BMW’s efforts to give the X6 a more luxurious air are obvious the moment you step up into it. The quality of the interior and level of standard equipment (not least its long list of electronic driving aids) is well beyond that of earlier models.
The driving position is also a little less upright and more genuinely coupe-like than before, in keeping with moves the German car maker says are aimed at providing the model with its own individual character separate from that of the mechanically identical X5.
The interior, largely shared with that used by the latest BMW X5, was heavily redesigned with higher-grade materials. All cars are equipped with the brand’s 8th generation iDrive system, comprising a 12.3in digital drivers display and a new, curved 14.9in touchscreen infotainment system.
It’s a very impressive place to sit with comfortable seats and screens in every direction, with well-integrated, easy-to-access buttons and rotary dials. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included, which pair nicely with the wireless charging pad.
Seating remains restricted to five – there’s no seven-seater option here – though those in the second row now benefit from added leg and shoulder room compared to the previous generation X6. Most passengers will be comfortable – but those over 6ft 2in will be tight to the ceiling.
Yet despite the added length, the X6 still isn’t as practical compared to the more spacious X5. The sloping roofline of this coupe SUV slashes boot space to 580 litres, compared to 650 litres in the X5.
This does increase to 1530 litres with the 40/20/20 seats folded, though. It also undercuts the 655 litres offered by the Mercedes GLE Coupe and the 605 litres in the Audi Q8.
The X6 offers decent levels of storage too, with large door bins for water bottles, a big central storage box and two ventilated cup holders up front. In the back passengers, have access to their own climate control panel, window blinds, coat hooks and a USB-C charging port each, located just below the headrest of the front seats.
Overall, the X6’s interior is a relaxing and stylish place to sit, and one of the best in its class.