THIS is the X6, BMW's Franken-car that is a cross between its 6-series coupe and X5 off-roader. Just as the 7-series before it, the seemingly ghastly design will take some getting used to.

BMW used the X6 to showcase its hybrid technology. Its petrol-electric dream consists of two compact, high performance electric motors connected to each other by three planetary gear sets, a fixed-transmission ratio gearbox and a high performance battery to deliver benefits over low and high speeds. The result is a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared to a comparable BMW.

It has a two-mode electrical continuously variable transmission. The two operating modes allow the drivetrain to run at continuously variable speeds and ensure highly efficient hybrid functions throughout the entire operating range of the car.