New X6 barely disguised
 

Nice!:thumbup: This is the base model.
http://images7.worldcarfans.com/spyp...001.mini6L.jpg
http://images7.worldcarfans.com/spyp...001.mini5L.jpg
http://images7.worldcarfans.com/spyp...001.mini4L.jpg
http://images7.worldcarfans.com/spyp...001.mini2L.jpg

wow 2 different rims on is that a new trend? hahaha nice . thanks for posting those pics. :zoom:

different rims ? They are same style. They are staggard and therefore rear 11" wide wheel is deeper. X5 have the same deal for years.

I'm starting to get excited...:D

Swwwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~eeeeeeeeeeeeee etttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take the DAM tape off!!!!!

Nice pictures. Is X6 overall dimension smaller than X5, length, width, track and wheel base etc? The front kidney grill doesn't look Concept CS inspired, more like ordinary X5 style?

Someone beat Lemans? first time ever? hahaha...

It does look sexy... damn, I moved away from SAV's... and now I'm enticed again...

That wheel style is hot !

@Mii: Yeah... what did happen to the Concept CS style grill. Or the grill in a grill that scott promised?!?

I have to agree that the rims are different not just size but the style as well.

Haha,my thoughts exactly:rofl: When i was posting this thread Lemans was sleeping:rofl: Different time zone,about 10 hours!

This is common in test vehicles.

Its just easier for them to do test a staggered set up... Rather than make a test rim in different sizes they just make different rims at different sizes which gives them more combinations at lower cost...

We need a new name for this category. Take the concept of an SUV, which was a crossover vehicle to start with. Morph it into an SAV when BMW designed the X5. Morph that into a coupe, but add B pillars, then subtract the Activity and the Utility because it has 'severely limited cargo and rear passenger space'. You now have a lifted up sport coupe. What acronym should be applied to that? Perhaps it is an SLV?

It's sad to see the focus on style over function from BMW.

...i don't get it...

hope better pics surface, cuz i'm ;puke;

im with you .... i dont know whats going on,, it looks cheap , i didnt

expect it to look like that ,, ill wait until its official to make my final judgement ....

I agree...not a great first sighting. Though the wheels will make a huge difference as they do to the X5.

I think it looks terrible, but at least it's not useful.

Cerberus will be relieved that the Jeep Compass is no longer the dumbest car in America.

Those fog lights are straight from the Cayman. :damn:
http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news...echartGT-L.jpg

I did notice this...

Yes, I was sleeping. I don't get paid for this. ;) Although, my contacts did email me about these pics at 3:16 am my time. Lucky you.:rofl:

X6 is longer, wider and sits lower than X5. Wheel base is same.

BMW had a change of mind. CS style grill will begin with F01 7-series. Although they may include in X6 M. :dunno:

X6 is Sports Acitvity Coupe- aka SAC per BMW.

I am not sure where the activity comes in. Perhaps the activity is climbing up into it. No luggage space, no roof rack, not sure if a trailer hitch fits on it.....I don't mind the looks of it, apart from it appearing to have a very high CoG, but it seems like a goofy concept to me. Guess I'm not their target market.

Its basically X5 coupe. CoG is lower than X5.

Can someone explain the concept behind the vehicle? It isn't big enough to be useful. It isn't low enough to give solid performance. Seems that now that the X5 has grown into the E70, this thing will be a sort of next-gen E53- rebranded as an SAC.

Dont get it personally.It was a joke.That is why i used the smilies.

I wish we were getting this front:

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/images/...roof_1_560.jpg

The headlights are LIGHTYEARS nicer. And I like how in the bumper, around the foglights, there are several horizontal bard (ala Cayenne) as opposed to only one)

:iagree: Any of the Xi series in BMW's line up could have achieve the same functionality.

The same could be said for the e53 and the e83, though...

BMW's research of market showed that people want a higher seating postion of a SUV but the performance of a car. Also their survey showed that they have two cars, an SUV for daily errands and DD, and a performance weekend car. So X6 is targeted to these group of people who can do both with one car.

X5 has grown in size with E70 and more of a family vehicle or "soccer momobile" and therefore the need for a performance car. So SAV + sporty coupe = SAC.

