The prestige German brand BMW was one of the first adopters of the automotive practice that incorporated sport utility vehicle (SUV) design, including 4x4, with the style of a classical coupé. They even gave it a name: The Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). The BMW X6 is one such car.
On The Outside
Thus, the powerful SUV body is enhanced by a sleek, sloping roofline, just like a regular sports coupé. The current model BMW X6 is longer and wider than its predecessor too. It is also lower and offers a wider front track with a lower centre of gravity than the former model. For a big car, it handles well and, as buyers expect from this manufacturer, build quality of of the first order.
For the first time the X6 is available with an optional illuminated version of the iconic kidney grille, which is activated by opening or closing the car. The driver can switch it on and off manually and it can also function during a journey. Various trim levels are available and the M-Sport pack adds additional aerodynamics. Adaptive LED headlights are standard while optional BMW Laserlight optimises the non-dazzling high beam function, the range of which increases to around 500 metres. A worthwhile addition.
19” light-alloy wheels are standard on the Sport trim lines and 21” wheels on M Sport models. The BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d come with 22-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.
On The Inside
The driver sits high and has the best possible overview of the road ahead. That’s one of the advantages of the SUV-style vehicle. As standard, the interior is upholstered in ‘Vernasca’ leather while ‘Merino’ leather trim is on the options list. The standard sports seats are of course electrically adjustable and heated. Multifunction seats – with a choice of features such as seat ventilation and massage function for the driver and front passenger – can be specified as a further option.
The big X6 has wide door openings so getting in and out is easy. It’s roomy inside too, short or tall, there’s tons of room up front to stretch out. For convenience, there’s a big lidded cubbyhole at the top of the centre console. In there, users will find a wireless phone-charging facility and a couple of cupholders while the centre armrest doubles up as a deep storage bin. Remember the days when these was just a ‘glovebox’? In the back, perhaps surprisingly given the sloping roof, there’s still plenty of headroom and leg space. Additional versatility means the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,525 litres.
By now, BMW fans ill have come to expect a high level of technology on board and they’ll not be disappointed with the X6. Standard specification includes a zoned automatic climate control, expanding to a four-zone system as an option. Also available as an option is the Ambient Air package, which refreshes the air inside the car by ionisation and allows the driver to choose from eight selectable interior fragrances.
Despite the bulk, the inside of the X6 is a nice environment especially if the panoramic glass roof, is fitted. The optional Panorama glass roof ‘Sky Lounge’, features more than 15,000 graphic patterns in the glass roof to generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky, if that’s the sort of thing you like; either way, a glass roof really brightens up an interior. As ever, all the safety equipment and infotainment aspects are right there where they are needed.
On The Road
The line-up of engines includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. Topping the X6 range is the M50i powered by a newly developed petrol V8, while the M50d features a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and four turbochargers. Some variants offer also 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Whichever power plant is chosen, all models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system for when a little off-road action might be needed.
As suggested above and despite the size, the X6 is entertaining drive. Drivers won’t be disappointed by a lack of power; all the engines deliver the goods. It really just depends upon how quickly the owner wants to get from A to B. Steering feel is and will inspire confidence on twisting roads. Thanks to sophisticated suspension, body control is impressively tight on sweeping bends. Practicality and driving enjoyment in one package. The BMW X6 is a spectacularly good car and will suit both the family and business user. Buyers wishing to import this car VAT-free from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya and elsewhere should ask for details about our comprehensive service here at MHH International.
