A MAKESHIFT handling track on a disused runway at a decommissioned nuclear power station is an unlikely place to demonstrate groundbreaking automotive technology.
But for BMW, the exercise at Dounreay on the northern-most tip of the British mainland proved the point.
Once again the German marque has turned the car world on its head - this time by making an off-roader perform like a sports car.
BMW calls it Dynamic Performance Control and the system has spawned a new category of car - the Sports Activity Coupe.
The high-tech set up is the magic ingredient in BMW's new X6, a fastback version of the X5 4x4 - and a classy car it is.
On sale from May 31 and priced from £41,965, the X6 is aimed at an upmarket audience.
The X6 will compete against the likes of the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne but realistically there is no other car like it.
That's down to the aggressive styling BMW has employed in creating the slithery lines of the X6. It is a true coupe and a four seater at that - and BMW knows it will be a niche model with sales of only around 1,600 a year in Britain.
From the front it has the same menacing presence of the latest X5 but in profile the X6 is one for the discerning.
At launch there will be two diesel versions both using BMW's three-litre six cylinder engine one rated at 235bhp and the other, with more turbo boost, at 286. The more powerful model is priced from £44,145.
Initially only one petrol engine will be available, again a three-litre and priced from £42,730. A 4.4-litre flagship X6 will arrive later in the year and that is said to be quick enough to out run a Porsche Boxster, although prices are still to be announced.
All versions are turbo charged making it the first time BMW has introduced an entire range with boosted engines.
Despite their high performance - even the entry level xDrive30d can manage 0 to 60mph in less than eight seconds - both diesels will average around 34 to the gallon with CO2 emissions of 217 and 220g/km, keeping tax relatively low and making them exempt from the higher rate congestion charge in London.
The petrol engined xDrive35i delivers 306bhp and has a 0 to 60 time of 6.7, top speed of 149mph and will average a claimed 25.9mpg with emissions of 262g/km.
When it comes, the 4.2 xDrive50i X6 will be sub 5.5 seconds 0 to 60 but with a thirst to match at an average of 22.6mpg and higher emissions of 299g/km.
None of the rivals can match the X6 for performance or economy but it is what the BMW has under the skin which really delivers the goods.
While the X6 is four-wheel-drive and comes complete with off-road aids such as hill descent control its lower slung apron means its real domain is tarmac.
The drive system has been tweaked to make it feel more of a rear wheel drive vehicle while the dynamic performance system is the icing on the cake.
It works on the rear differential and, in a nutshell, combines with the car's electronic stability and traction controls to whisk it through bends with virtually no body roll.
The effect is as sensational as it is dramatic, making the X6 a driver's machine par excellence.
This must be the largest car on the road to handle in true sporty fashion.
Inside the layout is virtually identical to the X5 although the corrugated look to the sliding covers on the front and rear storage bins is not in keeping with the rest of the trim.
The four seat arrangement makes for plenty of space and despite the sloping roof line there is generous headroom in the rear. Luggage capacity ranges from 570 litres to 1,450 with the rear seats folded flat.
In every way shape and form the X6 is set up to be a fantastic tourer.
With such attributes of power, four-wheel-drive and driveability it's in a league of its own. Add the amazing looks and it becomes utterly desirable.