BMW X6

Our verdict

Looks, frankly, terrible. The ultimate two-fingers to all other road users that takes up road space while not making the best use of it; coupe body over X5-sized chassis. It does however, drive like precisely nothing else on the road.

Comfort

Surprisingly comfy over long distances, and every engine makes for relaxed cruising. The ride isn’t too hard even given the usual optional 20s running 335mm rubber, which is supercar wide. Space inside is also fine up front and for the two people in the rear, though headroom is marginally less accommodating than the X5 thanks to the sloping rear end. 

Performance

Four motors on offer, two diesels, two petrols. The two six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesels use one and two blowers respectively, giving 0-62mph in eight (232bhp) and just under seven (286bhp) seconds. The straight-six 35i petrol has 302bhp and gets to the benchmark in 6.7 seconds and runs on to just under 150mph. The big hitter is the twin-turbo 50i, with a bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 and 407bhp. It’ll hit 62mph in 5.2, bang it’s head on an electronic limiter at 155mph and scare everything this side of a Porsche 911. We wish we were kidding. 

Cool

You will notice that no letters of the word 'cool' are contained within 'BMW X6'. This is no coincidence...

Quality

As per the new X5, so a very solid performance from the BMW stable. Solid materials usage, good detailing, panel gaps that fit. This is a nicely finished car, even if it is built in America. 

Handling

Distorts what you expect from something with this high-looking C-of-G. The X6 covers ground, rough or otherwise with the same determination as a Bowler Nemesis, except with nice leather and a decent radio. Body control is superb, traction is always without peer thanks to xDrive, DPC (dynamic Performance Control) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). It will surprise you. You will still hate the way it looks. 

Practicality

Vision is limited thanks to that shape - the rear 'screen is a slot. There are only four seats and the boot is smaller than an X5's - but not by as much as you might imagine. The rear hatch lip is also very high - you’ll be struggling to get things out of the back if you’re short - though there is a very handy under-floor storage bin for hiding stuff. 

Running costs

Expensive. All hit the max tax bracket, and you’ll be fuelling that 50i with everything you’ve got. Best just set fire to your wallet and have done. Best will be the single-turbo diesel, but this is still a big car with an appetite.