BMW X6 4×4 (2008 – ) expert review

The BMW X6 4×4 takes the pumped-up looks of the BMW X5 4×4 and chops the roof to create the world’s first production SUV-coupe. The sloping roof mixes excellently with the rising waistline sweeping from the front through to the high rear, while the familiar BMW face lends an intimidating front for such a high-riding car. And it draws attention on the road like no other – be warned, this is definitely not a car for shrinking violets.

The familiar BMW ergonomics continue inside, and the cabin is lifted pretty much intact from the BMW X5 – which is no bad thing at all. The interior trim is excellently screwed together and the quality of plastics and overall fit and finish is superb. Everything falls to hand easily, and the iDrive is intuitive and easy to operate, controlling the navigation, phone integration, music selection and TV. The back features two sculpted seats with a large storage area separating them, and there are numerous cubby holes dotted around the X6 to hide stuff.

The boot is massive, with 570-litres of storage space on offer – more than the 555-litre boot in the VW Touareg – and flattening the rear seats opens up 1,450 litres. The high-riding position and good rear-headroom coupled with supportive seats means the BMW X6 is a comfortable cruiser. However, the high rear-windscreen combined with the X6’s bulk means manoeuvring it around towns and car parks can prove tricky –our test car came with proximity sensors which show up on the centrally-mounted screen.

There’s little bodyroll through the twisty stuff, and the sensation of ‘enthusiastic’ driving in something so high is a little hard to get around your head at first. The BMW X6 4×4 offers acres of grip thanks to its Dynamic Performance Control, which monitors the wheels with the most traction and distributes the power accordingly. The steering feels light when you’re driving straight on, chuck it into a bend and it feels weighty offering good feedback about the road conditions. The X6 never feels unsettled or messy, and mops up bends with aplomb. The ride quality is superb – if a little stiff.

Our test car was equipped with the award-winning twin-turbocharged 3-litre diesel unit. While we failed to match BMW’s claimed 34mpg figures – we posted 27.9mpg as an average – the level of refinement was impressive. The engine produces 286bhp and 428lb/ft of torque – 0-62mph takes just 6.9 seconds and flat out, the X6 will hit 147mph. Although the twin-turbo unit produces an initial amount of ‘lag’, once wound up the power never stops. Higher up the range and you’ll find the X6 xDrive50i produces a massive 408bhp sprinting from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds, which is faster than a Porsche Boxster.

BMW claims an average of 34mpg for the twin-turbo diesel, but we averaged 27.9mpg. The X6 xDrive35d produces 220g/km of CO2, and both diesels fall into tax band F, with an annual bill of £210. The larger petrol models fall into tax band G with annual road tax bills of £400, while averaging between 22mpg and 25mpg on the combined cycle.

Too new to tell, but the X5 on which it’s based is a solid car. The X6 feels reassuringly solid and long-lasting. BMWs are generally a safe bet, and the marque scores well in reliability tests, with few faults recorded.

The BMW X6 comes with six airbags dotted around the cabin, front and rear anti-roll bars and anti-whiplash head restraints. There’s also a first aid kit and warning triangle, run flat tyres and a puncture warning system. The X6 hasn’t been EuroNCAP tested as yet, but does feature side-impact protection, while the front bumper, arches and bonnet are all constructed from light plastic.

Our test car came equipped with satellite navigation, a centrally mounted television screen with DVD player, cruise control, leather, air-conditioning, Xenon headlamps and the iDrive control, which houses the phone preparation and an on-board computer with the car’s vital stats. The X6 also boasts electrically adjustable seats. Open up your wallet and you can spec your X6 as much as you like – including upgrading to 20-inch wheels, a reverse-assist camera, roof rails and a sunroof.

The BMW X6 is the most controversial 4×4 on sale. It’s a niche-buster that defies logic, convention and belief to produce a car you never knew you wanted. Despite its vast bulk, it still adheres to “the ultimate driving machine” mantra.