X6 or X5?

[Steved]

I'm surprised not to have noticed any discussion about the X6, I'm certainly considering the X6 rather then the new X5 to replace my 4.8is in due time.

I'm aware that BMW are evolving the X5 model in two directions; the X5 gaining greater utility value and this new X6 taking a more performance biased direction. Both using the same chassis. I'm also aware from insiders that the next X5 will be around 5-7 inches longer than current and an inch or so taller, which is not what I personally want from the X5.

The X6 will (due in 2008) will be more of a Coupe shell on the next generation X5's 4WD drivetrain. It will still ride 200mm off the ground and be versatile in terms of road surface. It will be 4.8m long, carry 4 people and around the same amount of luggage space as today's X5. BMW intend it to create a new niche, offering the virtues of todays X5 with less weight and more biais towards road performance. There's still some confusion over engines, the 5.0 V10 seems definite but some rumours of a twin-turbo V8 with 400+bhp and also an evolution of todays 535d engine and perhaps a lightweight 265bhp straight six 3 litre.

A press release came out last year 'describing' the design philosophy but so far nobody has seen any pictures. BMW have hinted that it will bear a resembalance to the E92 Coupe with a rear hatch similar to the forthcoming Z4 Coupe. How that will look is anybody's guess but there are some interesting renderings floating around that raise my hopes.

There are many design renderings floating about, but here are just a few of them..

[powers1]

I counted 7 variations of the X6!Some of them have personality problems
One wants to look like an Aston,another likes Porshes rear silencer tips ,one looks like a Mercede class C coupe,the red is just plain ugly and the rest just drawings.

Long live the E53!

[Steved]

I suspect that unless they really screw up the looks (highly possible!), then I will go for an X6 rather than the next X5. I've owned the E53 for 5 years now and if I change I want it to be a lighter car with increased performance capabilities. I'm not interested in a bigger, heavier or more versatile car (nor 7 seats). The current E53 does everything I want from a family car, it just want it to be lighter and even more agile.

[powers1]

I too hate the idea õf a future X5 having 7-seats and being heavy!I have had my X5 for almost 3 years (got it in 2003) and I am very happy with it.
I noticed you said you have had an X5 for 5 years!What did you have prior to your 4.8is?A 3.0 D maybe!

[Steved]

We started off with a TiS 3.0i Sport in 2001, then bought an Estoril Blue 4.6is in 2003, a Le Mans Blue 4.8is in 2004 and had that replaced with another Le Mans Blue 4.8is in 2005.. phew!

[powers1]

Originally Posted by Steved

We started off with a TiS 3.0i Sport in 2001, then bought an Estoril Blue 4.6is in 2003, a Le Mans Blue 4.8is in 2004 and had that replaced with another Le Mans Blue 4.8is in 2005.. phew!

Nice upgrades!Congrats!

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by powers1

I counted 7 variations of the X6!Some of them have personality problems
One wants to look like an Aston,another likes Porshes rear silencer tips ,one looks like a Mercede class C coupe,the red is just plain ugly and the rest just drawings.

Long live the E53!

Will have to wait to see. They photochopped an X6 out of 3-er, 5-er, M5, M6....you name it. The red one looks like a Murano with BMW kit.

[f355b]

looks like a FX45

[Wagner]

X6 is a half-breed that doesn't belong in the coupe or SAV world IMO. Looks like BMW, much like Porsche now, is trying to fill every niche in the auto market (same thing GM did which has driven them in to near bankrupcy conditions). The X6, IMO, is trying to find a spot between the SAV and the station wagon and for the price BMW will charge (easily in the 70K+ range), I'm doubting it will go anywhere. Again this is all my opinion, I could be totally wrong

[statdoc]

Some of those drawings remind me of a Crossfire.