For a few years now, automakers have been exploring new market segments in order to attract even more people to their showrooms. Crossovers have proven to be quite successful; on the other hand, there are new vehicle types which do not seem to take off.

For instance, a couple of years ago, Infiniti managed to juxtapose an SUV with a sports car to create a radically-styled machine; however, very few companies have tried to emulate them due to fears of a failed surgery.

The influence of BMW's design director Chris Bangle is immediately felt

Yet, for 2008, BMW is moving forward on this slippery ground. Largely inspired from the X5, the all-new X6 marks the German automaker's foray into the Infiniti-built niche: coupe-style sport utility vehicles. Either you love it or you hate it; that's how polarizing this model is. The roofline is extremely arched and peaks near the B-pillars.

In fact, the overall shape generates a lot of puzzlement; at first glance, the bodywork appears disorganized, with a front fascia almost identical to the X5 as well as the rear-end treatment of the 3-Series Coupe, especially the taillights. The influence of BMW's design director Chris Bangle is immediately felt -- and like all his other creations, the result gets mixed reviews.

Botched transformation
Likewise, the interior is a carbon copy of the X5, although a number of modifications were made to create some visual separation. In the process, ergonomics have been compromised. Overall, the interior layout is complex and ill-designed. I've driven a lot of BMWs over recent years and I thought I got used to their tricky iDrive, but I was wrong.

The instruments are hard to grasp and the controls are not intuitive at all, which makes you turn your focus away from the road. To make sure, I asked for a second opinion from a colleague but the verdict was the same: the design and ergonomics are subpar. HVAC controls are particularly difficult to reach. Fortunately, the system works great when you're driving. Also, soundproofing is just above average, offering decent insulation against road and wind noise.

The interior is a carbon copy of the X5.

Even though the X6 is not small, interior room is at a premium. Occupants feel kind of squeezed and the A-pillars are too big. Actually, when you sit behind the wheel, you feel somewhat like a prisoner behind bars. Furthermore, finding the ideal driving position is impossible: you could adjust the seatback at any angle and slide the seat forever and you still wouldn't feel comfortable. Every time I sat in the driver's seat, I feared the ensuing backache. The seats are too firm and, overall, comfort is sorely lacking.

L'accès aux places arrière est difficile car la ligne de toit arrive à la hauteur des yeux

Again, I want to point out how the exterior dimensions of the X6 can be misleading. Front-seat access is made harder by the excessive width of the so-called running boards. Things aren't much better in the back; actually, they're worse. The door opening is limited and the roofline stands at eye level, meaning larger folks will have to squeeze and duck to enter.

Storage and cargo room is also not a strength of the X6. There aren't a lot of compartments and trunk capacity is significantly reduced by the sloping roofline. In addition, visibility is very disappointing: the rearview mirror is useless because the roof comes straight in your field of vision. Come to think of it, visibility is one of the biggest flaws here.

Successful heart transplant
Having said all that, BMW still excels in the powertrain department, nearly achieving perfection. Accelerations are brisk and sustained, with no power gaps whatsoever. The transmission is very flexible and responsive. The steering is precise, although the wide tires lead the vehicle into tire ruts, which forces the driver to adjust the steering wheel.

The suspension is firm and perfectly suited for sporty driving. The brakes live up to the brand's reputation. Handling is a bit problematic because, as mentioned, the X6 is larger than what its interior dimensions would suggest. And like the X5, this vehicle is a tad fuel-thirstier than most.

Les accélérations sont franches et soutenues, et le rendement du moteur ne présente aucune ratée.

Conclusion
In this market segment, competition is limited because few manufacturers have dared to attack it. The X6 xDrive35 has only two direct rivals: the godfather Infiniti FX35 ($55,050) and, to some extent, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport ($71,600). Please note that the latter is not available with a V6.

If you're looking to turn heads with a uniquely-styled vehicle, you'll be delighted. On the other hand, comfort and visibility will quickly make you regret your decision. Performance meets expectations and the X6 proves quite pleasant to drive on the highway, but in the city, it requires too much attention.

From what I've seen, the process of transforming the X5 into a coupe-style SUV like the X6 is a failed experiment.