Easy to operate iDrive

Then there's the iDrive.

After testing a series of BMW's this year, I am starting to take a more German approach to the iDrive. Americans are just stupid.

Please don't be offended by that if you are not the brightest LED in the headlamp, but there's an owner's manual in the glove box and not everything good in life needs to be figured out in three minutes with the lights off. The iDrive provides lots of function. It's easy to operate and lets you keep your hand on the wheel while you're doing it.

If you get stumped, look it up. BMW writes one in English.

There are, of course, all of the premium features you'd expect on the X6 M: The standard glass roof, the dual climate zones in front -- and you can get dual climate zones in the second row too.

There's a heads-up display that includes navigation guidance, cruise control settings and, of course, your speed. There are automatic high beams that adjust to oncoming traffic.

Then there is the back-up camera system. This provides a bird's eye view of the vehicle and everything around it. It comes on automatically when you put the vehicle in reverse and can be turned on when you select the parking distance control button. It's excellent for seeing what's right in front of you as well, such as pulling into a tight space or a garage.

    See also:

    Switching off automatically
    The system switches off and the LED goes out: After approx. 33 ft/10 m when driving forward. Above approx. 9 mph/15 km/h when driving forward. Switch on the system again if necessary. ...

    Ride & Handling
    The X5 finds a sweet spot between SUV ride comfort and BMW athleticism — far better than the X6, which is two parts BMW to one part SUV. The X5's ride quality is very good, as the suspension isola ...

    Sound output
    Switching on/off When the ignition is switched off: press ON/OFF button on the radio. Muting When the ignition is switched on or the engine is running: press the ON/OFF button on the radio. ...