BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

The idea of an SUV mating with a coupé might seem ridiculous, but that's exactly what BMW's concept X6 is. Well, we say coupé, it's a five-door, but those rakish rear lines mean that in profile it's more coupé-like than the usual SUV fodder. BMW recognised that many of the qualities people enjoyed in its driver-focused X3 and X5 models would work in a vehicle that's more about style than practicality. And although it's an unusual idea in principle in practice it looks to work. Certainly it's a great looking car; its chunky muscular lines, lofty stance and large blistered wheel arches - which will inevitably be filled with rubber-band thin tyres and huge alloys - look great.

It promises to drive fantastically too, the active central differential directing power to the wheels that need it most. Some will shun it for its questionable environmental credentials, but BMW will counter with hybrid versions and its CO₂ reducing and mpg maximising EfficientDynamics - immediately giving it dinner party respectability among the chattering classes.

Tuesday December 4