Fast Facts

Verdict:
Think of it as a coupe version of the X5 and the X6 actually make plenty of sense. It’s a genuine driver’s car at its core

Breathtaking performance and handling, nicely crafted interior, doesn’t guzzle as much fuel as you might think

High boot sill makes for difficult loading, poor rear visibility, likely to be expensive

Whatever you may think about its looks, the BMW X6 really delivers on the driving experience

By Colin Yong in Greenville, USA

BMW IS OFTEN thought of as an engineering-led company. But imagine if its engineers were actually allowed to call all the shots – the product line-up would consist of some coupes, a couple of saloons, maybe a station wagon or two. Cars like the new X6 (or X5, for that matter) would never even make it onto the drawing board.

That the X6 does exist shows that BMW’s marketing department isn’t asleep, though. Touted as the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, this niche-busting model is based on the X5 but has a higher price tag, fewer seats and a smaller cabin, despite being longer and wider outside.

But what is also has are looks that will stop traffic. At first glance its stance seems odd, with the swoopy body sitting uncomfortably high off the ground, but you soon come to appreciate how the car disguises its size so well. The detailing along the flanks is a lot neater than that on most recent BMWs, too.

So the X6 is for those who want something bold and tough, yet are unwilling to give up a sporty drive. Can the car really live up to its billing, though? The generous ground clearance and four-door configuration don’t exactly scream ‘coupe’, after all.

At least there’s some serious performance hardware under the skin, starting with an all-turbocharged engine range topped by a brand-new 407bhp 4.4-litre V8 that’s unique to the X6 for now.

Another new, if less obvious, feature is Dynamic Performance Control or DPC. This works in unison with the standard xDrive all-wheel drive system to vary the torque distribution between the two rear wheels depending on the car’s speed, steering angle and a multitude of other factors.

Ordinary electronic stability control systems help keep a car on its intended line in corners, but only by braking one or more wheels. DPC, on the other hand, essentially does it by making them go faster. That’s why it’s such an intriguing piece of technology.