X6 Spy pics: BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe

[martinbo]

Huckfeldt's X4 impression:



The general appearance of side profile of Huckfeldt's "X4" is actually very similar to X6.

Goodness - is that a fact Eni? I expected something radical in the X6 but this is very - ahem - adventurous. Proportions can't be exact - I expect those monster wheels to come down in size. Do you know what the ground clearance is?

But to get the right idea of X6's silhouette - the above posted pic is a good example.

So, here we go; we've had crossover cars for years now:
A coupé crossed with a saloon = RX-8, CLS, Rapide, Panamera
An off-roader crossed with a wagon = Forester, Outback, allroad, X5, Q7 et al
...as examples

In other words, the combination of two automobile genres.

Here the X6 combines 3 genres: coupé with saloon with SUV. Crossover (to the power of 3) it appears. Astonishing. This is a first if I recall?

People, what do you make of this? Does the world really need a car that combines 3 elements and ends up looking... odd? Where will manufacturers draw the line I wonder?

 

[Matt]

Does the world really need a car that combines 3 elements and ends up looking... odd? Where will manufacturers draw the line I wonder?

1. no
2. not untill they run out of led.

 

[EnI]

Goodness - is that a fact Eni? I expected something radical in the X6 but this is very - ahem - adventurous. Proportions can't be exact - I expect those monster wheels to come down in size. Do you know what the ground clearance is?

So, here we go; we've had crossover cars for years now:
A coupé crossed with a saloon = RX-8, CLS, Rapide, Panamera
An off-roader crossed with a wagon = Forester, Outback, allroad, X5, Q7 et al
...as examples

In other words, the combination of two automobile genres.

Here the X6 combines 3 genres: coupé with saloon with SUV. Crossover (to the power of 3) it appears. Astonishing. This is a first if I recall?

People, what do you make of this? Does the world really need a car that combines 3 elements and ends up looking... odd? Where will manufacturers draw the line I wonder?

It has been said many times by me & Scott, that xCoupe had an agenda. And that SAC vehicles will have design inspiration in xCoupe general shape.

Like I said: details are off. Also the proportions - since of course X6 will be bigger than the X4, and the wheels will look smaller (otherwise at least 23" wheels will be necessary).

Customer base: all the rich poseurs.

Eg. in Europe many people are buying Q7 due coupe look - not due available space. It's eg the same case with Infiniti FX in US. So, expect X6 to be even more popular among jet-setters, since it will not just look very imposing but will also drive like a true coupe.

 

[PanterroR]

So, expect X6 to be even more popular among jet-setters, since it will not just look very imposing but will also drive like a true coupe.

Can't wait, man, can't wait...

 

[martinbo]

... since it will not just look very imposing but will also drive like a true coupe.

Now then Eni - really - that's just marketing speak and you know it. A car with a high centre of gravity (it may be low for an SAC - but far higher than a CLS or 6er) is definitely not going to be a true "coupé-like handler". That's like saying my Forester handles like a WRX. It doesn't.

No, as with all of BMW sports activity vehicles its dynamic ability will be disguised by overly wide rubber giving a flattering impression of handling prowess - only to be rescued by the DTC/DSC should the high limits of adhesion be overcome. This is the key ingredient in the perceived "good handling" of the BMW SAV's. Put them on skinnier, more multi-purpose tyres (the stuff that goes on useful SUVs) and I guarantee you that handling will be less illustrious.

In my carefully considered opinion of course...

 

[SCOTT27]

It has been said many times by me & Scott, that xCoupe had an agenda. And that SAC vehicles will have design inspiration in xCoupe general shape.

Like I said: details are off. Also the proportions - since of course X6 will be bigger than the X4, and the wheels will look smaller (otherwise at least 23" wheels will be necessary).

All BMW Concepts have agendas from the Turbo in the early seventies giving the template for the classic M1 , Just as The CS1 lays a very exciting future.
X Coupe they thought we were crazy , the press hated it , rival designers were anticipating the demise of BMW after it's XCoupe horror show - We proved them wrong .

What you are seeing here is the basic shape for the X6 and how it will appear- as individual , unique and challenging. For it's anticipation why have rivals registered Q6 and GLC? They know it's coming...

Look at the new X5 and with the 20" wheels and you can see that they do not completely fill the arches , remember what you are seeing is a digital manipulation of the forthcoming vehicle so some details are exaggerated.
The front is more aggressive and the shoulder line begins on the surface and enters a groove which will form the air intake. BMW's design has lately been about surface work now we begin to delve into the surface by giving the appeareance of melted steel.

