The 2018 BMW X6 delivers eye-catching style and good driving dynamics, but is it still an SUV? The 2018 BMW X6 four-door SUV is evolution, baby. It's a tall-riding crossover with a sleek roofline and the wild-child compared to the X5 from which it is based.
Pros Eye-catching style Strong engines Refined interior Decadent options
Cons Compromised rear seat Tight cargo area Hugely expensive Not really all that fun
Unrestrained styling, raucous power, and surprising agility define the X6—although its fastback design limits rear-seat room and cargo space. A 300-hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six with an eight-speed automatic can be ordered with either rear- or all-wheel drive. An audacious 445-hp 4.4-liter turbo V-8 is optional and comes only with all-wheel drive. The standard Driving Dynamics Control system allows for five distinct driving modes, and an available air suspension provides even more fine-tuning.
Pros Lovely turbo-six thrust, wonderful automatic transmission, handsome interior.
Cons Unlovely styling, ponderous handling.
We'd maximize the sporting aspect with a bit of financial restraint, and opt for the X6 sDrive35i M Sport Design, equipped with Executive Tier and M adaptive suspension. The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine drives just the rear wheels to minimize weight, while the performance tires and adaptive suspension maximize dynamics.
PROS Engines provide strong acceleration Comfortable and quiet ride Quality interior with comfortable front seats
CONS Limited rear headroom Hard to see out the back Sloping roofline cuts down cargo space
The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the more upright and traditional looking Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. Note the nomenclature difference: Not only is the GLE Coupe, well, a "coupe," it also bears the AMG label in its name. This is because this year, the GLE Coupe is available only in two different AMG forms: the turbocharged-V6-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe, and the turbo-V8-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe. The GLE Coupe goes against the likes of the BMW X6 by offering a sleeker body and better driving dynamics than the SUV upon which it's based. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is the sporty counterpart to the standard GLE SUV. Don't expect much utility from this SUV though, as the GLE Coupe puts a priority on design.
Pros The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe offers some of the characteristics of an SUV -- all-wheel drive, improved cargo capacity, and a taller ride height -- with the design and performance of a luxury sport sedan. If that sounds like you, take a look.
Cons The GLE Coupe isn't cheap, with a starting price higher than the GLE SUV. In addition, like the GLE, it's based on an older platform that's considerably heavier than newer Mercedes-Benz products. If you want something similar, but more modern, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a little smaller, but far more nimble.
The GLE Coupe is Mercedes’ answer to the BMW X6 – it’s a sporty 4×4 SUV coupe. Underneath the GLE Coupe’s sexier curves you’ll find the same mechanical bits as on the more traditional looking GLE.The GLE Coupe is a more stylish version of the GLE that still has plenty of passenger space. The GLE Coupe is a good all-rounder for buyers who want a large 4×4 but with a more exciting shape than the usual box-like offerings. It has a big boot, a range of powerful engines and a lovely interior.
Pros Quick Classy interior Big boot
Cons Expensive to run High boot lip Only one diesel option
