Buyers Guide

Performance 4 out of 5 stars

Even the entry-level 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine produces 241bhp, so the X6 is never going to be short of power or pace.

Go for the x40d (301bhp) and power jumps dramatically; petrol options are the 302bhp straight-six, 402bhp V8 or the X6 M's 547bhp twin-turbo V8 with supercar-rivalling performance

Ride & Handling4 out of 5 stars

The X6 is effectively a nimbler version of the X5 4x4.

Although there's very little difference between the two at low speeds, the more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system fitted to the X6 delivers exceptional grip and traction when you push on.

Body lean is also kept to a minimum, particularly if you specify the Adaptive Drive active anti-roll bars.

The firm ride tends to jostle occupants over patchy surfaces, but it's never harsh

Refinement 3 out of 5 stars

Although the well-proven diesel engines are powerful and flexible, their poor refinement gives away their age.

They can vibrate and rasp under hard acceleration.

The V8 is quiet and smooth at low speeds, and emits a deep growl from the exhaust when revved. Wind noise is kept at bay, but the massive tyres generate a fair amount of road noise