German Car Zone

That prototype looks very interesting. I know a lot of the details are very well hidden but look at the front overhang it's SO short!

Woah, the design of this must be to the extreme. I'm getting horny!

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Source: KGP Photography

Judging from this prototype we photographed in Germany, it appears
that BMW has started development work on the X6–a new model spun off
from the recently-released X5. This new performance-minded crossover
appears to have taken the philosophy of the Mercedes CLS four-door-
coupe, utilizing a sloped roof-line and and tauter packaging in the
name of style. Sober concerns such as functionality and cargo
capacity have been left to the X5, which has grown larger and more
versatile in its recent second-generation redesign. From the looks
of it, this X6 has been styled to match the bravado of cars like the
Range Rover Sport, which take the SUV in a decidedly athletic direction.

The heavy camouflage obviously hides the nuances of the design, but
the prototype’s smooth profile, steeply raked windshield, high
waistline and slim greenhouse are readily apparent. The sloping roof
arc is expected to continue straight into a coupe-like hoffmeister
kink, bringing a little of the Z4 coupe into the crossover zone. One
look at the chiseled ground-effects between the wheels also hints at
some pronounced fender swells that should add to the sporting look.

When we first shot this prototype, speculation began on the exact
identity of this vehicle, since another X5 spin-off–the V5–is said
to be in the works. But the V5 is supposed to be a uniquely space-
efficient vehicle in the guise of Mercedes’ R-Class, and this
prototype doesn’t seem to fit that description. Given the success of
the Range Rover Sport in the marketplace, and the lukewarm launch of
the R-Class, BMW appears to be making the right move in putting the
X6 ahead of the V5 in the development cycle. The X6 is likely still
two years away from showrooms. The fact that it will share elements
of the X5, that time-frame could be accelerated a bit.

FINALLY!

I announced that 2 weeks ago.
So, my sources were right. Again.


Yep, the baby hit the roads.

Btw, don't be fooled by SUVish appearence of the rear. Its just a camouflage. It won't look FX-ish! The real deal is much more coupeish / hatchish - with sloping raked roof & tail gate. And shallow greenhouse.

Also very narrow snake-eye-like headlights are clearly seen - with smaller-than-usual light projectors. LEDs in headlights & rear lights. Also mind very prominent shoulder line with VERY prominent character line (look at the hole at fuel tank cap). And prominent (now still hidden) wheel arches. Flame surfacing will go wild here!

The car will have some typical design features to instantly fit into X-family range.

Note the proportions!!! Very short overhangs, very sporty & dynamic appearance. SAC - an all-purpose coupe.

Btw, V5 chasis is being tested under LWB 5er & SWB 7er mules, and will hit the roads with its original body design (in heavy cladding) in the next weeks.



PS: do not forget 2er cabrio will also enter the FEP phase soon (around the end of the year - so in few weeks) - showing its body, camoed with tape only.

PPS: there will be no direct CLS competitor. There will be X6 - 4dr SAVish coupe, and a 4dr coupe above 6er & 7er (Panamera & Rapide fighter).

PPPS: X6 is to be previewed as a concept car (xSport Concept) at one of the forthcoming auto shows. Presumably at one of the US ones.

Thanks EnI!!

Excellent info, as always.

X6 is why M will not go into X5. The X6 will be the car more performance orientated and suitable for the M badge in terms of dynamics , performance and packaging and materials . Incidentally this will be the first BMW M car to adapt with four wheel drive. Although the first models will use BMW's upcoming V8 turbo which will begin with the X5 and the next 7er first. BMW wanting to introduce the X6 with top-level petrol and diesel powerplants to refer to the premium individual status of the X6.
A V8 diesel is confirmed for European customers. BMW will build the car in it's Spartanburg works in South Carolina alongside the X5 and Z4 models.
The BMW premium market strategy (BMW's master plan for the future in the early 00's) jigsaw is rapidly falling into place.

The BMW product line up in 2010 will be very hard to beat.

looks like a large car..R class size maybe...

I'm very exited. I cannot wait to see more of this car!! The next few years at BMW are going to be very, very interesting So many new cars coming

The cutline in the doors is going to be very prominent indeed, the tank-gap suggests so much! BMW will go all out with the flame surfacing it seems, and I really like that! Too bad the whole rear has so much camo on it still, but I guess they don't want to spoil the overall shape already.

Also, the twin exhaust system...would that be the I6 Twin Turbo, or new V8 Twin Turbo (or none )

Thanks for the text Eni and Scott.

Ok guys I announce it now, I'm converting from MB fan to BMW fan

Eni & Scott27: thanks guys.

Eni: one more question for you bro, will there be a RWD option for the X6 or only AWD ?

It's an X. And Xs have xDrive only.

The question remains what setup will be chosen for xDrive: will standard setup have even more rear biased setting (eg. 35: 65 or 30:70 instead of standard 40:60), or will that be in M///'s domain only.

My sources say M is already developing more rear biased xDrive (even 0:100 ratio is one of the possible options - with torque being applied to front wheels only when needed) which will also have "switch off" function. Eg. driver will be able to "disable / block" xDrive with a push of a button - making the car 100% RWD. The system is being developed & tested for X6 M initially, with possible expansion to other upcoming M models - if management board will decide so.

Fantastic news. I've been waiting for a manufacturer to introduce a four wheel drive system which can be disabled.