Originally Posted by Scott26

Enter the X6...

BMW like to think of the forthcoming SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) X6 as a five door 911 rival - As the Cayenne is in another segment and a different type of vehicle - Of course BMW are expecting the next interpretation of the Cayenne expect the next Cayenne to be very different from it's current state once the X6 is established.
Dynamic design for a new class of vehicle - A new class of vehicle. The X6 will be a five door but will not be confused or marketed as the X5.
X6 will be worlds apart both in approach , design and dynamics

The brief...

In popular Activity spots such as Winter sports resorts populated by Range Rover , Cayenne etc.. and of course X5. These are mainly " other" cars to the city based performance cars nesting in their respective garages.
BMW would like to offer something with a taste of both worlds for their customers - Something with luxury and performance , style and capability .
The all purpose coupe.

Off The Wall...

A new segment and a new market in it's infancy the competition design brief signalled to tap into this brave new world - Create something that
That offers a radical approach to convention a phrase always used by BMW design " Defy Convention" , After months of design and debate and conception the final proposal has now been selected by the BMW board of management described by BMW's designers as " Off the wall "

The overall shape of the X6 that will make it into production offers a very forward looking visual experience - The overall shape is that used to the XCoupe concept car a hatchback cum coupe with the rear hatch opening functioning like the forthcoming Z4 Coupe . The overall design offers adventurous elements such as stacked triangular headlights on each of the front wings a wide twin Kidney grille with preforated grille slats as seen on land Rover products but was shown on the 2001 XCoupe concept.
The next generation of the twin kidney grille will be like a twin shell with an outer - reverse shape with the inner slats as normal .


The X6 will feature on evolutionary " surface " approach to the design with the headlights forming into surfaces that ride into the shoulder line melting the bodywork all the way to the rear lights following form with the front of the car triangular in shape joined at each end along the trunk lid with a long chrome element .

Ideas and Influences

One of the many challenges for the design brief was that it is to be not a conventional BMW just as the CLS Mercedes-benz is not a conventional mercedes. Of course the CLSwas wheeled in for influence.
Many interior aspects take their ideas from modern influences such as ipod , Winter equipment , and yacht equipment precision milled materials - delicate with an expensive look a feature that will form the next generation of BMW interiors.

The SAC will not be seen as a regular SUV - Space will not be an issue -
Four will sit in comfort but will not detract from it's persona - Performance and dynamics .

Headed by the V8 with the indevelopment Twin-Turbo NG V8 with an expected output of 400 BHP + . And a a platform for a V10 powered M variant.
Disel will be catered for with V8 and indevelopment that will also surface in next 7er a V10 diesel .

Such a vehicle is essential for BMW to keep to it's core of producing visually dynamic groundbreaking products.

Originally Posted by Scott26

The overall idea displayed in the first picture is the first indication of the direction this cross-over will come from .
If you remember previously I stated the X-Coupe still had an agenda.
You could say it is BMW 's CLS . Although a very different interpretation, idea and type of vehicle.

seen as opening a new niche for BMW. The car has been in design competition since last year And the final design date is upcoming . Many ideas and interpretations are on the table. Such as 4 door , 4door suicide door like Mazda RX-8 or Pick up . Or 2dr Coupe.
One thing that can be agreed it on is that performance will be it's mantle. This type of niche is also under discussion to finally involve Motorsport decision . As designers have contributed their designs as both standard and M variants.

Some approsals have been successful in incorporating new ideas that are appealing to the product designers such as wrap around tailgate similar to the 5er sedan but with the whole rear lights lifting up leaving a triangular opening , concealed door handles similar to Alfa Romeo , Big wheel arches and Large diameter wheels . 2 door and 4 door variants.
The crossover is expected to slot in above the X5, Hence the decision to have the base powerplant as diesel only. Knowing that this car is to major on performance BMW are keen to have a super diesel powerplant not shared with any other product to begin with or remain seperate.

BMW are spearheading this vehicle because they have seen the missed oportunity the RangeRover sport has delivered . They liked the concept idea but the final execution has not really transpired to peoples expectations.
THe Autoexpress picture from the front end to the A-pillar is the look that will adorn the upcoming X5 as it forms a kinship with its family member the 5er. But the design features of the new X5 also begin the design revolution for the full range of X vehicles.

The BMW board have decided against an M-powered X5 . As they see no particular need having two performance SAV when the X6 SAC will be the ideal performance product to carry the M-powered identity.

Originally Posted by Luwalira

So when can we expect to see the car on the streets, year 2007 maybe?

Originally Posted by Top Secret

Hold up here a second. Scott says an M version of the X6 will be produced, but the X6 will be AWD right?

Doesn't this go against M Philosophy by having an AWD M Model?