The performance concept may be there under the hood but the looks of the car doesn't really reflect that. A bit disappointed with this design. The pic that X5love has is much better, imo.

hmmm...

now it sort of reminds me of a toyota prius on steroids

I guess I'm their target market.
You hit the nail on the head. In a perfect world I'd have two roundels in the garage. I'm sure I don't have to tell you guys which two :rofl: It's only me and two cars is not in the budget right now. I've been driving an SUV from before they called it that. 1991 was my first "truck" and I love the higher seating which brings better field of vision and easy in and out. Legs, heels and a skirt make for an awkward exit from a low sitting car in public places. Then there's the AWD....From a practical standpoint a SUV works for me, but I want more...I want performance damn it! I want a 6er that's higher with AWD. I think I've got it.

I understand the logic of taking a single wheelbase architecture and plonking as many variants on it as possible for the R & D savings per unit, but I really don't see how a product like this (a hatch back on stilts) is justifiable in the long term.

The X1? I understand is the same thing again but with a bigger boot.

Do they really believe there are enough people out there wanting a performance car that cannot opt for an M3,5,6 because it's they are too low to the ground?

Wasn't the small SUV for the weekend and 'performance handling' called an X3?

Methinks this could end up being a GM/Ford 'make too many models/devalue the brand' if they're not careful........

I think it's pretty average looking too.

Cheers

This car is going to be in a much higher class than the X3. It's like comparing a 328 to a 650. Not to mention that there will be a very mean ///M version of the X6, earlier reports I think said a V10 pumping out 600hp. Also, an X3 is still more an SUV than anything else, lots of cargo space, moderate ofroad capability etc etc.

I think people are forgetting the fact that the X6 will be larger than the X5 in every dimension besides height, in which it will sit lower. Think about it - how many people thought the CLS was going to be a disaster? Look what happened. The same will go for this car. And look at the SUV obsessed/performance obsessed America, this car merges both what most suburban families need and demand in a high class car. They get space, height, visibility, and mean performance.

This car will do great.

I agree they are targetting a different demographic than the X3. An AWD 6 coupe with a hatchback just seems like a limited audience vehicle. The 6 just hasn't done that well. This one may be larger than the X5 in every dimension except height, but that is the outside. The interior is described as having 'limited space'. Seems like a 2+2 more than a 4 seater. While it merges height, visibility, and all weather performance, it certainly doesn't deliver on space. I don't think it is setting out to be a family car, more of a DINK or well-heeled single market. I wish them all the best with it. The last company that tried this called it an Eagle. That was a competent car, in a very different price bracket but with the same design concept. Part of the eventual ending of that line had to do with lack of brand focus. That is what we don't want to see happen here.

In any case, I think that cmyX5go should get an M version, with an Individual interior, perhaps walnut trim.

totally understand what you're saying, but I guess I'm a little biased since I feel as though this car is perfect for me. I mean, I have an X5 which I love, I just wish I had more performance and handling ability, and the one thing I'm willing to give up for that is space.... you see why I think this car works?

Maybe it's just me... am I the only one out there?

On a 1-10 scale if 1 is a car and 10 is an SUV, the E53 was a 5. The E70 is a 7 and the X6 will be a 3.

It's a solid marketing strategy imo because they're catering to their highest-volume market by thoroughly filling in the segment in demand. Americans are clearly obsessed with ride height, as BMW sales have nearly doubled since the introduction of the E53.

What will determine the X6's success is how well they execute the concept. It'll only do well if it delivers as much performance and style, as it sacrifices in utility.

Exactly.

How does the CLS enter into this conversation?

It's a RWD sedan, made controversial only because Mercedes elected to call it a coupe when it's clearly a sedan in a visual sense. Most people questioned the logic of having only 4 usable seats in a 4 door car. Now that the CL coupes are on the market, it's cutting into the CLS sales big time - to the tune of a 26% drop in CLS sales from June 07 vs June 06.

I have to agree with LVR. I originally thought the X6 would be slotted to do battle with Audi A6 and S6 Quattros. Personally, I don't want to be driving a sedan with a 4 inch fender to tire gap. I thought the X5 to be an excellent compromise between sport and utility.

So what are the demographics of the market who wants a $60,000 SAC hatchback over a $60,000 SAV wagon?

The CLS comparison is ludicrous, but calling X6 an A6 competitor is even more far fetched. The 5-series has always been fighting that battle, and it easily does so now with the xi models.

You guys are completely missing the point of this vehicle. The demographic who wants an SAC is exactly the same as the one that wants a wagon! But, we don't live in Europe or any other part of the world. Cue ride height. Wagons have always done exceptionally dismally in America- This is BMW's solution. Like I said before, this is the next gen E53: higher than a 5-iT, solid driving dynamics, no utility.

