer case and they should be good. Look at the Cayenne, it has excellent offroad abilities, Porsche didn't beat around the bush and didn't come out with another acronym like BMW did with SAV instead of what really X series is (an SUV), otherwise the entire X series line is just a bunch of jacked up wagons/dare I say mini vans. Very disappointing if you ask me, I thought BMW owners are a bit more demanding.

And please enlighten me what is the purpose of X3, X5, and X6? Again, Mercedes ML offers offroad package, Cayenne offers very good offroad abilities, so does it's cousin VW Touareg.

[wjheinle]

And please enlighten me what is the purpose of X3, X5, and X6? Again, Mercedes ML offers offroad package, Cayenne offers very good offroad abilities, so does it's cousin VW Touareg.

I hate to be rude, but an ML, Toerag, Cayenne, etc, are not designed for offroading either. Just becasue they have low range or air suspension doesn't mean anybody uses them on anything more than a dirt road. Jeep Wrangler with solid axles, yes. ML350 no.

The purpose of an X3, X5, X6 is to provide the consumer with an SUV that is FUN to drive on road and also give usable cargo carrying capability.

[blitzkrieg79]

I hate to be rude, but an ML, Toerag, Cayenne, etc, are not designed for offroading either. Just becasue they have low range or air suspension doesn't mean anybody uses them on anything more than a dirt road. Jeep Wrangler with solid axles, yes. ML350 no.

The purpose of an X3, X5, X6 is to provide the consumer with an SUV that is FUN to drive on road and also give usable cargo carrying capability.

LOL, are you kidding me???? ML with offroad package, Tourage and Cayenne with it's offroad package that gives over 11in of ground clearance and approach angles of over 40 degrees are not good offroaders??? All I can tell you is that you don't know anything about the competition of the X series.

FUN to drive on road and give usable carrying capability you say, hmmmmm, I will take a 3 or 5 series wagon then as it offers lower center of gravity for even more fun experience and handling characteristics. BMW needs to step up it's game and offer some kind of offroad package to complement the X range cuz otherwise they are just an overhyped by the BMW marketing department jacked up vans. They call them SAVs instead of SUVs (to justify it's lack of offroad potential), jeeezzzz, BMW PR at it's best.

[Beemerup]

LOL, are you kidding me???? ML with offroad package, Tourage and Cayenne with it's offroad package that gives over 11in of ground clearance and approach angles of over 40 degrees are not good offroaders??? All I can tell you is that you don't know anything about the competition of the X series.

Not sure what your point is Blitz...buuuuuut, if you're so in love with the x's competition...then go get em! You don't have to purchase a BMW x-anything. If your upset about the SAV SUV S (whatever) V...then there is no help for you. Car companies are going to come up with all sorts of BS...what cha godda do?! :dunno:

For what's it's worth...go test drive them all. Cayenne is a supped up Toureg on steroids... The ML...sweet ride...but too stuffy for me. For offroading...i personally would like the Defender 90! Now THAT's a sweet ride you can get dirty in. An x-whatever? NO ML? NO! Caya/Tourg Nada!

Good luck! :thumbup:

[Beemerup]

[QUOTE=blitzkrieg79;2907241]Hey guys,

I know BMW didn't release a thorough X6 specs yet but I am wondering if anyone has any clue to BMW X6 off-road abilities? None of the X series so far are good at off-roading (pretty sad if you ask me for such an expensive vehicles), here is one example of "great" X5 off-roading: http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2007/08/04/taking-a-crossover-offroad-means-trouble/#more-391QUOTE]

Just a little something to consider when thinking of getting stuck in the sand...what? A Land Rover (king of all 4x4's) stick in the sand...and a jeep...well...that's nonsense. :(

[wjheinle]

LOL, are you kidding me???? ML with offroad package, Tourage and Cayenne with it's offroad package that gives over 11in of ground clearance and approach angles of over 40 degrees are not good offroaders??? All I can tell you is that you don't know anything about the competition of the X series.

You obviously have never gone wheelin'. I have yet to see a VW on a fire road here in Colorado or on a rock crawl in Moab. A Cayenne...nope. An ML, are you joking me? Really?

A Land Rrover, yes. A Range rover (especially the older ones) yes. A Yukon/Tahoe, sometimes. Pickups, of course. Hummer's yes. And of course the Jeeps (not that ugly Liberty through).

