BMW X6 E71 Review (2008-2014)

BMW developed the X6 to be more sporty to drive as well as look at. On a narrow country road, the X6's colossal size can be intimidating, but on wider, flowing roads it's a sharp and rewarding car, with precise steering and exceptional reserves of grip. Every X6 has BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive, so it's composed and able whether the road is wet or dry. Perhaps the Porsche Cayenne is better still, but it's a close run thing.

There is a downside to making a two-tonne SUV handle like a sports car, and that's a very firm ride. With sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels, the X6 is stiff and unforgiving of poorly surfaced roads, which can be wearing if you're not in the mood to press on. It's a shame this X6 was never available with the more comfortable air suspension at the rear that became an option with the second-generation X6.

The regular X5 also strikes a better balance between B-road fun and everyday usability, but then the X5 doesn't have the head-turning presence of the X6.

In 2008 when the X6 was a new BMW, buyers could choose from two diesel and two petrol engines, all matched to an automatic transmission. The entry-level engine, if you can call it that, was the 232bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel in the X6 xDrive 30d. BMW claimed a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds. The 35d had 282bhp, and could reach 62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The petrol models were quicker still. The 302bhp xDrive 35i could complete the benchmark sprint in 6.7 seconds, while the 402bhp xDrive 50i could reduce that to 5.2 seconds.

In 2010, the X6 xDrive 40d replaced the 35d, with power increasing to 302bhp. The 30d also received some tweaks, putting power up to 241bhp.

For those who believe you can never have too much power, BMW introduced the M50d in 2012. With a mighty 375bhp and a ridiculous 546lb ft of torque, the M50d is comfortably the quickest diesel X6.

Not fastest of all, though. That title goes to the X6M, launched in 2010. With its 547bhp twin-turbocharged V8, this heavyweight hooligan of a car will hit 62mph in just 4.7 seconds, and provide plenty of drama along the way.

A facelift in 2012 brought some tweaks to the engines with reduced emissions, along with updated styling and the availability of LED headlights. These kept the E71 X6 competitive with the Mercedes GLE Coupé, Porsche Cayenne, and Range Rover Sport until the second-generation X6 arrived in 2014.

All versions are well equipped, with the high-spec M Sport being especially popular. The infotainment system may be basic by today's standards, but the iDrive controller is easy enough once you get used to it.

If you are counting the pennies, you're probably not going to go anywhere near the X6. Although early examples may be affordable to buy, none of the line-up is going to be cheap to fuel or insure.

That said, the most sensible buy is the xDrive 30d. This version achieves fuel economy of 34.4mpg on the combined cycle, although in reality count yourself lucky if the car returns over 30mpg. Later cars with an eight-speed automatic gearbox rather than the earlier six-speed unit are slightly more efficient.

The 35d and later 40d have considerably more power than the 30d, but are only slightly thirstier, according to the official figures. The 35d can achieve 34mpg on the combined cycle, or more likely 25-30mpg on the road rather than in the lab. And while much quicker than the other diesels, the X50d can still achieve mpg in the mid twenties.

If you must have a petrol, your forecourt loyalty card will quickly rack up points. Even the 35i returns just 25.9mpg according to the official figures, with low 20s mpg more likely in reality. The 50i will be in the high teens or early twenties. As for the crazy-quick X6M, you'll need to drive with saintly levels of restraint to achieve even 20mpg.

If the fuel bills don't empty your bank balance completely, insurance premiums might. The 30d is in group 44 of 50. The 35i, 35d and 40d are in group 47, while the 50i, X6M and M50d are in group 50, the costliest group there is.

Vehicle Excise Duty bills will be costly, too. Even 30d owners will need to pay £330, while many of the more powerful models attract a car tax bill of £580.

Servicing and maintenance bills will be high. You can take the edge off by taking advantage of BMW Value Service, which reduces the cost of servicing at BMW franchised dealers. Genuine BMW parts will be used. However, there are plenty of independent BMW specialists up and down the country who will almost certainly undercut main dealer prices.

BMW X6 E71 (2008-2014) Expert Review If you want the most reliable used SUV, then take a look at the Lexus RX. It's not as striking as the X6 or as exciting to drive, but it's as dependable as any luxury 4x4.

The BMW X6 may not achieve the near-flawless reliability of a Lexus, but it's not an unreliable car by any means, generally finishing mid-table in reliability and satisfaction surveys.

The mechanical parts are generally robust, but some owners report problems with electrical equipment. Trouble with the axle and suspension components are more common than issues with engines and gearboxes.

Over the years the X6 has been subject to a number of recalls. These include a recall due to the risk of fire caused by movement of the blower regulator connector leading to frictional corrosion. This applied to cars made before 21/08/2011.

Another recall related to a possible short circuit in the auxilliary water pump. This applied to cars built from 02/10/2008 to 22/10/2011.

To check if any used X6 you are thinking of buying has had any recall work carried out, make a note of the registration number and go to the recall checker on the gov.uk website. Most should have been fixed long ago but it pays to be sure.