Should you buy one?

The BMW X6 will likely be considered by a very particular type of customer, says BMW. It’s designed to appeal to those maybe a bit bored of traditional SUVs and craving something more distinctive and sporty, without sacrificing too much practicality. Purists may criticise its outré vibe and posing power, but you’ll rapidly know if you like the coupe-inspired aesthetic here or whether you’ll be better served by the equivalent X5.

If you like the street-side posing power of the X6, we’d predict you’ll quickly be won over by the rest of the package. Yes, there’s ultimately less outright space in the second row – and boot – than you’ll find in the more upright X5, but it’s still a genuinely big car, with lashings of space for a family of four. A fifth rear passenger may be squeeze, so be sure to check the rear middle pew if you will regularly carry lots of people.

It’s a similar story in the boot. Loadbay capacity of 580 litres is actually perfectly generous, and you can always flop the rear seatbacks forwards for more occasional space. If you can live with these modest compromises in packaging, the X6 has plenty to recommend it.

Chances are, you’ll be interested in the sporting dynamics promised by that dynamic silhouette – and here the latest BMW X6 delivers in spades. There’s a decent choice of engines in the UK and it’s really a question of deciding how much performance you really need and at what cost. Most buyers will be served well by the base petrol and diesel models, but it’s telling that a decent proportion of deep-pocketed X6 buyers are expected to choose the M-badged high-performance versions.

There are three trim levels to choose from in the UK: Sport, M Sport and M Performance, each spec adding more equipment and progressively sportier styling. All models sold here come with a minimum of 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlamps, air suspension for a comfier ride, digital dials, the top-spec BMW Professional navigation, electric seat adjustment, leather upholstery and an automatic tailgate. It’s a well equipped car, but you can easily send the price tag spiralling northwards if you dip into the extensive options list.

Whichever model you’re considering, the X6 variants are united by a singular focus on driving fun. Few large SUVs are this sporty to drive – it really does feel more like a big sports coupe on stilts than most full-size crossovers (only a Porsche Cayenne Coupe can match its sheer driving brio). It’s remarkable how responsive and fun BMW has made the X6 feel, yet it can mooch along in Comfort mode all day long, providing a high level of refinement and isolation from bumpy roads.

The technology on offer is mind-blowing and in the latest iDrive BMW really has mastered the interface to access the clever gadgetry available. It all adds up to a very rounded package. The BMW X6 won’t appeal to all tastes, but for those who ‘get’ it, it’s a compelling, if rather flamboyant, choice.