Does ‘SUV coupe’ make sense with petrol power?
IF there is one thing BMW is not afraid of, it’s creating a stir! In recent years, the firm has been forced to weather criticism for the design of its latest 7-Series on the one hand, and on the other taken the plaudits for giving its X5 off-roader the kind of on-road handling normally reserved for sports cars. The X6 is the latest radical design to join the range, and the 30d diesel version has already made a big impression in our Issue 1,014 test. So how do we rate the 306bhp 3.0-litre petrol-powered 35i? Well, no matter what engine is under the bonnet, BMW’s self-proclaimed SUV coupé is guaranteed to turn heads. It’s simply enormous, and the blunt nose and arcing roofline provide it with a sporty and aggressive look. On the road, the six-cylinder engine gives the newcomer the performance to match its striking styling. This is mated to a six-speed semi-automatic box, which channels power effectively to all four wheels. The drivetrain isn’t perfect, however. We felt gearchanges were a
