SPYSHOTS: New BMW X6 being prepped

granted, these are nowhere near final shots; i can't speculate too much on the overall design, but, this car should sell well. i think it could only help bmw by expanding their sav (suv) range from 2 to 3.

whoa, an actual totally new car.
i wonder what it will be like, those pics suggest it will be interesting.
style over substance is great, but this (what do i call it? SAV? SUV? Car?) will probably have lots of substance too.

I think it will look like the new x5, which is a good thing. I also like how the exaust pipes are set high up. kinda cool

Interesting, they are aiming for a market where rivals are big on practicality and interior space, yet BMW can't even package the 1-series properly.

Oh, no. They're actually going to build it. This will be a sad day for BMW...

And 001, why did you say this was first exposed by AutoSpies, if you found it on a different website?!?

Because we were the site that told the world back in January of 2006 that there would even be an X6 and that BMW had it in development, months before anyone else...

001

Ahh...

To Agent 001:

Hehehe ...

First hint about X6 was given by a prominent member of CarSpyShots.net in NOVEMBER 2004 - saying:

"BMW are developing a portfolio of unique " mobile communication statements". The design does the talking in this portfolio of models which will appear in our long term strategy including unique groundbreaking ideas. The X coupe was not just a styling exercise that concept still has an agenda."

Also reporting about the off-road coupe in MARCH 2005.

In MARCH 2005 at Geneva Auto Show BMW AG CEO (now ex-CEO) Helmut Panke said:


"BMW is aiming, with the second model series, to make use of the potential demand opening up in new market segments. The background to this is the increased customer interest for vehicles which combine different characteristics in a form which has not existed until now: these include a higher seat position, the driving properties of a sporting passenger car and the outward appeal of a coupé."

Few weeks after AutoBild (German automotive magazine) published an article about upcoming X6 and their interpretation of the vehicle's design.

LOL!

More info:

http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=1406

and

http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=2352

Cheers!

definately an R-Class competitor, but hopefully it will look less like a minivan.

it looks not too good. But this is only a prototype so lets just wait till the production model

This is NOT a R-class competitor.

Do NOT be fooled by chunky rear disguise! The real rear is coupe / hatch like, not R-class like! Boxy rear disguise & front X5-like face are just part of a camouflage!

X6 is kind a X5 coupe.

While Luxury Sports Cruiser (V5) will be a huge hatch / shooting brake cum wagon. Not van like R-class.

Just wait ... You'll be pleasantly surprised.

I hope so... but do they really need this? I don't want them to turn into Mercedes, building niche models that noone wants (excluding the CLS- everyone wants that).

Exactly - everyone wants CLS since it is a "4dr coupe": a niche lifestyle vehicle with a very appealing design.

MB found out people want a coupe with a utility of a sedan, or vice versa: sedan with a coupe design. And they offered such a vehicle. When CLS debuted everybody was saying "Who needs this? Whats the point of such a vehicle?" But the market wanted it, and it has proved to be a hit.

Als BMW have done some researches, and they showed people wanted a vehicle with a performance of a sports car, with appealing coupe design, and with a high sitting position. So BMW will offer such a vehicle to the customers: X6 - Sport Activity Coupe. A special lifestyle vehicle with appealing design.

A decision to make such a car is based on marketing, consumer & trend researches, and its not just something BMW CEO wanted to have.

Eg. have you ever questioned yourself what's the point of MINI (expensive sub-compact hatch), or any other "pointless" vehicle we can see on the roads - and proved to be hits since market (= customers) wants them.

"have you ever questioned yourself what's the point of MINI (expensive sub-compact hatch)"
the point of the mini is for richer people who don't need a big car. same for the A3, A class, 1 series etc.

And same goes for X6. A car for rich people who don't really need UTILITY from a SUV, but an appealing top performance car with a high sitting position. So, a Sport Activity Coupe: BMW X6.