It has little to do with ground clearance. Good Arrival and Departure Angle I agree. It has a lot to do with articulation and keeping tires on the road. Go test drive an ML, and drive one tire up onto a curb and watch the back tire (or opposite front tire) come off the ground. They all use ABS I believe to control wheel spin INSTEAD of using locking differentials or real transfer cases. They are ALL wheel drives and not 4WDs.

Are you honestly looking to purchase a ML, VW, or Porsche to go off-roading? If you have the money buy an X6 and a Jeep Wrangler. Then you will have the best of both worlds.

[blitzkrieg79]

You obviously have never gone wheelin'. I have yet to see a VW on a fire road here in Colorado or on a rock crawl in Moab. A Cayenne...nope. An ML, are you joking me? Really?

A Land Rrover, yes. A Range rover (especially the older ones) yes. A Yukon/Tahoe, sometimes. Pickups, of course. Hummer's yes. And of course the Jeeps (not that ugly Liberty through).

It has little to do with ground clearance. Good Arrival and Departure Angle I agree. It has a lot to do with articulation and keeping tires on the road. Go test drive an ML, and drive one tire up onto a curb and watch the back tire (or opposite front tire) come off the ground. They all use ABS I believe to control wheel spin INSTEAD of using locking differentials or real transfer cases. They are ALL wheel drives and not 4WDs.

Are you honestly looking to purchase a ML, VW, or Porsche to go off-roading? If you have the money buy an X6 and a Jeep Wrangler. Then you will have the best of both worlds.


I have yet to see a stock X3/X5 do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mboMIsqLMaw or this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ljv1ChyVAw

Ground clearance definitely helps when it comes to going offroad, ground clearance combined with short front/rear overhangs increases your approach/departure angles. Cayenne, for example, has a full time AWD with electronic center differential and eletrical differential lock on each front & rear axle. In addition, lockable rear differential is offered in optional offroad package. Touareg is similar. And isn't BMW X5/X6 supposed to compete with Cayenne? Of course good offroad tires also help a lot. But anyway, whats the point of a $50K SUV (or SAV as BMW likes to call it) when its useless offroad. Just buy a minivan or a wagon which can carry as much cargo as an SUV while consuming less gas due to lesser weight.

As far as Jeep is concerned, actually I was one of the unfortunate ones that actually owned a Wrangler back in the day, from my personal experience I would not recommend that car to anyone, rear axle broke on me on a regular nicely paved road TWICE in a 2 year span, a lot of electrical problems, and once I drove through 20 inches of water and later on the car wouldn't want to start cuz water got somewhere into exhaust or engine (I thought offroad cars were supposed to have underwater protection like Mitsubishi Montero/Nissan Patrol/Toyota Landcruiser had for ages now), of course I got rid of that car as soon as I could, nothing but trouble.

And no, I wouldn't use X6 solely for going offroad but on occasional weekend trips I would like to get a little crazy and go off the pavement and have some fun, I don't want a tank like off-road ability, but going through some mud, few rocks here and there, maybe one or two nice inclines and thats it. I don't want a hardcore offroader because those are really really stiff and uncomfortable daily drivers.

[cross5x]

And no, I wouldn't use X6 solely for going offroad but on occasional weekend trips I would like to get a little crazy and go off the pavement and have some fun, I don't want a tank like off-road ability, but going through some mud, few rocks here and there, maybe one or two nice inclines and thats it. I don't want a hardcore offroader because those are really really stiff and uncomfortable daily drivers.



I think an X5 suits you better :thumbup:

The X6 is a Sports Activity Coupe and thus, I would regard it more to like the 6er, and as far as I know, the 6er is more 'fragile' than the 5er, if you know what I mean.

[wjheinle]

Nice work on tracking down the footage of the VW in Moab. I have done "Hell's Revenge" and "Fins-n-Things" many times in my Wrangler and on dirt bikes. You can see my point on articulation and how the the VW is unable to keep the tires on the rock. I have seen a subaru on Fins-n-Things so I am sure people will take anything on slickrock including a VW.

Sorry to hear about your experience with a Wrangler. Below is a shot of my rig, nothing special compared to many of the decked out TJs out there.

To get back on topic, why not buy the X6 for its on road ability, big engine, and great looks, and get something else for off-roading? My motto is Jeep for play, X5 for wife, and 335 for fast, it works for me and that's my 2 cents.

[mikeny]

Thats my dream car, how much did you paid for it. I'm looking for a big block from 1974 :)

Thx, Mike.

