New 2nd Generation BMW X6 Review

It's a Sports Activity Coupé. Yes that is one term that still made little sense to me when BMW first launched the original X6 in 2008. 260,000 units later and it still doesn't. But clearly my opinion doesn't count; given the success BMW has had with it. It's a big hulk of an SUV, with full-size SUV proportions - well nearly! Because the roofline tapers down sharply into a coupé like stance. The first time I saw it, I could only think of a vicious Doberman that is always missing its tail! But the second generation is now here, and it arrives 6 years after the first one - which is enough time to get used to the shape I suppose.

The timing of this 2nd gen is crucial for BMW, as it arrives before the competition does. Given BMW's success, Mercedes-Benz is all set to rollout the MLC or ML Coupé. Yes it's essentially the ML Class with a coupé roof! But we will discuss that car at another time and place.

Today I am in Spartanburg, SC, in the US of A, to drive the new X6. Spartanburg is where BMW has had a plant for 20 years, and since 2008, its been exclusively making the X models only. (Barring the X1 that is made in Europe). So it was apt to come to the home of the BMW SUV! The new X6 looks very similar to the old one - in that it maintains a similar stance, proportions and overall look. But look closer and there are definite changes - a more muscular and chiselled hood, a more flamboyant X-shaped bumper with smart air inlets, sharper sculpting on the sides, and very sexy taillights.

The kicker for me is still that roofline, but hey like I said - its not targeted towards buyers like me anyway. The first impression you get front he new X6 is that its very well suited tot he the new BMW Driving Dynamics Control system, This means you can go from Eco to Comfort to Sport and Sport Plus modes. So you can basically go from a smoother shifting, lighter steering feel car, to a slighter suspension, more responsive beast. The guys at BMW were hard pressed to tell us this is one of those rare SUVs that can be a mild off roader and a sports car all in once.

So we got to not just drive around on a mix of highly and country roads, but also got the X6 on a test track, and an off road course.