Originally Posted by Scott

That is a squashed up X5 using Z-styling elements - Z does not phase into X. The only areas of design the actual X6 shares with Z4M Coupe is in the rear tailgate design which like the Z4M Coupe will wrap around the upper shoulder level of the car and lift the same way as the Z4M coupe. The only other occurrence is the shape of the rear window fitting into the rear tailgate is the same shape of the Z4M Coupe which will enhance the sport and performance design of this individual SAC. The design will share a similar shoulder line to the new X5 and the front bonnet will be placed in a similar position. The X6 will cater for four passengers and will have four doors a smaller window with the trademark BMW kink will insert behind the rear doors.

The front of the X6 is not similar to the X5. With triangular headlights as similar to the 5er (E60) - they sit in the front corners which blend in to form the front wheel arches aside the widened twin shell kidney grille which will make its debut in the next 7er - The twin kidneys now appear to be upturned but borders into a more natural twin shape inside the shell.
The shell also forms substance and interplay with the curves on the top of the bonnet and meet in the surround of the shell. where the chromed bars ahead of the radiator will be placed.
The rear of the car gets slim-line rear lights that open up broader when wrapped around the corner of the car which leads direct from the rear bumper area forming the rear wheel arches.
An optional targa roof will become available with individual slats folding towards the rear of the car , as will a full panoramic roof .

There will be no X5-M as BMW reckon X6-M with its unique design and attitude and direction of a performance coupe will sufficiently fill that gap no matter what the cmpetition come up with - BMW are keeping an open mind before venturing down that road not to overplay the M-brand - X6 will at first arrive with NGV8 and twin-turbo V8. Diesel will include V8 and eventually a base I6 diesel. A V10 diesel in development for the 7er may eventually end up in the X6.

An M variation on the M5 and M6's V10 with substantially more output will top out the range.

Emphasizing on the four seasons for X6

One of the exciting concepts of the design phase of the X6 is BMW want to prove that the X6 is capable for all "four seasons": How weather and season can enhance the design of the X6. So we know its going to be a new type of vehicle - A new type of premium segment with the SAC "Sport Activity Coupe". In the concept of brainstorming something that has already been approved for production is the effect that the car will have on color choices both in exterior and interior. Although the exact color choice still has to be fettled this is how things are shaping up so far.

For instance "Desert" will feature strong Gold, Orange and Bronze colors with interior of sand beige or golden orange. With light or dark wood or bronze metallic strips.
"Ice" will enhance exterior color with cool whites and light blue hues with the interior merging with transparent and white trim elements (think ipod) and white and cool blue leather.
"Water" will enhance color of deep sea coral Blues and Greens with interiors to match.
"Autumn" will carry deep red to emphasis the interior and exterior.
And then the "Cloud" which will maintain the Blacks,Greys and Silvers.

Overall controls such as switches, stalks , control knobs etc are being evaluated against modern technology the soft touch keypads of laptops and high end mobile phones, ipods , plasma TV's in order to emulate a high quality "talking point" interior which will begin first with the F01 7er.