If you like the premise of the BMW X6 but fancy something a little different, here are the cars to check out.
Given the initial reception to the first X6 when it launched in late 2007, it’s a little surprising that the coupe SUV market is so large now. There’s a wide range of choice, which means the BMW X6 isn’t the only car that offers the ride height of an SUV with the sleek roofline of a saloon or coupe.
Here are the best cars that are like a BMW X6 to buy this year.
BMW X5
Better than the X6 for: all-round talent
Although the BMW X6 has more rakish styling than the more upright X5, you pay for that styling in more ways than one. The X5 is cheaper than the X6, but also more practical and more confident in what it’s trying to be. To some, the X5 is a classier option than the X6, too.
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Audi Q5 Sportback
Better than the X6 for: a plug-in-hybrid option
Whether you’re a company car driver looking to trim your tax bill, or a private buyer keen to own a luxury SUV with potentially low running costs, a plug-in hybrid is a good solution. The Q5 Sportback has an electric range of around 60 miles, which could dramatically reduce your fuel bills if you can charge at home and can mainly drive on electric power.
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Mercedes GLE Coupe
Better than the X6 for: comfort
BMW cars typically have a sportier bent than Mercedes models, and the same is true with the X6 – which doesn’t mind being driven like a sports car (within the limits of physics). If you’d rather something a bit more soothing, you might be better off in the Mercedes GLE Coupe. It’s no slouch, though: there’s plenty of power available if you need to get up to speed in a hurry.
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BMW iX
Better than the X6 for: a smooth driving experience
Have you considered whether your divisively styled BMW SUV could be electric? The BMW iX offers considerably cheaper fuel costs than an X6, especially if you mostly charge at home. But more impressive is its smooth, effortless driving experience. There’s a deluge of power available instantly, and high-speed driving is refined without an engine gargling away in the background.
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Range Rover Velar
Better than the X6 for: feeling luxurious
The Range Rover Velar looks sleek and coupe-ish, but it’s still boxy and practical – a clever trick in our book. This is our favourite Range Rover model, because it feels as opulent as the proper Rangie but doesn’t cost six figures. In fact, it costs much less.
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Porsche Cayenne Coupe
Better than the X6 for: a truly premium badge
As posh as the BMW badge is, it’s not at the same level as the iconic Porsche crest. The Cayenne is sportier than the X6, with powerful engines and amazingly keen handling for such a large car. There are plug-in-hybrid versions of the Cayenne Coupe pictured, while the latest-generation car is fully electric and boasts over 1,100hp in its most powerful guise.
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Audi Q8
Better than the X6 for: practicality
It may be pitched as a sleeker alternative to the seven-seat Audi Q7, but the Q8 is still square and boxy compared to the X6. This benefits practicality in several ways: the Q8 offers more rear headroom than the X6 – so it’s better for taller passengers – and the Audi’s boot is substantially bigger. Being a flagship Audi, it comes as standard with the sort of street presence that would immediately worry an anxious driver.
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Maserati Levante
Better than the X6 for: standing out from the crowd
The Maserati Levante isn’t much good, especially the GT Hybrid model. But what it is is exclusive, and that Maserati badge is undeniably evocative. The Levante feels a bit more exotic than the X6, so it might be a little better for school gates showing off.
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BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Better than the X6 for: not being an SUV
The BMW 8 Series is luxurious and posh like the X6, but it’s low and lithe instead of being a bit bloated-looking. There are strong petrol and diesel engines that are very similar to those used in the X6, and most are hooked up to BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. The 8 Series isn’t as practical as the X6, but it’ll drive nicer and cost marginally less to run.
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Renault Arkana
Better than the X6 for: price
If you like the general shape of the X6 but can’t stretch to affording one, good news – there are now a few more affordable coupe SUVs you could consider, such as the Volkswagen Taigo, Citroen C4 and Renault Arkana. The Arkana offers a hybrid engine so promises the best fuel efficiency – it’ll be considerably cheaper to run than an X6…
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If you know you want a BMW but perhaps not an X6, find the right model for you in our guide to the best used BMWs.
