BMW X6 vs Porsche Cayenne vs Range Rover Sport
If you're in the market for a large luxury SUV with sporting credentials then you're spoilt for choice these days. But is the BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport best?...
Our verdict
The Range Rover Sport remains the finest option in this class. It’s wonderfully refined, well-equipped and feels indulgent in every way that matters. Okay, so it doesn’t feel quite as sports-oriented as its rivals, but most people will find its fluid handling just as satisfying even when driving hard, and more enjoyable the rest of the time.
The BMW X6 does well, here, too. It features a strong engine and silky gearbox, and has much more serious performance than you’d expect if you’d merely looked at the on-paper stats. It grips well, too, but it’s a shame that there isn’t a bit more life to the X6’s handling. Still, there’s no doubt it fills the 'sports' role of these cars with ease. It does the SUV bit, too, in terms of its driving position and all-weather ability. In fact, both the X6 and the Porsche Cayenne will go farther off-road than you’d expect, and in more extreme conditions than any buyer is likely to try, even if the Range Rover is easily the most capable off-roader.
What proves critical to the X6 beating the Cayenne is equipment. The Porsche looks good value going by list price, but it costs much more than either rival if you add equivalent luxuries. That’s a real shame, because otherwise the Cayenne is more engaging to drive than the X6 – provided you spec
the optional adaptive dampers, of course. Add in the fussy dashboard layout and narrow interior, and the sweet-driving Cayenne becomes hard to recommend in this company.
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For Slick ride and handling; great equipment; roomy and practical
Against Not as fast as rivals, and emissions are comparatively high
Verdict An indulgent-feeling SUV that leaves you wanting for nothing
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full Range Rover Sport review
2nd – BMW X6
For Agile handling; great performance; good infotainment
Against Firm ride; poor rear view; tight rear headroom
Verdict Fast and well equipped. Shame the ride's firm
Rated 4 out of 5
3rd – Porsche Cayenne
For Sweet handling; big boot; high-quality interior
Against Very poorly equipped; fussy dashboard layout
Verdict A good car hampered by a miserly kit list
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full Porsche Cayenne review
Specifications: BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
List price £56,515
Target Price £51,960
Power 255bhp
Torque 413lb ft
0-60mph 6.4sec
Top speed 143mph
Fuel economy 30.5mpg (True MPG)
CO2 emissions 157g/km
Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
List price £53,044
Target Price £53,044
Power 259bhp
Torque 428lb ft
0-60mph 7.0sec
Top speed 137mph
Fuel economy 31.1mpg (True MPG)
CO2 emissions 173g/km
Specifications: Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE
Engine size 3.0-litre diesel
List price £62,745
Target Price £62,630
Power 288bhp
Torque 443lb ft
0-60mph 7.5sec
Top speed 130mph
Fuel economy 31.5mpg (True MPG)
CO2 emissions 185g/km
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