BMW X6 xDrive 30d 245 CV, road test (Exterior design, interior and boot)

In the first part of the road test we told you about the BMW X6 we are testing with the 245 CV diesel engine, specifically the xDrive30d. Everything about the engine, performance and handling was covered in the first part of the test.

Now in the second part we turn to the design, both the exterior (a true hallmark of the X6) and the interior design (very similar to that of the previous generation X5 it is derived from). We will also analyse the loading space and storage of the BMW X6.

Exterior design

In 2012, to keep the X6 up to date, small changes were made, mainly to the front, among them the new position of the fog lights (higher) or the option of LED headlights (although our unit did not have them, it did have bi-xenon ones).

The most striking aspect of the design is its coupé-like shape, besides being a car of large dimensions (4.87 metres long). In the side profile the alloy wheels stand out, which are 19 inches as standard, and on our unit they were even larger, reaching 20 inches.

At the rear the coupé design means it has a small rear window, whose visibility is not very good, and once again we find the robust shapes typical of an SUV, with the two exhaust outlets on either side emphasising its sportiness.

Interior design and finishes

Inside, the BMW X6 takes its interior from the previous generation BMW X5, that is, an interior with good finishes but sober in design, without great flourishes, with few buttons and quite functional. That said, the instrumentation shows the car’s age, although it is complete in terms of information.

The driving position is high, with good frontal and lateral visibility (and large mirrors); rear visibility is poor due to its shape. The leather seats with electric adjustment offer good support and even include an extendable thigh support.

In the rear seats there is plenty of legroom, but the coupé line reduces headroom: you don’t need to be very tall to notice that space is tight, and anyone over 1.75 m will not be very comfortable. It is available in four- or five-seat configuration, although the middle seat is uncomfortable.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage for our belongings, it does not fall short: it has large door pockets (huge), a generous central tunnel compartment and a main glovebox that is not very big (though it stands out for its opening and layout).

The boot has a capacity of 570 litres, but it is not very deep. This boot figure is not particularly good; by comparison, the BMW X5 has a capacity of 650 litres. That said, its shapes are regular and very usable.

Furthermore, under the boot floor there is a large storage space that is useful, and we liked that the lower boot tray that gives access to this space has a small damper so it opens more smoothly and easily.

The tailgate is electrically operated, and be careful with the heights, especially inside a garage, because it opens quite high and can hit the ceiling if it is low.

In the third part of the test we will analyse the equipment, prices and our overall verdict on the BMW X6 we are testing.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW X64 versions · from 103,400 €