BMW X6 (2014-2019) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space
The BMW X6 is less spacious than the X5 but the current model is roomier than before
If practicality is top of your list of priorities, then the BMW X5 SUV is a better bet than the X6 SUV-coupe, but the former looks rather bulky and ungainly next to its sportier brother. If you like the unique style of the X6 then there’s still enough space and functionality for most tasks.
The original X6 was a four-seater as standard with the option of an extra central rear seat, but the second generation now has three rear seats as standard and is a full five-seater. In the front of the cabin, there are two lidded storage areas in the in the centre console and large door bins.
A high driving position means forward visibility is good but the coupe-like shape restricts the view out of the back window, so you’ll need to rely on the parking sensors (fitted as standard) when reversing.
Optional technology includes a head-up display, automatic parking, active lane keep assist, a night vision function and an autonomous system to brake and accelerate automatically in stop-start traffic.
Size
The X6 is 4,909mm long, 1,989mm wide and 1,702mm tall, so it’s taller and wider than a Porsche Cayenne but shorter and lower than an Audi Q7. It’s also longer and wider than the X5 on which it’s based, though it’s 60mm lower.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The original X6 was criticised for having poor rear headroom due to the sloping roofline, but BMW has improved that with the latest version. There’s now enough head and legroom to fit in three adults back there, though it’s still worth remembering that the X5 is a better bet if space is a priority.
Boot
An automatic tailgate opens to reveal a big 580-litre boot (although the X5’s is 650 litres), but fold the 40:20:40 split rear seats and that expands to 1,525 litres – 345 litres less than the X5, but 75 litres more than the old X6. We’ve managed to fit a full-size road bike in there without a problem, so don’t write it off if you’re worried about the size of the boot.
Every standard X6 can tow a hefty 3,500kg, while the high performance X6M versions are limited to 3,000kg – hardly insubstantial.
