In considering which side of the fence to sit on before writing about the freshly unveiled Hartge X6, one thing struck us: this is quite possibly the most opinion polarising car ever. If the whole '4x4 coupé' concept is anathema to you, then here it is in its most repugnant form. However, if Kahn Range Rovers are your thing, you might just be looking at this bad boy and wondering what you can sell to get one of these on your drive. (We've got a suggestion.)

Let's leave the 22-inch rims and flared body kit aside, however, and concentrate on the skill set this beast will bring to the Premiership car park. It's based on the X6 xDrive35d, but it's 'breathed on' - as Hartge puts it - to produce 324bhp (up from 286bhp) and 498lb.ft of twist (from 427lb.ft). Yet the emissions stay at exactly the same 220g/km - and Hartge claims an extra couple of miles per gallon over the standard car 'under comparable conditions.' That could mean the combined cycle, but might not. If it does, you're looking at a two-tonne-plus block that will return 36mpg if you're careful. Not bad, eh? Hartge has taken the speed limiter off too, so it will now do 159mph rather than 147mph. Important stuff that.

Inside there's a three-spoke Hartge steering wheel with carbon inserts, more carbon for the dashboard and centre console, a set of aluminium pedals and some velour floor mats with 'Hartge' written on them. You can retrofit any or all of the parts, inside or out, or you could just get the 'breathe on' treatment for the engine and leave the rest nice and, ahem, discrete. Alternatively, you could hand Hartge your brand new X6 and say, "do your worst." In return you'll be charged £26,000. Yes, that's £26,000.

Mark Nichol - 17 Apr 2009