Nice work on tracking down the footage of the VW in Moab. I have done "Hell's Revenge" and "Fins-n-Things" many times in my Wrangler and on dirt bikes. You can see my point on articulation and how the the VW is unable to keep the tires on the rock. I have seen a subaru on Fins-n-Things so I am sure people will take anything on slickrock including a VW.

Sorry to hear about your experience with a Wrangler. Below is a shot of my rig, nothing special compared to many of the decked out TJs out there.

To get back on topic, why not buy the X6 for its on road ability, big engine, and great looks, and get something else for off-roading? My motto is Jeep for play, X5 for wife, and 335 for fast, it works for me and that's my 2 cents.

[Kzang]

Think of the BMW X series as a souped up and modified Minivan or vans.

Carmakers made SUVs and Crossovers to cater to the people that want to feel secured, powerful and safe in their vehicles.

If you want to go off-roading go speak with billybob down at the garage and I'm sure he can build you a bigf00t to please you.

[wjheinle]

Thats my dream car, how much did you paid for it. I'm looking for a big block from 1974 :)

Thx, Mike.

She's a 1998 TJ 4.0 with a laundry list of adders, but is only worth about $8,000. They are a dime a dozen here in Colorado. I easily have $6K into the lift, tires, wheels, winch, stainless, seats, etc etc etc.

[blitzkrieg79]

Think of the BMW X series as a souped up and modified Minivan or vans.

Carmakers made SUVs and Crossovers to cater to the people that want to feel secured, powerful and safe in their vehicles.

If you want to go off-roading go speak with billybob down at the garage and I'm sure he can build you a bigf00t to please you.

And thanks to people like you, US is in an energy crisis. All SUVs did was increase the usage of materials needed to develop a car, increase in fuel consumption, and if you wanna go by trends, it looks like the SUV hype is starting to dwindle down big time as people are getting away from all the mass media/corporate brainwashing and buying efficient cars that essentially offer the same utility of SUV.

SUV, you say, make people "feel" safe, feel is the key word because they are not any safer than sedans as because of the higher center of gravity they are prone to roll overs. There have been many tests conducted by independent insurance companies that show no real advantage in real life of an SUV.

And again, I don't need billybob to buy me a bigf00t, all I want is an air suspension, some locking differentials, and a low range case and the X will be in the same league as ML, Touareg, Cayenne, Montero, and Landcruiser (of course I won't even mention Nissan Patrol or Pathfinder or the Land Rovers because that list would be just too long and too painful for X owners to watch):p Again, SUV doesn't have to be an offroad tank or Hummer H1 SUT, but it should be able to go through 25 inches of water, have an approach angle of at least 35 degrees and be able to handle some mud/sand without much hassle.

[Joosyjoos]

Well you seem to know what you want... and the X6 isnt the SAV for you. Go buy a Cayenne if you like the idea so much.

BMW + Offroad = syntax error

[cross5x]

Well you seem to know what you want... and the X6 isnt the SAV for you. Go buy a Cayenne if you like the idea so much.

BMW + Offroad = syntax error

Good one. +1:thumbup:

[Kzang]

And thanks to people like you, US is in an energy crisis. All SUVs did was increase the usage of materials needed to develop a car, increase in fuel consumption, and if you wanna go by trends, it looks like the SUV hype is starting to dwindle down big time as people are getting away from all the mass media/corporate brainwashing and buying efficient cars that essentially offer the same utility of SUV.

SUV, you say, make people "feel" safe, feel is the key word because they are not any safer than sedans as because of the higher center of gravity they are prone to roll overs. There have been many tests conducted by independent insurance companies that show no real advantage in real life of an SUV.

And again, I don't need billybob to buy me a bigf00t, all I want is an air suspension, some locking differentials, and a low range case and the X will be in the same league as ML, Touareg, Cayenne, Montero, and Landcruiser (of course I won't even mention Nissan Patrol or Pathfinder or the Land Rovers because that list would be just too long and too painful for X owners to watch):p Again, SUV doesn't have to be an offroad tank or Hummer H1 SUT, but it should be able to go through 25 inches of water, have an approach angle of at least 35 degrees and be able to handle some mud/sand without much hassle.

I think you read my post incorrectly.

[pilotman]

to the OP, I don't get it.

This thread is retarded...

You seem to want to argue about this point, for instance you now bash all SUVs, blame their buyers for the energy crisis, claim that ALL SUVS should be able to ford 25" of water, etc. (despite the fact that 90% of SUVs never see a dirt trail)....


Others have given you their OPINIONS (which I believe are correct, the X6 isn't intended for offroad use), but you keep rehashing the point.

