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.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 ranks 16 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The new-for-2017 Cadillac XT5 has a well-built cabin and spacious rear seats. It also has a long list of features, including several driver assistance options. However, many class rivals have more impressive engines, and the XT5's handling ability draws mixed reviews.
Pros First-rate cabin materials Spacious rear seats Excellent safety ratings
Cons Uninspiring engine
The new 2017 Cadillac XT5 combines a large interior with a pleasing ride, plentiful outward visibility and a striking design. If you're shopping in the competitive compact luxury SUV segment, the XT5 is worth a look.
Pros Pleasing ride and handling Generous interior space Excellent forward visibility.
Cons Only one engine choice Tech interface can frustrate All-wheel drive not available in base trim.
The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is an evolutionary improvement over the SRX in most ways, but it’s part of a larger leap for Cadillac. The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the successor to the GM luxury brand's smallest SUV, the SRX. New this model year, it's a design that lays some heavy bets on lighter-weight construction, a library-themed interior, and other upscale cues that Cadillac hopes will lure away buyers from the likes of the Audi Q5 and Benz GLC.
Pros Fine details everywhere inside Suite of fuel-efficiency and safety tech Easy drivability, perky powertrain Softer, less chiseled look than SRX
Cons Rear seat still a bit tight across Lacks the sport-sedan pedigree of some rivals No hybrid in the lineup CarPlay outshines Cadillac's own CUE