The 2017 BMW X6 M is about two things: style and performance. It has an abundance of both, but don't expect to get practicality, too. The 2017 BMW X6 M returns with an updated iDrive system that includes touchscreen functionality. The Executive option package also now includes a Wi-Fi hot spot and wireless charging for compatible cellphones.
Pros Stellar acceleration from turbocharged V8 Exceptional handling and stability for a heavy SUV Strong braking performance Wonderfully contoured seats hold you in place during hard cornering.
Cons Firm ride even with suspension in its softest setting Small cargo area Poor rearward visibility Limited rear headroom Sloping rear roofline makes for challenging entry and exit.
Who could have imagined marrying the tall ride height and all-wheel-drive ability of an SUV with the fastback styling of a sleek coupe would produce a desirable vehicle, but that’s exactly what BMW has done with the 2017 X6 SUV. Once an army of one, the X6 has been cloned by such notables as the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Frankly we’re somewhat puzzled by the X6’s appeal. It isn’t a very off-road-capable vehicle and comes up short in areas designated for cargo and passengers. The 2017 BMW X6’s size precludes it from being as sporty as an Infiniti QX30 or Lexus NF, and yet despite these many drawbacks, the X6 is remarkably fun to drive and seems to have gained a loyal following.
Pros If you’re looking for a luxury SUV with unique looks, good handling and a lengthy options list, the 2017 BMW X6 SUV might appeal to you. It doesn’t come cheap, but then again what BMW does?
Cons If you need any part of the “utility” in Sport-Utility Vehicle, the 2017 BMW X6’s tiny cargo area, sharply slanted rear hatch and small rear seat probably won’t impress you. An X5 gives you similar performance as the X6 within a far more usable package.
The biggest demerit to the X6 M comes in its ride quality, which ranges from firm to unacceptably, jarringly firm, depending on how its air suspension is adjusted. On roads that are less than perfect, the head toss gets to be enough that wearing a helmet as protection against the suede headliner seems like a not-terrible idea. And then you’d be ready for the track, which is where the X6 M best acquits itself. Not that we imagine actually spotting any at track days. With a $103,050 base price, the X6 M’s window sticker is as extravagant as its test sheet. Save the snarky jokes about this being a “German Aztek”—they weren’t all that funny when the first X6 showed up nearly a decade ago. And today, when the automotive world has gone all-in on both horsepower and crossovers, what can we expect but things like the X6 M? This sort of automotive indulgence has never made much sense, but that’s exactly the point.
Blending sport and utility like almost no other SUV, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is impressive in any configuration. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is offered in a quintet of models: SE, HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and SVR. Though its third-row seats are cramped and its prices are, as you might expect, as tall as its heritage, the Range Rover Sport rates an excellent 8.2 out of 10 overall.
Pros Serene and stately... ... but can perform when called upon, both on and off road Gorgeous interior "5+2" seating offers expanded utility
Cons Price climbs very, very fast "+2" seating is only for kids, only for very short trips We'll miss the HST
The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport ranks 11 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport features five potent engine choices and phenomenal off-road chops, as well as sumptuous leather seats and an ostentatious interior. But it also suffers from a dreadful predicted reliability score and one of the smallest cargo areas in the class.
Pros Lavish interior with high-quality materials Five powerful engines to pick from Optional fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine Superb off-road abilities
Cons Some infotainment functions can be slow and frustrating to use Poor predicted reliability rating Limited cargo space for the class
For 2017, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport gets a handful of useful new features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen control for its electronics. A host of safety features are now standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.
Pros Stylish appearance Composed handling Powerful supercharged V8 Fuel-efficient diesel option Available seven-passenger seating True off-road capability.
Cons Third-row seat just for kids Unimpressive fuel economy with gasoline engines Modest cargo capacity.
