Most of the X6’s cabin design has been lifted from the X5, which is no bad thing at all. The dashboard, centre console and front seats are all the same as those of the X5, and in the front half of the cabin there’s plenty of room.
Differences over the X5 include a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles and knee pads on the centre console, in a not entirely successful attempt to add some sporting appeal. Mostly there is just the same feeling as in the X5, in that the X6 has a well assembled cabin made from generally fine materials, and the seats are excellent: large, well bolstered and highly adjustable.
Rear accommodation – rather inevitably, given the slope of the roofline – is less impressive. BMW has done what it can; this is a strict four-seater, so there’s plenty of shoulder room, and the cabin roof is contoured to allow as much headroom as possible. Legroom is perfectly acceptable, anyway. But there’s no getting away from the fact that anyone of above-average height will probably feel cramped, especially given that the X6’s high waistline means there’s less glass area in the back than usual.
The boot is large enough for everyday use, although its load sill, at almost 900mm off the ground, is very high. It’s almost saloon-like in its practicality; from the floor to the luggage blind it’s fine, but if you want to pack taller loads, you’ve got the wrong car.
At £44,145, the X6 in 35d form is priced comparably to the equivalent X5 models, although options differ a little. Standard equipment is reasonable, though there is an argument that a CD changer and satellite navigation should be standard. The options on our test car took it to a faintly ludicrous £55,965
Running costs are respectable for a car of this size. It is predicted to depreciate in line with its competitors and, at 220g/km of CO2, it escapes the highest car tax band. It is a shame, however, that it isn’t more frugal.