It seems like you know what you want, so why are you wasting your time asking for opinions, all of which you disagree with :dunno:

Go drive the X6, evaluate the technical specifications (i.e. approach/departure angles, differentials, etc.) which it sounds like you have already done, and make a decision.

But stop bashing the X3, X5 and X6 and their lack of offroading abilities, everyone understands what these vehicles are about.

You claim to be familiar with offroading, so evaluate the vehicles for yourself. If you think they suck for offroading, that is fine, you are entitled to your own opinion, and no one here really cares. We are just trying to be helpful and provide advice.

If you can't see that these BMW vehicles are not intended for offroad use, then I think you are missing the point...

Am I missing something here, or do you have a grudge against the BMW SAV vehicles? Is there a point to this thread other than bashing those vehicles? Because you already know the answers to all the questions you are asking...

[blitzkrieg79]

to the OP, I don't get it.

This thread is retarded...

You seem to want to argue about this point, for instance you now bash all SUVs, blame their buyers for the energy crisis, claim that ALL SUVS should be able to ford 25" of water, etc. (despite the fact that 90% of SUVs never see a dirt trail)....


Others have given you their OPINIONS (which I believe are correct, the X6 isn't intended for offroad use), but you keep rehashing the point.

It seems like you know what you want, so why are you wasting your time asking for opinions, all of which you disagree with :dunno:

Go drive the X6, evaluate the technical specifications (i.e. approach/departure angles, differentials, etc.) which it sounds like you have already done, and make a decision.

But stop bashing the X3, X5 and X6 and their lack of offroading abilities, everyone understands what these vehicles are about.

You claim to be familiar with offroading, so evaluate the vehicles for yourself. If you think they suck for offroading, that is fine, you are entitled to your own opinion, and no one here really cares. We are just trying to be helpful and provide advice.

If you can't see that these BMW vehicles are not intended for offroad use, then I think you are missing the point...

Am I missing something here, or do you have a grudge against the BMW SAV vehicles? Is there a point to this thread other than bashing those vehicles? Because you already know the answers to all the questions you are asking...

But thats the thing, I really like the new X5 and X6 aesthetic design and it's simple and functional interiors as I think in those two aspects the new generation of Xs has the competition beat in every direction including Cayenne, Touareg, or it's Japanese counterparts. Also BMW makes one of the best engines in the world. Basically my ranting is towards BMW management and offering some kind of an offroad package (something Mercedes does with its M Class as M Class in it basic version isn't a good offroader either) and thats it. Again, BMW X5 for example, offers excellent onroad driving dynamics (for an SUV), high quality materials/build, plenty of interior space, excellent engine, xDrive system (as it has matured from its early years) is also one of the best AWD systems around especially in snow/ice, and I think the new Xs simply look good but it would be nice to see an air suspension and maybe a low range transfer case and I would be very happy.

[pilotman]

But thats the thing, I really like the new X5 and X6 aesthetic design and it's simple and functional interiors as I think in those two aspects the new generation of Xs has the competition beat in every direction including Cayenne, Touareg, or it's Japanese counterparts. Also BMW makes one of the best engines in the world. Basically my ranting is towards BMW management and offering some kind of an offroad package (something Mercedes does with its M Class as M Class in it basic version isn't a good offroader either) and thats it. Again, BMW X5 for example, offers excellent onroad driving dynamics (for an SUV), high quality materials/build, plenty of interior space, excellent engine, xDrive system (as it has matured from its early years) is also one of the best AWD systems around especially in snow/ice, and I think the new Xs simply look good but it would be nice to see an air suspension and maybe a low range transfer case and I would be very happy.

I am willing to bet that less than 2% of all X3/X5/X6 owners will ever take their vehicle offroad.

Why would BMW waste money on offering a package that no one wants? :dunno:

[blitzkrieg79]

I am willing to bet that less than 2% of all X3/X5/X6 owners will ever take their vehicle offroad.

Why would BMW waste money on offering a package that no one wants? :dunno:

I don't know, maybe because of prestige that if Porsche and Mercedes can do it, we can do it even better? Again, I am not looking for Hummer 1 like offroad abilities but it would be nice if BMW could at least match the Japanese and some German counterparts, SUV without decent offroad abilities is ummmmm, a jacked up van, thats all.

Considering that BMW already has some expertise in offroading (they did purchase Land Rover in the 1990s for a while) as well as they have the factory prepped Dakar vehicles (X-raid). So the experience is definitely there.