In the marketing BMW analysts travelled to Wintersports destinations in europe and found out that for every top line SUV or SAV the owner had a premium sedan or a coupe or similar sports car in their garage back home.
This is where the combination works a perfromance coupe with the capability and luggage space as a SAV etc. In which the X6 will be three cars in one - Performance car ,Sport Activity Vehicle and premium luxury vehicle.

X6 is the reason why BMW are not considering an X5-M .

 

[chonkoa]

All BMW Concepts have agendas from the Turbo in the early seventies giving the template for the classic M1 , Just as The CS1 lays a very exciting future.
X Coupe they thought we were crazy , the press hated it , rival designers were anticipating the demise of BMW after it's XCoupe horror show - We proved them wrong .

What you are seeing here is the basic shape for the X6 and how it will appear- as individual , unique and challenging. For it's anticipation why have rivals registered Q6 and GLC? They know it's coming...

Look at the new X5 and with the 20" wheels and you can see that they do not completely fill the arches , remember what you are seeing is a digital manipulation of the forthcoming vehicle so some details are exaggerated.
The front is more aggressive and the shoulder line begins on the surface and enters a groove which will form the air intake. BMW's design has lately been about surface work now we begin to delve into the surface by giving the appeareance of melted steel.

In the marketing BMW analysts travelled to Wintersports destinations in europe and found out that for every top line SUV or SAV the owner had a premium sedan or a coupe or similar sports car in their garage back home.
This is where the combination works a perfromance coupe with the capability and luggage space as a SAV etc. In which the X6 will be three cars in one - Performance car ,Sport Activity Vehicle and premium luxury vehicle.

X6 is the reason why BMW are not considering an X5-M .

Are you saying the X6 will be more performance oriented?

 

[EnI]

Are you saying the X6 will be more performance oriented?

Featuring upcoming V8 turbo with 400+ PS, and M version featuring (at least) 507HP V10 are quite solid proofs X6 will be very performance oriented. Not to mention performance diesel engines like 286HP I6 VTT.



SAC segment will be a fresh addition to luxury car market, just like 4dr coupe segment is.

 

[Merc1]

I think there is something already on the market like the X6, the Infiniti FX35 and FX45 models. They're not really that practical and offer a overly sporting driving experience disguised as an SUV.

M

 

[EnI]

I think there is something already on the market like the X6, the Infiniti FX35 and FX45 models. They're not really that practical and offer a overly sporting driving experience disguised as an SUV.

M

Kind a. Yet FX is what I would call a true Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV).

But X6 will be much more coupeish in appearence. Also Infiniti will launch its true SAC vehicle soon (Mk2 FX, or a new model ???). Something looking much more like the original 2001 FX Concept which was a true SAC, and an inspiration for X6:

 

[RikfromBelgium]

foundt at autoscoops.eu

 

[Merc1]

Kind a. Yet FX is what I would call a true Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV).

But X6 will be much more coupeish in appearence. Also Infiniti will launch its true SAC vehicle soon (Mk2 FX, or a new model ???). Something looking much more like the original 2001 FX Concept which was a true SAC, and an inspiration for X6:

I've never seen that concept before, must have missed it at Detroit in 2001. You're right that is more or less what the X6 is going to be. I guess Infiniti got scared at the last minute and decided not to make the FX that radical.

M

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Now then Eni - really - that's just marketing speak and you know it. A car with a high centre of gravity (it may be low for an SAC - but far higher than a CLS or 6er) is definitely not going to be a true "coupé-like handler". That's like saying my Forester handles like a WRX. It doesn't.

Very true.

No, as with all of BMW sports activity vehicles its dynamic ability will be disguised by overly wide rubber giving a flattering impression of handling prowess - only to be rescued by the DTC/DSC should the high limits of adhesion be overcome. This is the key ingredient in the perceived "good handling" of the BMW SAV's. Put them on skinnier, more multi-purpose tyres (the stuff that goes on useful SUVs) and I guarantee you that handling will be less illustrious.

In my carefully considered opinion of course...

Well without electronics and gripy tyres, that is also true of Formula 1 cars not just BMW SAVs, despite the center of gravity.
Yes, BMW with ne X5, has massed tons of electronical devices to make it handle the way it does.

