Some info on E70 you may want to know.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by scott27

X6 is based on E70 X5 platform.

The mules carry underneath the suspension architecture and special chassis developments being developed for the upcoming BMW X6. Therefore you will see havily cladded X5 mules even after E70 public showing.

The mules are strictly for suspension & chasis testings.

X6 body will be applied later in development phases - first with heavy camo , then in final FEP phases with tape only.

Very interesting, thanks for the explanation .

[Steved]

I'm about to press the trigger on an ML63 tomorrow, because I don't want a bigger X5 and the X6 isn't due to arrive until 2008 at the earliest. Anyone else know any different?

[jboo]

Scott,

Should we expect this 3rd row option to be similar to the Q7 setup?

[Steved]

Originally Posted by jboo

Scott,

Should we expect this 3rd row option to be similar to the Q7 setup?

The Q7's third row seats are next to useless except for people with kids under 10 years old. I couldn't even reach the third row in a Q7 (I'd need to have been a gymnast), and I personally thought the other two rows of seats had less room than we currently have in the E53 X5.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by Steved

I'm about to press the trigger on an ML63 tomorrow, because I don't want a bigger X5 and the X6 isn't due to arrive until 2008 at the earliest. Anyone else know any different?

Cayenne Turbo S? Mercedez has become such a deplorable brand off lately..

[jboo]

Originally Posted by Steved

The Q7's third row seats are next to useless except for people with kids under 10 years old. I couldn't even reach the third row in a Q7 (I'd need to have been a gymnast), and I personally thought the other two rows of seats had less room than we currently have in the E53 X5.

That's what I'm expecting from a vehicle this size. I would be surprised if they are any bigger. I just want to hear it from someone who has seen it in person. One thing I like about the Q7 is the 6 seat option, but I doubt the X5 will have that.

[Steved]

Originally Posted by jboo

That's what I'm expecting from a vehicle this size. I would be surprised if they are any bigger. I just want to hear it from someone who has seen it in person. One thing I like about the Q7 is the 6 seat option, but I doubt the X5 will have that.

As the saying goes "there's no such thing as a free lunch". If you really 'need' 6 seats and are prepared to loose some of the space and comfort of a 5-seat car (such as X5, Cayenne, Toureag, ML), but I found that the middle row of seats were shorter in the squab and had less back support than in the X5. For me it would be effectively buying a bigger car on the outside for less useable space inside (apart from the larger boot - although even the boot is 'much' more shallow than in the X5).

[TahoeM3]

Based on the spy shots (which look pretty good to me), it's hard to see how all those things you listed could be true. I'd really hate to see this thing come out all covered in that awful flame-surfacing. My current E53 would be my last X5, and my last BMW, at least until they fix their styling problems.

[SNIFFLES]

Tahoe - love your driveway brick work BTW

[Steved]

Originally Posted by TahoeM3

I'd really hate to see this thing come out all covered in that awful flame-surfacing. My current E53 would be my last X5, and my last BMW, at least until they fix their styling problems.

I'm actually more concerned with the way it will drive. I am really dissapointed by the steering and ride/handling of recent BMWs. I took an E90 3-series MSport out for the day on Saturday and was apalled by how badly it controlled its wheels and how lacking in feel and accuracy its steering was. Getting back into my X5 was a revelation, which felt vastly more competent. Where are BMW getting it so wrong these days? Both my M3 CSL and X5 4.8is seem considerably more pure and rewarding than anything BMW currently makes. It worries me that they might also completely miss the mark with the forthcoming X5/X6.