The BMW X6 was released back in 2008 and it's based on the E70 X5 platform. It is, however, longer and wider than the X5 and looks a lot better in profile.
The X6 is a Sports Activity Coupe and combines the SUV advantages with the shape and stance of a Coupe. It has a pretty decent range of engines, starting with 3 liter diesels and ending with the M version that is powered by the emblematic S63 twin turbo engine.
It is different from the X5, being a lot sportier and more dramatic on the road. You simply cannot bend your thoughts around the fact that the car is actually SUV sized. It drives superbly, and never gives away the impression that it is so big and bulky.
All the X6s come with standard xDrive systems that cope well with the challenges that can be met inside a city, but they are not meant to go on extreme off road circuits. Even so, this feature really comes in handy when you have to consider the car's weight, which is nearly 2 tones. Despite all that, the car tackles the corners, especially if you also get the Dynamic Package which will stiffen and lower the suspension.
The model tested by CarBuyer was the BMW X6 M50d, powered by a 3-liter 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine which produces 381 HP along with a whopping 740 Nm of torque. All this is achieved with a mere 7.7 l/100 km fuel consumption. If we'd have to recommend an engine for an SUV, this one would be it. Not only the low consumption and running costs make it out top choice, but also the way it transforms the car into a sporty and agile beast.
The build quality of the interior is, as always with BMWs, impeccable and faultless. With a 1,450 liter boot (seats folded down) it is slightly behind the X5's capacity, but that's the price you have to pay for looking good.
With a small price difference from its smaller brother, the X5, the X6 is aimed at the young, active adults, whereas the X5 is destined for more serious, business types.
Overall, the X6 received 4.3 stars out of 5 which is reasonable, since it has some setbacks like the unusual room for the back seat passengers and the limited rearview mirror visibility. However, the main appeal of this car comes from the way it looks and makes you feel.
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