Category: Large 4×4
Prices: £41,965-£51,000
Key rival: Range Rover Sport
Permanent four-wheel drive, super-smooth six-speed auto with steering wheel paddles, and Dynamic Performance Control (incorporating advanced rear differential that can split drive between the rear wheels, as well as front to rear, whether the driver is on or off the power) means the X6 has astounding handling, with considerable gains over the X5 in traction and dynamic safety. The security it offers on greasy, slippery roads is admirable.
Both the standard 19-inch and optional 20-inch wheels hurt in-town ride a little, yet on the highway this is a smooth, relaxing machine with a taut, hot-hatch feel that’s far from the 4×4 norm. In fact, BMW labels it an “SUV-coupe”.
The high-quality interior is basically X5, save for the racier detailing. The confident, high driving position is there, too, but there are only two individual bucket seats in the rear.
Yes, there’s ample room and, as in the front, all the stowage space lacking in BMW saloons. But no three-seater in the back? BMW isn’t worried, and it says the target market won’t be, either. Meanwhile, a giant boot has a high sill, but a capacity that extends from 570 litres to 1450 litres.
BMW plans to annually sell around 2000 X6s, volumes low enough to ensure it will surpass even the 55%-plus retained values of the X5, a machine, don’t forget, that in 3.0d guise is BMW’s third best-seller.