WHEN BMW unveiled the rather large X6 I was perplexed to say the least.

It struck me as a peculiar automotive oddity as I couldn't work out what it was - or what it was supposed to be.

Was it an SUV, a curious coupe, a crossover or something altogether new?

In reality it is a blend of all four.

Sometimes it's no bad thing in the automotive world to create something that shocks and over time I confess I have warmed to the X6, particularly after spending a couple of weeks motoring around northern France in one during a memorable and enjoyable family holiday.

It was fun and sporty, handled significantly better than most SUVs and was also far more practical than I thought.

My opinion apart the X6 has actually done pretty well for BMW, to the point where Mercedes-Benz have launched a rival to it and BMW themselves have launched a smaller version of it in the shape of the X4.

The X4 really is a Mini Me take on the X6. I couldn't resist the urge to line this one up next to an X6 in the office car park one day for a quick compare and contrast exercise.

They seem pretty much identical in every respect other than their overall bulk.

Perhaps the big attraction of the X4 is that its smaller stature isn't quite as ‘in ‘yer face' as the X6, a car that even a few years since its launch simply demands to be noticed.

That said the X4 is not actually that much smaller than the X6, meaning it's still a fairly large and suitably practical family car, on a par with an Evoque or something similar, though the coupe-inspired styling actually gives it the advantage of more cabin space without that sloping roofline.

The X4 has a lot of X6 similarities on the inside too in terms of the general layout, instrumentation and switchgear.

It's well appointed, and well laid-out, with pretty much everything having an intuitive easy to use feel - even if this particular M Sport model did come with a lot of bells and whistles attached.

Buyers only have the option of a diesel engine with 20d, 30d and 35d models to choose from.

Prices start at £36,895 for a 20dSE while this mid-range 30d M Sport will set buyers back £46,695.

With 255bhp of power at one's disposal it's difficult to imaging needing much more and it also manages to deliver decent combined economy of 47.9mpg.

Spirited driving will ensure that figure dips somewhat, but not that much.

A smooth-shifting super-slick eight-speed automatic gearbox makes driving the X4 a breeze and a pleasure.

Like the X6 it's an SUV/crossover where the ‘sport' element of the acronym is emphasised.

The heightened driving position means there's an inevitable element of roll but it's kept to an absolute minimum.

Given the fact it's a little smaller than the X6 the X4 offers a drive that's even better - and the X6 is a capable performer in this regard.

Happy being chucked around corners at speed the X4 is the kind of car that's perfect for someone who's had to trade in a much-loved sports car or hot hatch when family life demands a more sensible choice.