• Roomier than you might think
• Boot is a decent size for family luggage
• Tailgate latch protrudes badly – head bang risk!

The BMW X6 often gets a bad press for being an impractical family SUV and it’s true that space for passengers and baggage is more compromised than in its X5 sibling. But the fact is this is a remarkably spacious car, considering its athletic wardrobe.

Most families will fit in just fine, but you might want to look more closely at the rear seating arrangement if you have more than two children. Also watch out for the exposed latch on the electronic tailgate; the catch sticks out several inches and taller people can easily bang their head on it when walking under the open bootlid. It’s a surprising glitch, considering the X5 has a flush-fitting latch.

Will my luggage fit?

The BMW X6 boot is a good, practical size and shape: it will swallow 580 litres of luggage with the rear seats up, but if you tumble the seatbacks forwards outright loadspace expands to 1,530 litres.

There are lashing points to tie down awkward loads and you can order optional equipment to keep Fido or pets safe when in transit. In fact, the accessories catalogue has reams of options to help you carry bikes, canoes and much more besides.

You can also expand the available space in the boot by flipping the seats down one-by-one, thanks to a 40:20:40 split rear backrest – handy if you need to lug awkward-shaped loads.

Will it fit in my garage?

The latest X6 is a big car, at a whisker under five metres in length. This SUV is 26mm – an inch – longer than its predecessor, but 6mm lower and 15mm wider. It’s clear that the designers have been stretching and flattening the car to give it that charismatic stance and swagger on the road

It can feel a big car when parking, but it’s no worse than most full-size SUVs. Be sure to check it fits in your garage first – we found it bulging out of many old-fashioned parking bays, which have struggled to keep up with the growth spurt of modern cars, especially luxury crossovers such. Thankfully, a parking camera is standard-fit and the rear-view image is crystal-clear when reversing.

How safe is it?