This 390PS V8 petrol-engined BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne rival looks loads better in the flesh than its Geneva unveil pictures.
Upmarket features like the black ripple-effect grille and ‘fanged’ chrome side vents accent the second-generation’s more curvy front end well.
The interior is sophisticated, too, with dark brown quilt-stitch seats, Bentley-esque knurled knobs and good space front and back for tall adults. But due to a high load floor, luggage space looked weak for its class.
It’s quick – 0-62mph takes just 5.4 seconds – but it doesn’t handle as well as a Cayenne or X5 with a poor ride, especially in ‘Sport’ mode.
Official economy and emissions details are scarce ahead of the April 2009 UK launch but expect low-20s mpg. More tax-conscious business buyers should consider the 3.7-litre FX37 or the diesel version in 2010.
Verdict: Distinctive large petrol 4×4 set to be strictly for opt-out business car drivers for tax reasons.
