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With excellent attention to detail and improved practicality, there's no reason why this new second-generation X6 shouldn't be just as successful as the first

What is it?

This new, second-generation BMW X6 is the sister model to the latest BMW X5 and sticks to a formula that has surprised critics with its success, the original version finding almost 260,000 buyers over the past six years.

It’s a full-size SUV coupé of sporting intent and was originally conceived with the US market in mind. Indeed, America is where it’s made, at BMW’s expanding Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, but it’s slightly unexpected appeal in Europe and China too has made it a usefully profitable hit for the branf.

Key features of this new version, which is for the most part entirely revised, include upgraded engines delivering improved power and economy, more equipment for much the same overall weight, reduced drag (it’s 0.32 Cd improves on the previous 0.35) and a battery of optional driver aids ranging from night vision to self-parking and traffic jam assist.

Usefully, the X6 now seats five full-size adults rather than four-and-a-bit, has an electric tailgate and myriad trim and décor options besides the regular Design, Luxury and Performance packages.

Engine choices include xDrive 30d and 40d diesels of 258bhp and 313bhp outputs respectively, as well as the performance-oriented 381bhp M50d sampled here. The petrol offering consists of the one 450bhp V8 xDrive 50i. All are harnessed to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent four-wheel drive system.

What's it like?

One new X6 feature of which BMW is rather proud is a simple pair of neatly trimmed kneepads.They flank the centre console to provide supportive leg-bracing when the cornering forces get large.

And they’re not misplaced, because the grip and composure of this M50d, which has firmed suspension, broad 19-inch rims and an optional roll-control system, are deeply impressive. Especially when you remember that this gargantuan five-door coupé weighs decisively over two tonnes.

It takes some serious commitment to generate the understeer that eventually arrives, and as a session on a test track reveals, planting the accelerator at this point actually has the car tightening its line as more power is fed to the front axle and it hauls itself around.

In truth you need a circuit to find this out, although it’s a characteristic that’s also useful on snow, say BMW’s development drivers. Torque-vectoring across the rear axle also heightens this X6’s impressive agility, as well as an all-wheel drive system that apportions 60 per cent of the engine’s effort to the rear wheels unless otherwise required.

A shame that the steering is almost bereft of feel despite the massive forces that must sometimes bear on its mechanism; better news is that it’s precise and solidly weighted.

The M50d is the most powerful of the diesels, this 3.0-litre, triple turbo straight-six producing 381bhp and an industrial grade 546lb ft, the full force of which is frequently available thanks to the eight speed transmission. Which can also have you loping along at 80mph on little more than 1800rpm, or shift with an enthusiastic flourish in sport.

At speed, the BMW X6’s most remarkable feature is its near-monastic quiet, the diesel so sufficiently subdued that you hear only the gentle swish of air past the door pillars.

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That’s on smooth-surfaced US roads at least, which generate little road roar and rarely betray a ride that will probably prove choppy in Britain, despite the fitment of self-levelling air springs to the M50d’s back axle.

Work the engine harder and it produces engagingly civilised sounds and superb shifts, although enthusiasts will prefer the mellifluous V8 beat of the xDrive50i.

Despite its coupé-like silhouette and performance orientation the X6 is far from impractical, especially now that it will seat five. Rear room is good, including headspace, although shoeroom is restricted by the bulky front seats.

Few will fail to enjoy the rich ambience of its finely furnished and elegantly sculpted interior, however, which is pleasure to sit in and satisfyingly well crafted. 

Should I buy one?

Whatever you think about the controversial style and presence of this coupé SUV, there’s no ignoring its potency, civility, luxuriant practicality and almost startling agility on twisting back-roads.

Not all will need the spectacularly stout pulling power of this gop-of-the-range triple-turbo diesel, but there’s no denying that this is now a more sophisticated, more able and more practical X6. There’s every reason to assume that this second-generation edition will be at least as successful as the first.

BMW X6 M50d

Price £66,915; 0-62mph 5.2; Top speed 155mph; Economy 42.8mpg combined; CO2 174g/km; Kerb weight 2185kg; Engine 6cyls, 2993cc; Power 376bhp between 4000-4400rpm; Torque 546lb ft between 2000-300rpm; Gearbox 8-speed automatic

Add a comment…
JOHN T SHEA 14 October 2014

CHOPPY INDEED!

This X6 M50D is mechanically identical to the X5 M50D, whose ride on UK roads Autocar condemned. Try the non-M version of the V8 instead.
michael knight 13 October 2014

dickhouse

one of the few cars that, when you see one, you can pretty much guarantee will be driven badly. It seems to go with the territory of the X6 and X5.
nick644uk66 13 October 2014

Irrelevant status symbol

.....but, if you mix in the sort of social circle where there is pressure to impress shallow acquaintances with your ability to acquire large sums of credit to lease/rent some fashion bling, want something large on the outside, small and impractical on the inside, routinely drive like an aggressive idiot on the road and have little consideration for other road users, their safely and scant regard for the highway code, tailgating, speeding etc... then this is very much the car for you.

I

Flatus senex 13 October 2014

Completely accurate comment!

nick644uk66 wrote:

.....but, if you mix in the sort of social circle where there is pressure to impress shallow acquaintances with your ability to acquire large sums of credit to lease/rent some fashion bling, want something large on the outside, small and impractical on the inside, routinely drive like an aggressive idiot on the road and have little consideration for other road users, their safely and scant regard for the highway code, tailgating, speeding etc... then this is very much the car for you.

I

Only utter ******s would think this vehicle has any cachet at all