Who’d have thought it scientifically possible to hurtle a car weighing over two tonnes, 4×4 capable and boasting an AWD tranny down the road at insane speeds. Well BMW have done it. Who else? Ok, Porsche has done it, and to a certain extent Mercedes, but BMW have developed something a little more special. The Cayenne and ML versions are rather amorphous when standing next to BMW’s sleek new X6 creations.

The new BMW X6 xDrive50i not only snots it down the road, but it has, as BMW states, a Coupe style designed 4×4 exterior. BMW actually refers to it as a “Sports Activity Vehicle”. The blend is a tastefully elegant and sporty in design. The swooping, low profile lines are very eye-catching, and the BMW X6 xDrive 5.0i is exceptionally intimidating on the road with its low centre of gravity, and fat tyres. The front end is aggressive and boasts sleek headlights and a large, totally identifiable, large BMW kidney grille. The premium alloys really set the car off and ensure that you are in a stylish league for the select few.

Open the solid doors, and you quickly enter a world of pure sophisticated luxury. The dash stands out as being simple in its design, but very sensual curves, premium materials, and a range of interior colours make the cabin a place you won’t want to leave. The Sat-Nav screen sits nicely in the centre of the dash. All the switch gear is ergonomically sound, and stylish. You will find the best leather for the seats. And the seats are supremely comfortable. They boast electronically adjusted side bolsters that fit snugly around front seat occupants – even if you are a little porky like me. To set yourself up behind the wheel is exceptionally easy. The memory feature is a quick access to your favourite, personal driving position. Driving in the X6 cockpit is an experience that is hard to beat – anywhere. Premium surround sound, Bluetooth communications, electric windows and adjustable microclimatical air spacing for each of the four seating areas are a few of the goodies you will enjoy. The BMW X6 xDrive50i is strictly a four-seater. In the middle of the rear seats, there is a spacious centre console. Roomy seating will be enjoyed by all.

Sitting on 19-inch rims and massive tyres, the big X6 is a real smooth rider. Massive grip levels can make the big vehicle a blast to drive really quickly. The fun of driving a tremendously capable vehicle like this is that you can easily embarrass “wanna-be” sport cars. The car is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine that catapults the “Sports Activity Vehicle”, from a standstill, to 100 clicks in a little over five seconds. The top speed is electronically controlled to 250 km/h, although in the “perfect world” it could be released to do much more.

Whether driving sedately along the motorway, or winging it out on Aussie gravel roads, the big X6 is masterful in every situation. The car feels safe, and the AWD xDrive system adds GPC to its impressively capable Dynamic Control System. This keeps the car very together on the road at high speed. Changing direction abruptly doesn’t phase the Coupe 4×4 at all. The DCS will speed up the outside wheels to keep the car stable and pointing in the direction you want it to go. The BMW X6xDrive50i comes equipped with a feature called Adaptive Drive too. What’s’ this? This means that the BMW X6 xDrive50 i can alter the anti-roll bar and damper settings continuously. In its standard (non-Sport) setting, the X6 50i cruises like a GT. On the road, the vehicle is very stealthy in the way it gains speed. Before you know it you are rocketing along at 160 km/h in a silent, very controlled fashion regardless of the road surface.

For a superbly safe and engaging drive, the BMW X6xDrive50i leads the way in the sport SUV market. It’s incredible to experience an improvement, and alternative, to the already exceptional BMW X5.

The current model series includes the:

• BMW X6 xDrive50i

For any more information on the BMW X6 xDrive50i, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to BMW Car Reviews