If I had, had my way, my parents would've bought a 530/540iT instead of the E53 back in the day.

So where does that leave someone like me?

I'm 33 years old and currently drive a e53, 4.8is. I don't want an SUV that's "more SUV like (e70)," nor do I want a SUV that doesn't have 5 seats and room for luggage (X6)

I have a Porsche in the garage and don't need another sports car.. I also don't want an X5 that's been more skewed to the "soccer mom's"..

So basically, BMW has designed two new vehicle's, e70 X5 and X6, neither of which appeal to me. I am on my second X5 and they have built two platforms that don't fit either of my needs or wants.

So what does that mean? That means that BMW's SUV/SAV platforms, that I have been driving for 8 years, a five series on steroids, does not exist anymore. BMW is pushing me into the arms of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

- Or maybe BMW will get off it's ass and decide to make a ///X5 (M)... And when are we going to get the "is" already?? It's not like they are rolling out a new platform.. They just need to make a sportier version..

yes, I know they will be making an X6.. But I can't load three passengers in the back seat of an X6, with luggage, and drive to Vegas.

Bad form BMW... Bad form !!

B

If you need the space, you need something suv-like. Sounds like an E70 of some sort fits your needs. It's hands down the best driving suv out there. An M5 wagon might be something worth considering too.

I agree it doesn't make sense - but thats just the way the American market works...

Wagon's just don't sell here - they have a negative stigma associated with them - for reasons I can't seem to understand...

Therefore, BMW is more then happy to roll in the profits by building such a car that caters to illogical American tastes on American soil. Makes perfect sense to BMW, makes perfect sense to me (even though for logical reasons - it shouldn't)...

If you think I'm about to go from a 360hp X5 4.8is to a de-tuned 350hp 4.8i you are smoking crack.
And you said it yourself, the new X5 is more SUV like and less sporty than the e53..
Do you really think if I'm driving the "is" version, I would be happy with that new baby hauler they call the e70? Especially in a de-tuned version of an engine that I already have?

Yes, I know they will eventually come out with a new "is" version.. But it will be a "is" version of a vehicle that was designed (as stated, on the 0-10 scale... As a 7) as more of a "soccer mom" car.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...brary-3134.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...brary-3148.jpg

The new X5 is more like a Escalade and less like a 5 series sedan..
I think the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the smarter choice now..

B

I'm not smoking jack. I said the E70 fits your bill, not specifically the 4.8i. You keep saying that it's a soccermom car, but clearly it has good driving manners. You also said you need the space for 5 people and luggage. Does that qualify you as a 'soccermom' then? What exactly is a soccermom vehicle, and what about the E70 makes it so?

I don't see the new X5 being any more soccermom than the Cayenne is, in fact, I always thought the E53 sportier than the Cayenne (turbo exempt). The Cayenne was always heavier and had much much better utility, which is what the E70 has become. Why not wait for the X5is to come and test it against the turbo, it'll definitely be cheaper, with a much nicer interior IMO...

whatever, either car will make you happy.

Any new pics of the X6? ;)

neat car....

I love the concept of a performance SAV, but I was expecting the X6 to be something more aggressive looking than the one shown in the pictures. Hopefully the final product will look different (a lot different).

Online Article in today's 'The Age' paper

BMW's new X6 4WD has been caught almost undisguised, revealing a 4WD that will be both sportier looking and more performance focused than the X5 on which it's based. By JEZ SPINKS.

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-003_m_m.jpg http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-003_t_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-001_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-002_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-005_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-006_m_t.jpg



These are the best pictures yet of BMW's new take on 4WDs – the coupe-style X6.
The five-door X6's sloping rear roofline is revealed for the first time in our spy pictures, following secret video footage of heavily disguised prototypes.
BMW's new X6 is the 4WD equivalent of Mercedes-Benz's CLS coupe-style sedan, and will create a new niche in the popular off-roader segment when it launches in Europe mid-2008. The X6 will reach Australia in the last quarter of 2008, priced higher than corresponding X5 models that range between $85,000 and $118,000.
The X6, which will be unveiled first in concept form at this September's Frankfurt motor show, is based heavily on BMW's X5 luxury 4WD but its dimensions are expected to be slightly longer and lower.
BMW Australia managing director Guenther Seemann says the X6 will be a 4WD that appeals to driving enthusiasts.
"We believe sports car fanatics who hadn't previously considered buying a 4WD before will be very much open to trying such a vehicle [as the X6]," says Seemann.
"We will create a new niche with this car, and new concepts and premium brands are very hot [at the moment]."
The X6 will feature the six-cylinder diesel/petrol and V8 petrol engines from the X5 range, but the 4WD's sportier focus means higher-performance engines will also be offered.

