BMW X6 xDrive 50i 2015 review

BMW X6 is a fascinating cross between the BMW X5 station wagon and a five-door coupe. Performance is excellent if you buy one of the topline models like the BMW X6 50i in which we have just enjoyed an exciting week.

Though the all-new X6 is bigger in most dimensions than the original model it's lighter, only by about 10kg, but this reduction in mass shows clever engineering.

Big and bold on the outside, BMW X6 is slightly compromised inside, a least in the rear seat. But, that's hardly a complaint because spacious rear seats in coupes really quite rare.

Design

In its first iteration BMW X6's styling polarised opinions, that all changed with the introduction of the all-new second generation at the start of 2015. The lines the new X6's rear end have been softened and now carry an almost fastback shape reminiscent of the exciting 1970's automotive era.

BMW X6's front is big and bold and shouts out that this is a sporty BMW that's not ashamed of being noticed.

The interior is excellent

The air extractors behind the front wheel arches aren't there at the whim of a stylist, they are part of the aerodynamic setup and extract air quickly to aid air penetration.

The interior is excellent, with a wide dashboard area featuring multiple detailed inserts and swooping curves. Sitting in pride of place are the very BMW big-dial instruments.

Engines / Transmissions

The TwinPower V8 turbo-petrol in the X6 xDrive 50i fitted to our test car generates 330kW and 650Nm. It jumps from rest to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds, an amazingly low figure for a very large SUV/coupe.

Drive is to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Features

The central multimedia screen is very wide, but rather shallow to our eyes. Those who are into tablet screens like it, though, so who are we to disagree.

Access is provided through Bluetooth, USB and aux. The internet can be accessed but only when the vehicle is stationary.

Satellite navigation Professional is standard. The topline models, the 50i we tested and the 50d turbo-diesel, have 16-speaker 600-Watt entertainment that includes a six-disc CD changer.

Safety

A full suite of passive and active safety devices ensures the BMW X6 has a five-star safety rating. It even has downhill descent control should you want to tackle fairly serious off-road driving at some stage.

Driving

The front seats are big, spacious and comfortable but the back seats are tight on leg and headroom for adults. This is a coupe so you don't get limo dimensions back there. For a vehicle of this size the space is disappointing.

This engine climbs hills as though they don't exist

The big V8 petrol has the sort of grunt keen drivers just love. There's minimal lag and the surge of acceleration makes for quick, safe overtaking - not to forget a smile on any keen drivers' face.

This engine climbs hills as though they don't exist. Yet fuel consumption is routinely below 10.0L/100km in normal driving, and only gets into the mid teens when you do thrash it along. On the motorway there's little trouble in getting consumption of under 8.0L/100km.

Cornering is fast and precise, but you're at the wheel of a two-plus tonne SUV with a relatively high centre of gravity so it certainly can never be described as nimble.

Ride comfort is good, even in the high-performance variants of the X6 and this big coupe has low wind noise levels and tyre noise that isn't greatly increased by rough Australian back roads.