X6 proves the doubters (and motoring journos) wrong

The new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé may have confused some with its interesting blend of powerful four-seat coupe with SUV looks and characteristics.

But it has certainly wowed others as its sales confirm.

In 10 months, 545 examples of the crossover BMW have been delivered to customers in Australia, proving that some of the doubters - this writer being one - got it wrong.

Approximately 40 percent of X6 customers are new to BMW, switching from a competitor luxury brand, and many buyers stepped up from a traditional coupé to the roomier Sports Activity Coupé.

Although niche by BMW standards, the Sports Activity Coupé this year outsold cars such as the Fiat 500, Jaguar XF, Lexus IS F, Mazda MX5, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Audi A6 and Volvo C30.

Its closest competitor, the Porsche Cayenne, was outsold by the X6 this year by almost 20 percent, though to be fair, the Porsche has been around for a bit while the BMW is still enjoying a honeymoon.

The X6 debuted last August with a choice of two powerful twin turbo six cylinder engines. This year BMW's first-ever V8 twin turbo production engine joined the range.

Thirty-six percent of X6 customers this year opted for the efficient in-line six-cylinder twin turbo diesel engine, followed by 33 percent for the powerful petrol twin turbo V8, with the remainder choosing the smooth twin turbo six-cylinder petrol engine.

"It's a niche that nobody thought existed, until BMW developed a desirable coupe styled SUV, with the handling manners of a sports car," observed general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.

More than 35,000 customers have taken delivery of the BMX X6 Sports Activity Coupé globally.

BMW Australia will introduce the big belter, the X6 M, later this year.