BMW X6
Launching a car like the X6 now might seem ridiculous, given the fact that the consumer trend is moving towards smaller, more efficient cars. However, the car industry has to plan four years ahead for new models, and four years ago, it would have been groundbreaking. That's not to say that it isn't mind. It is quite unlike anything that has gone before, unless you count the utterly weird Ssangyong Actyon that was never sold in the UK. BMW is referring to it as a Sports Activity Coupe, whilst others might refer to it as a 4x4 crossover. Name it what you like, it is definitely one thing - enormous. Everything on this car is huge, even down to the exhaust pipes occupying both corners of the X6's rear.
It looks much like the X5 from the front with slightly more muscular and aggressive-looking features. Pictures don't really show how large the X6 is, being both longer and wider than the X5. The enormity of the X6 is put to moderately good use inside, with plenty of lounging room, plus a deep, wide, but very shallow boot. There are plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a cubby hole where the middle rear seat would normally be, as the X6 is - impractically - only a four-seater. That said, the four seats have ample head and leg room and will easily seat anyone beyond the six foot mark. The dash has been taken straight from the X5 with soft touch materials and wood-effect panelling.
It is on the road though where the X6 shines. Despite the sheer size and weight of the car, there is little body roll thanks to superb suspension, which not only offers excellent handling but, astonishingly, provides an exceptionally comfortable ride, cushioning the huge car over even the bumpiest of roads. The X6 also benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. This gives the X6 excellent cornering ability, as it doesn't just adapt power to the front or rear, but side to side, powering the wheels on the outside of the corner to urge the car around. And when you're finished being completely baffled by the X6's dynamics, it'll also make a superb motorway cruiser too.
It's incredibly refined, and although the usual diesel grumble can be heard at lower speeds, on the motorway it is nearly silent. If you are after a bit of "road-jewellery" and want to drive one of the finest-handling SUV's on the market, you're unlikely to be disappointed.