[Kzang]

Just because BMW owned Land Cruiser for a time period does not mean that they have a experience in off roading. I know alot of companies that bought out another company but has nothing to do with them as far as their specialty fields.

[blitzkrieg79]

Just because BMW owned Land Cruiser for a time period does not mean that they have a experience in off roading. I know alot of companies that bought out another company but has nothing to do with them as far as their specialty fields.

You can be more than sure that BMW has a lot of Land Rover technology in their design vaults yet to be fully utilized/used in any of its current cars. Anyway, look at the shape and side profile of the pre-2007 X series SUVs and tell me that 1996-2002 Range Rover wasn't an inspiration of it.

Anyway, even if BMW didn't copy enough secrets from Land Rover, they are doing just fine with their own X-Raid team (http://www.x-raid.de/) having won a lot of cross country rally events including a 2004 FIA Cross Country World Cup. So they definitely know what they are doing.

And to all of those that say BMWs are not used offroad, you would be surprised how many much more expensive vehicles than the X5 participate in offroading events such as Range Rovers, Mercedes G, Hummer H1 cars just to name a few. It's a niche market but it does exist and can not be ignored especially when designing an SUV to begin with.

[Kzang]

You can be more than sure that BMW has a lot of Land Rover technology in their design vaults yet to be fully utilized/used in any of its current cars. Anyway, look at the shape and side profile of the pre-2007 X series SUVs and tell me that 1996-2002 Range Rover wasn't an inspiration of it.

Anyway, even if BMW didn't copy enough secrets from Land Rover, they are doing just fine with their own X-Raid team (http://www.x-raid.de/) having won a lot of cross country rally events including a 2004 FIA Cross Country World Cup. So they definitely know what they are doing.

And to all of those that say BMWs are not used offroad, you would be surprised how many much more expensive vehicles than the X5 participate in offroading events such as Range Rovers, Mercedes G, Hummer H1 cars just to name a few. It's a niche market but it does exist and can not be ignored especially when designing an SUV to begin with.

I agree that there are other higher priced SUVs that are capable for off-roading...
Even Toyota has one.. Land Cruiser which far exceeds the price of a X5.

But I don't work for BMW so I can't really say anymore on this subject.

Perhaps send a letter to BMW NA or to Germany and find out for yourself?

[Ugly Bear]

Oh I know that good set of off-road tires will help out in a rough terrain but it's a widely known fact that neither X3 or X5 (good tires or bad tires) can really compete with LR3, Landcruiser, H2/H3, Pajero/Montero when it comes to off-roading. I just wanted to find out if someone has any clue as to whether BMW did something to X6 to improve it's off-road ability compared to X5. As BMW stated, X6 is supposed to be like a combination of a coupe with a 4x4 SUV (whatever that means). Anyway, thanks for the reply.

You are assuming BMW makes X for offroaders. No, X line is to prevent upscale soccer moms from buying Lexus. MB began this with ML when they realized that while husband bought MB, BMW or Porsche, wife spent [big] money at GM or Jeep or Lexus dealership on a mommy tank. Or they both went there to buy a truck to tow a boat. This money had to be captured. That's it. It had absolutely nothing to do with offroading. Same applies to 90% other SUVs, it has everything to do with the fact that SUV is the America's family car. Everyone joined this trend: Audi, Volvo, VW, Infiniti

[blitzkrieg79]

You are assuming BMW makes X for offroaders. No, X line is to prevent upscale soccer moms from buying Lexus. MB began this with ML when they realized that while husband bought MB, BMW or Porsche, wife spent [big] money at GM or Jeep or Lexus dealership on a mommy tank. Or they both went there to buy a truck to tow a boat. This money had to be captured. That's it. It had absolutely nothing to do with offroading. Same applies to 90% other SUVs, it has everything to do with the fact that SUV is the America's family car. Everyone joined this trend: Audi, Volvo, VW, Infiniti

Which doesn't change the fact that VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes ML with OPTIONAL offroad package are quite capable offroaders........

[Ugly Bear]

Which doesn't change the fact that VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes ML with OPTIONAL offroad package are quite capable offroaders........

And who cares? 99% of X buyers don't so why bother?

[blitzkrieg79]

And who cares? 99% of X buyers don't so why bother?

