BMW X6 (2014-2019) review - Interior, design and technology

Image is a big part of the upmarket SUV sector and cars such as the BMW X6 cater perfectly for buyers looking for a dash of extra style. It’s less practical than the X5 on which it’s based but that’s not to say it’s difficult to live with.

To accentuate the X6’s width, BMW has flattened and widened its trademark kidney grille and added a pair of narrower headlights that curve round to the front wings. The headlamps also feature distinctive LED running lights.

M Sport models come with a chunky bodykit and extra detailing. There's a deeper front bumper with lots of grilles and slashes that make for a sportier look. From the side, the sloping roofline tapers towards the rear, with a few sharp creases along the sides.

BMW has added a clever design detail behind the X6’s front wheelarches called an ‘air curtain’, which consists of vents that let air out of the front wheel wells to reduce drag and improve efficiency. The X6 doesn’t look as sporty at the rear than it does at the front and appears a little awkward due to its height.

BMW has taken a similar approach to the X6’s interior as it has the exterior, tidying things up in this second-generation model. Unlike some of the brand’s sports cars, it’s not quite as driver-focused – instead, the emphasis is on comfort. It’s extremely well equipped, too, with leather, sat-nav, heated seats and many other top-spec features fitted as standard.

At the top of the range sits the X6 M, which gets a beefy body kit, 20-inch alloys and a subtle spoiler at the back. 

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The X6 uses BMW’s iDrive infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen and satellite navigation as standard. The system is very easy to use – far more so than previous versions – and it’s all controlled via a dial on the centre console. Given its price and status, the likes of Bluetooth, USB sockets and cruise control all come as standard.