What Car? Says

For If the X6 isn't the best-driving 4x4, it's very close to it; it has remarkable agility. It's refined, too, and surprisingly economical for such a quick, heavy 4x4

Against There are just four seats, and the sloping roofline means that head- and legroom suffer. Diesels are slightly coarse.

Verdict The X6 is superb to drive, blending strong acceleration with the agility of a sports saloon. The four-seat layout and high prices count against it. The entry-level diesel is our pick

Performance	4	Speed and strength throughout
Ride & Handling	4	Sharp and nimble to drive
Refinement	3	Diesel engines are showing their age
Buying & Owning	4	Big outlay but big returns
Quality & Reliability	4	Few do it better
Safety & Security	5	A world of wizardry
Behind the Wheel	4	Familiarity breeds compliments
Quality & Reliability	3	Good up front, not in the rear
Equipment	3	What you’d expect for the money

On the Road
Performance	4	Speed and strength throughout
Even the entry-level 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine produces 241bhp, so the X6 is never going to be short of power or pace. Go for the x40d (301bhp) and power jumps dramatically; petrol options are the 302bhp straight-six, 402bhp V8 or the X6 M’s 547bhp twin-turbo V8 with supercar-rivalling performance.
Ride & Handling	4	Sharp and nimble to drive
The X6 is effectively a nimbler version of the X5 4x4. Although there's very little difference between the two at low speeds, the more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system fitted to the X6 delivers exceptional grip and traction when you push on. Body lean is also kept to a minimum, particularly if you specify the Adaptive Drive active anti-roll bars. The firm ride tends to jostle occupants over patchy surfaces, but it's never harsh.
Refinement	3	Diesel engines are showing their age
Although the well-proven diesel engines are powerful and flexible, their poor refinement gives away their age. They can vibrate and rasp under hard acceleration. The V8 is quiet and smooth at low speeds, and emits a deep growl from the exhaust when revved. Wind noise is kept at bay, but the massive tyres generate a fair amount of road noise.

Ownership
Buying & Owning	4	Big outlay but big returns
The X6 is not what you'd call cheap, but like most BMWs, you'll get a fair chunk of your money back come resale time. BMW's Efficient Dynamics system, which includes the latest high-pressure fuel-injection system and brake regeneration (which recharges the battery by using energy created when braking), help reduce emissions and boost fuel economy. The results give the X6 a significant running-cost advantage over similar premium cars from the likes of Porsche and Range Rover.
Quality & Reliability	4	Few do it better
Top-notch materials are precision assembled to give the X6 an air of luxury that few, if any, manufacturers can better. Equally, BMWs are generally mechanically sound, although electrical glitches aren't unknown. BMW claims the X6's complex four-wheel-drive system will be robust, and many of the other components are well proven in other models.
Safety & Security	5	A world of wizardry
The X6 is packed with the latest electronic driver's aids and comes with front, side and curtain airbags. The four-wheel-drive system also provides superb traction and masses of grip, so you should never be caught out by slippery conditions. Its desirability will no doubt make the X6 a prime target for criminals, but BMWs have an excellent reputation for thwarting thieves.

In the Cabin
Behind the Wheel	4	Familiarity breeds compliments
With the exception of some padding around the centre console, the X6's dash layout is a carbon copy of the X5's, which is no bad thing. It takes a bit of time before you know where everything is, but all the controls are user-friendly. It's easy to establish a commanding driving position, too, but rear visibility is poor, so it's good that all models come with parking sensors.
Quality & Reliability	3	Good up front, not in the rear
It's wider than the X5 it's based on, but there's not the same sense of space in the rear. With just four seats, there's plenty of leg- and elbowroom for rear passengers, but that sloping roof means headroom isn't great. Small rear windows add to the rather claustrophobic feel. The boot is wide and long, but, once again, that swooping roofline means it's quite shallow. Also, the load lip is high and awkward, and there's only a singe hatch opening, rather than a more useful split tailgate.
Equipment	3	What you’d expect for the money
Standard specification includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, stability control, climate control, four electric windows, remote central locking and parking sensors. The V8 xDrive 50i adds self-levelling suspension and electric, leather seats. Options include swivelling headlights, sat-nav, digital TV, head-up display and an automatic full-beam system.

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Tax Payable 20%
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