Obviously Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW care (with Toyota and VW being the largest car manufacturers in the world and noticing the demand for offroad capability). So you are implying that 99% of X owners are posers??? If BMW is just a huge marketing machine then yeah I guess there is no point in it, but if BMW is actually designing cars for what they are, designing an SUV without some kind of offroad capability is pretty much pointless. Just get a van or a wagon, at least you won't be polluting the planet that much.

[Ugly Bear]

Obviously Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW care (with Toyota and VW being the largest car manufacturers in the world and noticing the demand for offroad capability). So you are implying that 99% of X owners are posers??? If BMW is just a huge marketing machine then yeah I guess there is no point in it, but if BMW is actually designing cars for what they are, designing an SUV without some kind of offroad capability is pretty much pointless. Just get a van or a wagon, at least you won't be polluting the planet that much.

BMW sells itself as performance company. So they offer performance oriented SUV. See, they don't even want you to call it SUV - they call it SAV.

Don't ask me why people want SUVs. Ask them. There are many theories. Nobody wants minivan since minivan screams "family man/woman, sexually unavailable". No one wants that, even married people with no intent to cheat. There are too few wagons to speak about. I guess people want luxury truck, like to tow a boat or something.

[PowerTech]

Obviously Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW care (with Toyota and VW being the largest car manufacturers in the world and noticing the demand for offroad capability). So you are implying that 99% of X owners are posers??? If BMW is just a huge marketing machine then yeah I guess there is no point in it, but if BMW is actually designing cars for what they are, designing an SUV without some kind of offroad capability is pretty much pointless. Just get a van or a wagon, at least you won't be polluting the planet that much.

First gen of Mercedes ML (W163), they have low range as standard. Then when they did a complete redesign and launched the second gen ML (W164), the low range is no longer a standard, but they include it in optional package in which you have to shell out a few thousand dollars more to get it. Why?

When they designed the W163, they were thinking for the car to use both on and off road (although obviously, not heavy duty offroading). But then it compromises the on road ride quality (and of all the ML owners out there, only very few percentage of owners have actually used the low range gear). When X5 debuted, BMW slapped Mercedes face for creating an SUV (or SAV, whatever) that has better on road ride quality (which is the advantage for most drivers of this luxury SUV segments).
So when they redesigned the ML, they are more focused on on road capabilities instead, and if you look at eBay listing for Mercedes ML W164, how many of them equipped with Off road package? just a few. Many of them opt for sport package instead with bigger wheels which is not suitable for off roading at all.

While it is true that VW, Porsche make their cars with air suspension and everything (at a hefty extra cost for base models, unless you buy the top of the line range). IMO It's simply a marketing gimmick. They want to "Look at me, I have low range gear as standard while others are optional.. buy me, buy me.. "
How many people that you know has ever buy things they dont need just because of the marketing gimmicks? not a few. Not just in car industry, but in everything, oh this LCD TV has 6000:1 contrast ratio, that one only has 5000:1, but the other one has this piece of technology to make clearer image, and bla bla bla.
Car manufacturers competes with each other, they have to have selling points. Volvo XC90 for example, doesn't equiped their vehicle with off road stuff, but they boasting safety. They have to say something to compete with each other.

The truth is, only a few Range Rover (which is said to be the most capable luxury 4x4) drivers actually brought their cars off road, the others? They PAMPER the car, detail the car, polish it every now and then, and even they bitch when there is a paint chips caused by flying gravels. If they go off road, there will be more than rock chips, but most owners don't want to risk their $100,000 SUV out there.

AFAIK, BMW X5 E53 even offered air suspension at some point, but they dropped it altogether due to the low demand for it. So I hope this answers your question why BMW doesn't offer it, they did, and not many bother to get it.

Most people just don't buy luxury SUV to go offroad, they like the space, towing capabilities, and the practicality of hauling bigger stuff that can't fit into a sedan, and look good at the same time. Minivans? meh.. apart from they are blandly designed, how many minivans do you know of handles like an X5?
Like it or not, people want to look good, not just BMW drivers, but everyone. If they have the resource to make them look better, they'll do it.

So there, if you really want to go offroad, then BMW X-series is not for you, get a proper offroad car. If you want to race on the <curvy> track, get an M6 or a Ferrari, don't go out buying ML63 AMG or Cayenne Turbo S, you might roll over :D j/k.

[mikeny]

Just FYI

[blitzkrieg79]

Just FYI

Nice pictures, got more of them? I really like the look of the new X5/X6, maybe they do offer some offroad ability afterall :p Anyway, I hope that the new torque vectoring system that will be a part of xdrive starting with X6 will help out in offroad conditions.

[mikeny]

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