Skip advert
Advertisement

Striking looks, stunning pace... the SUV ‘coupé’ is a strong choice

Few cars stand out like the X6. On top of the bold styling, it serves up impressive refinement and an upmarket cabin, and it feels like a luxury product. Add in the excellent diesel engine and composed handling, and it’s difficult to fault.

The X6 is one of those models you could never lose in a car park! Not only is it big, it’s also as bold as they come. The idea of a coupé-bodied off-roader won’t make sense to the average car buyer, but this BMW isn’t for them.

Instead, it’s designed as a sportier version of the X5, and sits on the platform of the big-selling SUV. The lower bodywork is barely changed from that car, although its sloping rear end and tall tail are unique. The X6’s coupé aspirations are most obvious in the back, where the sweeping roofline affects headroom. A storage tray replaces the centre seat, so it’s strictly for four – despite the huge dimensions. But there’s plenty of rear legroom.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The load area is long, too. At 570 litres, the BMW’s boot is 25 litres smaller than the X5’s and 30 litres up on the Cayenne’s. Yet it’s blighted by a high lip – this is down to the blunt rear end, which also makes visibility terrible. Even small cars can be obscured in the vast blind spot beneath its elevated window line, so it’s a good job parking sensors are fitted as standard. A £350 reversing camera can also be specified.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Aygo

2019 Toyota

Aygo

8,929 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,299
View Aygo
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

43,690 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,600
View Juke
Niro

2024 Kia

Niro

13,473 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £24,197
View Niro
3008

2018 Peugeot

3008

22,647 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £14,699
View 3008

Up front, the interior is high quality. The chunky steering wheel and heavily bolstered seats add to the sporty feel, although the X6 doesn’t yet have the latest generation of the iDrive cabin control system seen in the new 3 and 7-Series. Drive the X6 and you get a lofty view, as you do in the Cayenne, but the BMW is 79mm longer and 55mm wider than the Porsche. That makes negotiating narrow lanes and city streets a real challenge.

The firm’s 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbo diesel is bursting with torque across the rev range, and makes light work of hauling the X6’s hefty 2,110kg kerbweight around. With an extra 45bhp and 30Nm more torque, it’s quicker to respond than the 130kg heavier Porsche. The X6 is more refined than its rival, too, delivering turbine-like smoothness and a hushed idle note. To underline its appeal, the BMW is cleaner and more efficient. Better still, its chassis is as impressive as its engine, with body control and grip that seem to defy the laws of physics.

You simply don’t expect a vehicle this big and heavy to corner as well as the X6. The clever xDrive 4x4 transmission and stability control systems make it almost impossible to reach the limit of grip on the road. And helped by the optional electric damper control fitted to our test car, it rides surprisingly well, too. The dynamic package isn’t flawless. At low speeds, the 20-inch wheels (an £875 option) crash over bumpy surfaces and the steering is heavier than most rivals. The optional Active Steering set-up (£190) provides greater agility over all surfaces.

Driving an X6 is a bold statement, however you choose to look at it. In terms of practicality, the slightly cheaper X5 is a much smarter alternative. But the more powerful, distinctive and exclusive X6 is a tough rival for the Porsche to beat.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: Coupé-styled SUV has bags of street cred, and is the ultimate, sporty on–road 4x4

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025