The X6. Take Centre Stage.

Think elite athletes of every field and discipline. Stand-out performers who always expect to stand highest on the podium when the medals are being handed out. Even the way they look just limbering up; that sublime mix of awesome power, supreme confidence and outstanding energy. It’s as though the rest of the field are simply competing for runner-up spot.

Hold those thoughts.

If ever a motor car suited a record-breaking athlete then that motor car is the BMW X6. It’s a beast, a fearless performer with attitude, aggression and style. A winner. But it’s not just about the turbo-charge – hugely impressive though that might be – it’s also about the look, the spectacle, the intensity, the performance.

Let’s start with the power.

All the SUV models are available with a 3-litre (or a 4.4-litre), all wheel drive and rear wheel drive with transmissions including 8-speed shiftable automatic. High-performance models, such as the xDrive30d and xDrive40i (the one I sampled), give you exactly what you might expect from a car of this calibre. And that adds up to an awful lot.

But if you want more, the 3-litre six-cylinder, twinpower, turbo M50d offers 760Nm of torque and goes from 0-62mph in only 5.2 seconds. Still not enough? Then try the 4.4L V8 M50i. Without breaking sweat, it delivers 530hp, 750Nm of torque and reaches 62mph in just 4.3 seconds. Incredible.

The BMW X6 is a real blast of a drive and you are always able to shift between comfort, eco and sport modes as and when the fancy takes you.

Externally, the expressive contours and an elegant sweeping coupé roofline afford a commanding aura. Positioned as BMW’s jewel in the crown of sports activity coupés, it boasts athletic confidence in every detail. Adding to this bravado are a selection of provocative elements – a new, iconic Glow Kidney Grille, which simply dazzles, unique Manhattan paint trim, powerful hexagonal arches, refined trapezoidal tailpipes, lightweight 22” alloys….the list goes on.

Find optional equipment like a Sky Lounge panoramic sun roof, acoustic glazing and a massage (yes, massage not message!) function which improves the physical well-being of driver and front passenger by stimulating or relaxing certain muscle groups. Also inside, exclusive design details include the Crafted Clarity glass applications with the gear selector, volume control, iDrive controller and start-stop button made of polished glass. Oh and there are sports seats, ambient light, head-up front window display, a leather dashboard…..

At the heart of the BMW X6 driving experience is the intuitive Operating System 7.0 – not only more connected but also more personal. This is matched with the latest BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which comes with a 12.3″ touchscreen information display and the largest fully digital instrument cluster. They have even remembered a memory function that allows you to upload your previous settings.

Listen to your favourite tracks as the Connected Music function lets you directly stream millions of songs courtesy of BMW’s music partners Deezer, Napster and Spotify using the SIM card installed.

Rear seat passengers are well catered for too with a couple of tilting high-definition touch screens and options for smartphones, tablets, headphones and so on.

Talking of smartphones, a ‘digital key’ even means you can get in and get going via your mobile, to save taking a ‘physical key’ along for the ride.

Safe as houses (including a reactive emergency call system), plenty of storage space and a couple of new external metallic colours just to tempt you even further. Particularly eye-catching is Riverside Blue. The BMW X6 provides a perfect mix of excitement, strength, power, comfort, ergonomics and luxury. A true athlete and a truly exceptional car.