 

[klier]

foundt at autoscoops.eu

The part around the fog lights in the front looks close from what I have seen in the spy pics so far, but for the rest it pretty much is a guess... I at least hope it'll be a little more dynamic than this, but it's hard to tell from what we know so far. The cut in the side profile appears to be more dramatic than this too, btw.

Thanks for the update though. I am very interested in this car.

 

[PanterroR]

Spy Video @: Edmunds.com (on the right side where it says "Featured Video)

Sorry if posted already...

 

[DoctorD]

All BMW Concepts have agendas from the Turbo in the early seventies giving the template for the classic M1 , Just as The CS1 lays a very exciting future.
X Coupe they thought we were crazy , the press hated it , rival designers were anticipating the demise of BMW after it's XCoupe horror show - We proved them wrong .

What you are seeing here is the basic shape for the X6 and how it will appear- as individual , unique and challenging. For it's anticipation why have rivals registered Q6 and GLC? They know it's coming...

Look at the new X5 and with the 20" wheels and you can see that they do not completely fill the arches , remember what you are seeing is a digital manipulation of the forthcoming vehicle so some details are exaggerated.
The front is more aggressive and the shoulder line begins on the surface and enters a groove which will form the air intake. BMW's design has lately been about surface work now we begin to delve into the surface by giving the appeareance of melted steel.

In the marketing BMW analysts travelled to Wintersports destinations in europe and found out that for every top line SUV or SAV the owner had a premium sedan or a coupe or similar sports car in their garage back home.
This is where the combination works a perfromance coupe with the capability and luggage space as a SAV etc. In which the X6 will be three cars in one - Performance car ,Sport Activity Vehicle and premium luxury vehicle.

X6 is the reason why BMW are not considering an X5-M .

I believe I was one of the first people in the UK to place an order for an X6 and to me it makes 'perfect' sense.

To the member who said BMW's SAVs are flattered by wide tyres, that is simply not true. Not by a long shot. I previously owned several 4.8is X5s and had issues with the air suspension. Due to my experience and reputation with BMW UK, they 'humoured' me and I ended up spending many months driving 8 different cars, working with some of the development engineers and master technicians to conclude on what was 'good' in terms of the X5's handling. It was during this time that I discovered how many BMW personnel were unaware of the X5's capabilities on the road, and I of course was happy to oblige by showing them. But dynamically we came to the conclusion that a good 4.8is was more fun and more expolitable than a 5-series sport model. I could slide that 4.8is in lovely controllable four wheeled drifts on dry tarmac and 'never' did it loose its composure.

I believe BMW could have made an 'M' version of the X5, although the boys from M GmbH stuck fast to their principles, but I am absolutely certain that it would have been 'possible'. Bear in mind I have owned some of the most dynamic M-cars and very often I chose to drive my X5 when out up for some driving fun.

 

[Ralfd]

BMW X6 Interior /Dashboard

Th attached picture is a magnification of one of the recent X6 spypictures. Part of the dashboard is visible. Here is my take on it :
1. It seems very different than the dashboard of the current X5
2. The central instrument seems to be less integrated in the dashboard
3. The monitor of the navigation seems to be slightly angled towards the driver
4. now the interesting/confusing part: to the right side of the navigation system monitor there seems to be a console angled even more towards the driver (almost 45 degrees) . Usually the test drivers have a computer/notebook installed in that position...however in the photo it does not look like an attached computer...its looks very well integrated into the whole dashboard assembly ...maybe the photo is fooling me ...but if correct maybe (hopefully) BMW is going back to its old trademark 'driver oriented' dashboard... What do u think... ?

 

[klier]

Very interesting, thanks. It looks like it's part of the dashboard indeed. And I believe I read somewhere that BMW was indeed going for the angled approach for the dash again..

 

[EnI]

Or ... don't you think it's just a camo cloth covering the dash - as usally in prototypes at this stage.

 

[Ralfd]

Or ... don't you think it's just a camo cloth covering the dash - as usally in prototypes at this stage.

Hi EnI,
I agree...it could be camo ...we know our friends at BMW go the extra mile when it comes to camo.. However, it does not look like a simple cloth thrown over the dashboard..maybe a more sophisicated camo
Anyway thank you and Scott (and the other contributers) for your comments on this board...I think 2008 will bring us some very interesting new BMW models and your information really helps to build up the excitement.
Greetings from Munich
Ralf