BMW is due to launch it's third member of the Xdrive 4x4 family with the introduction of the X6, a model it claims combines the performance of a sports car and an SUV. Certainly the car has striking appearances, with coupe lines for the bodywork above more robust styling around the sills and wheels..

The engine line-up will be the key to the X6’s sporting credentials, the range are all turbocharged, including BMW’s first twin-turbo V8. the Xdrive 50I. This 4.4-litre 408hp unit will give 0 to 62mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds and 22.6 mpg combined fuel consumption. The Xdrive30i version uses the twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol 3.0-litre unit already featured in the 1 and 3 Series.

Diesels are expected to be the bests-sellers in the UK with 3.0 and 3.5-litre six-cylinder units that produce 235 and 268hp respectively. Headline fuel consumption and emissions figures of 34.4mpg with 217g/km (3.0d) and 34.0mpg with 220g/km. All versions include BMW’s EfficientDynamics package of fuel and emissions-reducing features, including low rolling resistance tyres and brake energy regeneration. The X6 will be the first model to benefit from Dynamic Performance Control, which can automatically spread drive forces between either side of the vehicle of front and rear to ensure stable handling in all conditions.