BMW X6 Specification

While the X5’s four-wheel drive set-up is pretty clever, the X6’s xDrive technology is like a summit meeting of Mensa. The central Dynamic Performance Control is the brains of the outfit. It uses electronic sensors and sophisticated differentials to dole out power not only between front and rear axles, but also between each rear wheel, to maximise traction. It operates constantly, so you get a stabilising effect regardless of whether you’re speeding up or slowing down.

It’s hard to believe, but BMW used to consider turbocharging the work of Beelzebub. Not any more, because it has certainly embraced the dark side. Of the four engines initially on offer, all have turbos. First up, and likely to be the best seller, is the familiar 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel. Its 231bhp makes it punchy and yet it still returns 34.4mpg. If your can afford it, the X635d is even better. It’s essentially the same engine, but with two turbos – one large and one small. They work in sequence to minimise low-rev hesitation and aid high-speed power, and make this considerably the quicker diesel X6. Granted, it’s also a tad more vocal, but crucially the penalty at the pumps is negligible. Petrol cars include the free-revving 302bhp twin-turbo six cylinder 3.0-litre or a new 402bhp 4.4-litre V8. This last unit features two turbos jammed between the V of the cylinders. It’s potent enough to dent the ego of many a supercar owner, and it sounds great, too.

Technical Specification

Engine	3-litre (2993 cc) 6 cylinder
Power	210 kW (286 bhp)
Torque	580 Nm at 1750 rpm
Transmission
Acceleration	0-100 kph in 6.9 sec
Max. Speed	147 mph