It's not far-fetched to suggest the German car maker might install in the X6 a detuned version of the V10 that powers the M5 and M6, although BMW has yet to attach its revered 'M' badge to either of its current 4WDs, the X3 and X5.

The spy photos suggest the X6 will need to sell on performance rather than practicality, not least because this 4WD is expected to seat only four passengers compared with the five- or seven-seat X5.

That sloping rear roofline is likely to compromise rear headroom and luggage space compared with the X5. Unlike the X5's relatively flat roof, the X6's starts a downward curve from the B-pillar before blending into the rising waistline and rear tail-light section.

http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-006_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-005_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-002_m_t.jpghttp://img.drive.com.au/drive_images...X6-001_m_t.jpg

The mildly disguised X6 in our photos show the new 4WD will also differ visually from the X5 in other details, including foglights housed in the lower front bumper rather than the bodywork. At the other end, a rear diffuser is evident despite the black camouflage.
The X5 is already considered the benchmark for 4WD on-road handling, and it makes sense that BMW's engineers will aim to make the more performance-focused X6 even better.
BMW Australia spokesperson Toni Andreevski expects the X6 to sell well locally.
"The X6 will be a good volume model for Australia - not volume in X5 terms, but niche volume in comparison," says Andreevski.
"In recent years there has been a [buyer] swing towards sports activity vehicles, and the X6 will offer a 4WD that is not only sportier looking but also a sportier drive [than a typical 4WD]."

Cheers

Does anyone know when the X6 is likely hit the market? Scott?

My lease is up in March, and I'm hoping it'll be out by then, if not i'll just extend for a year I guess, by then the rates will be better I bet.

So anyone got some info?

Your option is the "is" version of X5, which will have twin-turbo V8. Don't need 3rd row and it will have the M-package. Trust me, you will like it.

X5 has grown because X3 has grown and 2nd gen X3 will be even better. BTW, X3 also seats 5 and has room for luggage. ;)


First quarter of 2008. Press release and official pics coming in October after they show the concept at Frankfurt in September. Right now we are waiting for a mysterious ;) ///M car press release next month.

Almost forgot to post new pics for B-Line. X5 vs. X6

http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67053_450.jpghttp://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67057_450.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67073_450.jpghttp://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67061_450.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67077_450.jpghttp://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67081_450.jpg
http://www.autozeitung.de/online/bildDB/67069_450.jpg

i actually like it more in these pics ... it looks alot better thanx lemans

here's more
http://www.interpress.se/stor/031/03110716.jpg

This throws me off a little bit:

http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini2L.jpg

I thought Bangle vowed to change the whole "same sausage different lengths" image....

I don't like the rear, does any one like it?

It's called a Subaru :thumbup:

They're calling it SAC - Sport Activity Coupe. BMW dropped utility in favor of activity when they realized that they're SUV's were more performance oriented and sacrificed utility. Activity suits this car more than it has ever suited the X5

It looks like an old 1 series butt.

X5 or X6?

http://home.online.no/%7Ekn-sand//ri...lde%20175b.jpg

X6 with cladding. Why ask?

Two more.

http://64.23.73.152/content/august2007/1-bmw-x6.jpg
http://64.23.73.152/content/august2007/4-bmw-x6.jpg
http://64.23.73.152/content/august2007/3-bmw-x6.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini1L.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini2L.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini3L.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini4L.jpg
http://images.worldcarfans.com/spyph...001.Mini5L.jpg

http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51850.jpghttp://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51851.jpg
http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51852.jpghttp://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51853.jpg
http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51854.jpghttp://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51855.jpg
http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51856.jpghttp://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51857.jpg
http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimag...7/bb_51858.jpg

Yep. This is coming along nicely... What will the engine be when initially released?

so far it looks like two engines with release. The 3.0 twin turbo N54 engine in the 335 and 535, and a new twin turbo V8 producing around 400 hp.

:excited:

I don't know about that rear. It looks Aztekish in these pics.

Anyone know what size shoes it wears? I didn't seach.

OEM show sizes are 18" -21" or even 22".

It's starting to take on a little bit of a 3er rear end, which is OK by me.

Got to see it with out the damn tape

Will look much better when the C pillar-and-back tape comes off.