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
Two new performance models join the 2018 GLC-Class Coupe lineup: the AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S. Mercedes has also renamed most of the GLC's options packages to better convey the features added. Heated wipers are now standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package.
PROS Elegant and premium interior design Excellent balance between agile handling and a comfortable ride Abundant driver safety aids work great Four- and six-cylinder engines are fuel-efficient for the class
CONS Hard to brake smoothly Rear headroom isn't great, especially in the middle Infotainment controls aren't always easy to use Less useful cargo area than in regular GLC
Mercedes-AMG peppers performance and spicy styling into its coupe/crossover casserole. The powertrain platter includes a 362-hp twin-turbo V-6 or twin-turbo V-8s pumping out 469 or 503 ponies. All engines pair with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Pros Porsche 911 quick, grippy handling, strong brakes, V-8 rumble.
Cons Stiff ride, noisy tires, feels big and heavy from behind the wheel.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must.
Pros Cabinet-grade interior (agency or furniture) Choose your body Choose your engine Burmester audio thrills Doesn’t cut short on technology
Cons Expensive safety options It’s not a Coupe, it’s just less useful Numb steering (GLC 300) Rivals have diesel, plug-ins
