Off-road, the X6 is an overachiever – meaning no owner will subject it to the type of mild torture we put it through. Whether traversing a 19-inch deep water trap, climbing and descending steep grades (a new camera on the crossover's nose takes the white knuckles out of extreme angles) or bounding over boulders, standard xDrive, Hill Descent Control and 8.3-inches of ground clearance make easy work of unpaved surfaces.



Driving the all-new X6 xDrive50i on public roads reveals very few flaws or irritating character traits. The driving position is comfortable, the chassis is vault-solid and wind noise is minimal (BMW's engineers are deservedly proud of its low 0.32 Cd). Predictably, of course, the ultra-wide tire contact patches do generate road noise which increases or decreases noticeably based on the smoothness of the surface. That said, the X6 is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace in urban and country settings, with occupants coddled inside a very luxurious cabin and the driver content in knowing that sports car potential is but a press of the accelerator away.

We can't make a rational argument for choosing the individualistic X6 over its more practical sibling, the X5 – neither can BMW, says our money. Yet nobody can fault the German automaker for offering the interesting crossover considering its consistent sales. Acura tried to enter this niche four years ago, with itsZDX, but the resculpted MDX didn't have the cachet to overcome its limitations. For now, the X6 has the crossover coupe market to itself, but that will change in the near future, as the Mercedes-Benz has signaled that it will offer a production version of its ML-Class-based Concept Coupe showcar next year, likely badged GLE. Players may come and go, but for the moment, BMW owns the unusual Sports Activity Coupe segment with its all-new 2015 X6. Its encore presentation may remain visually divisive, but its second execution is unquestionably luxurious, capable and commendable.