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BMW X6 xDrive35i

Test date 14 July 2008  Price as tested  £43,160

What is it?

It’s an innovative new way to appal your friends. Just as they recover from you telling them that you’ve bought an X6, you mention it has a 3.0-litre petrol engine with two turbos. Imagine the shame.

What’s it like?

Dynamically it’s good; the ride is fine, and it steers, turns, grips and stops well. It’s well finished inside and the front is spacious, but room is at a premium in the rear. The engine and gearbox combo is very refined. It makes a good noise under acceleration and is quick with it. If you put the stigma to one side, it’s quite impressive.

Should I buy one?

If you must have an X6, you’ve got to do the maths. The 35i isn’t a great deal faster or more refined than a 35d, it emits 42g/km more CO2, falls into the highest VED tax band and only does 25.9mpg (the diesel model manages 34mpg). That said, it's cheaper to buy and its fuel is cheaper, too.

Matt Prior

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