BMW has been renown for creating milestone models, some of which turned out to be mere markers, while others became pointers to still greater things.

So the arrival of the BMW X6 in 2008 was greeted with interest and some disbelief.

After all, the company has built its modern reputation on sporting models but the X6 resembles a combination of hatchback, coupe and even 4x4.

Some said it would never succeed, others acclaimed it as one of the purest cross-over models, taking elements from more than two sectors and delivering a unique package. Well, it has endured and thrived and it is one of the company's most significant models of the "noughties".

Whether it will stand the test of time we will not know for some time, but judged here and now it is different, it fulfils a number of rolls and, probably most significantly, it is a good drive. A sporting drive which lives up to the perception of the brand.

The BMW X6 range is comparatively small but this niche sector is not big anyway and the 3.0d tested is the most popular. In total since launch in the UK 3,968 X6s have been sold.

With one of the most well developed and refined engines under the tall front end the X6 3.0d delivers plenty of willing and strong power over a wide power band and matched to the eight-speed automatic gearbox it provides seamless changes and uninterrupted acceleration. Nail it and the car's character becomes more aggressive but the changes merely sharpen up without losing their silkiness.

The steering can feel a little lifeless at times but that too seems to take on a new life when you press on. The turning circle is good in town without being twitchy at speed and the system flows through sweeping bends in a reassuringly positive manner.

Stand on the brakes or apply more gently and they work with immense power and you do not have to press hard to affect rapid deceleration. The parking brake also securely holds it on a steep slope.

The X6's secondary controls are mostly grouped around the column and conveniently laid out while instruments are big and clear infront of the driver.

Heating and ventilation works well to fill the big cabin with air temperature maintained at desired levels, volume and distribution and you have standard powered windows and the option of a £900 sunroof.

Oddments room is fairly good throughout the cabin with door bins, console compartments and door pockets while the loadbed rises from a nominal 570 litres to 1,450 litres.

It is easy to load as well and for driver and passengers access is good once you realise you have to step up into it rather than slip down into the seats.

The leather seats are well shaped and very supporting with good adjustment in the front pair. The two rear seat passengers might find headroom restricted due to the sloping roofline but infront it was good and legroom was very reasonable all round.

Ride quality was distinctly firm but never really hard or bumpy, except over the worst potholes and off-road tracks.

I was always aware of the size of the X6 and it never felt as agile as some saloons with a similar footprint on the road but compared with SUVs it was more responsive.

Acceleration and cruising showed the BMW X6 3.0d to be very good, combining good get-up-and-go thanks to that gearbox and a long legged and economical performance on major roads.

Despite its high riding height the shape of the roofline and high tail has created severe blindspots, particularly to the rear when reversing and the standard parking sensors are essential to detect items or people out of sight to the driver.

Lights and wipers work really well in poor conditions but the small back window is not a good feature of the visibility. Certainly, it is not a car for shorter drivers.