2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

All I want to know is how BMW can take such a huge, heavy vehicle and make it so responsive. The twin-turbo V-8 doesn't feel this impressive in our Four Seasons 750Li, even though it's the exact same engine in both applications. I suppose partial credit goes to the superadvanced differential, which can seemingly make its own traction and alter other laws of physics. Whatever it is, this thing works very well. Even if it makes no sense.

I had several discussions about BMW over the weekend with a few friends. The X6 perfectly exemplifies the sentiment that it's impossible to really understand a BMW unless you've actually owned one. When you look at the spec sheet and the price for most BMWs, there are always detractors that point out a similar luxury vehicle from another manufacturer would be cheaper and functionally do the same things a BMW will do. However, the only cars that routinely handle better than BMWs are Porsches, another hugely expensive German brand, so it stands to reason all that extra money goes into the mysterious arts of suspension and steering tuning. If you drive a car hard, the extra money is instantly appreciated. Those who simply commute in their cars will probably never understand why a BMW costs more than an Infiniti. Much like those who do not own an X6 will never understand why the vehicle exists. I fall into the group that doesn't understand this vehicle, but I can certainly appreciate it.

Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor