Detroit Auto Show: BMW X6 attracts massive crowd

love the aggressive front end on the car.

That figures. A couple of months ago I thought the X6 was a big mistake by BMW and it will probably turn out to be one of the most popular vehicles they've ever produced. I can't figure out the American consumer.

I Agree.

I don't know what it is about the X6. The first time I saw it, I threw up in my mouth a little. But everytime since then, I've liked it a little bit better each time I've seen a picture of it. I really like it now. I like the X5 better, but this is definitely a nice looking SUV.

This thing would look incredibly sexy in black.

what you are reacting to is innovative design.

most cars are simply a set of copied elements you've already seen before. therefore, you are immediately comfortable with them. they are benign.

innovative design (in any industry) introduces new elements that make you think, consider, expand. not surprisingly, these new designs take time to fully absorb.

I think it is a beautiful design, but I wouldn't necessarily call it "innovative".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AMC_Eagle_wagon.jpg

I look forward to seeing it in the flesh. Looks like the scale of it(with the people standing next to it) is going to give it a great road presence.

Could be a great alternative to the Porsche and RR Sport.

The X5 is already better than the Cayenne AND the RR S... this is in a class of its own.

The X6 looks fantastic - very dynamic/aggressive - and will bring new attention to the segment as it makes the competition look outdated/boring.

a stunning piece of automotive design. no mistaking this car for ANYTHING else on the road. in a class of its own.

totally agree

Ugly or not, I still think this is the most pointless vehicle BMW makes, and Top Gear magazine agree with me.
They said: "The BMW X6 - the production ready answer to all that ails a mid-life crisis. Want performance and practicality? 5 series touring is untouchable. Want soft-road bling? X5 is right up there. Want a luxury coupe? You can do a lot worse than a 6 series. Want all 3? Then you need to heavily medicated, chum."
The interior is "neither sporty nor hardwearing", and they mock it by saying "up next, a luxury hot hatch stretch limo MPV".

Which I imagine is the BMW PAS/V5.

well, i think you are mistaken. as is the publication you referenced.

this car will have no trouble selling out in the states.

In the States yes, but hopefully not where I live, which is not the States.

I still don't get why one wouldn't get an S4 Avant instead of this X6, although I think the X6 is pretty good looking.

My point exactly.
I would get a 5 series touring if I was going to pay that sort of money.

What's wrong with the interior? It's top-notch luxury... this car isn't all about performance.

But it all just seems like such a darn waste! I simply don't get it. I think that there is a reason why a car like this wasn't made before; it simply isn't practical - it is a compromise on all fronts just to be unique and it has no utility, yet it tries to pose like it does.

In my opinion, this car is a lady hockey player with make-up a fancy gown, Caterpillar construction boots, a duffle bag, an Apple iPhone, and a LV purse. Yea, it has it all, but it is too expensive and it doesn't do anything well worth your money. (the confusing analogy explains a lot about how confused I am about this car!)

"but it is too expensive and it doesn't do anything well worth your money."

I absolutely disagree. #1. It makes a styling statement. This car looks like nothing else on the road. #2. The interior is beautifully finished, with all of the latest tech. #3. It will drive like no other SUV--5 Series handling, and with that 4.0TT... WOW!

I actually agree with all three points you made, but the practical mind in me says, "But WHYYYYYY?!" For whatever reason, I feel that it makes more sense to have an S4 Avant because it likely handles even better while having more utility and cost-effectiveness.

Exactly - why?
I just don't understand why anyone would have this car.
If you buy a car just for the "style" (or lack of) then you might as well have bought something that doesn't have the AWD-ness...
and S4 Avant or 335i touring or even 5 series touring are the cars I would rather buy over this thing.
And "It will handle like no other SUV"
Well if BMW can make it handle like a 5 series, why not make the 5 series handle amazingly well? Why not add the 4.0TT to the 5 and 6 series? Why compromise, just so you can improve? It would be like BMW adding weight to a 5 series for no reason, just so it can develop a new engine to say "look how good it is even with the extra weight!".
Makes no sense at all, and is a paradox in itself. I am very disappointed with BMW for making this car, at least the X5 is good at what it does, and has a clear purpose - this car is as confused as...well that lady hockey player Hyundai mentioned.
Obviously there is another side to it - one can easily argue that it is more practical than a 6 series, better looking (well to some people) than a 5 series and handles better than an X5, but equally it doesn't handle as well as either the 6 or 5 series, isn't as practical as the X5 and doesn't look good to many people.
So out of those 4 cars (5,6, X5, X6) witht he same engine (3.0d TT) the X6 is:
3rd most practical
3rd best handler
Least good looking (IMO)
2nd most expensive
3rd most fuel efficient
3rd fastest
It is the best at nothing, something else always does something better, ie 5 series is:
2nd most practical
2nd best handler
2nd fastest
Cheapest
2nd most fuel efficient
2nd best looking.
So, pay less money for a car that does better in more segments. Hmmmm...I know what I'd choose.

But people are probably going to want it to say that they were the first on their block to get it.... such is life....

I now know how BMW saves money. Use the same gauge cluster on every car you make :)

I'm still waiting to see how much the rear passengers have to stoop to sit in this thing.

Dude, that's the wide angle lens distortion.

I dont think its really that innovative. It has a low, expanded, almost bulging front and rear end, just the like the FX45, although it looks high off the ground (like the Eagle) while the FX looks more planted and less capable in rough terrain. The rear has no slope below the rear window, which really makes it look more like a jacked up wagon.

Like the FX, I think it looks cool and futuristic (especially from the front) although its not really my taste.

Lastly, I dont think they're taking a 'chance' with this, its really not much of a departure from the SAV's currently on the road (Mazda CX-7, Infiniti FX)

keep on deboosting german fagboys, they didnt come up with anything new.

There's my next car the BMW X6.

I will use this vehicle wisely ;-)

I think this is a gorgeous vehicle, with amazing power from either engine, and road handling that other SUVs could only dream of.

This is my next BMW. I cannot wait to see how the turbo V8 behaves because the turbo six is a beast. I cant imagine having an additional 150lb feet of torque!!!

All I can say is "WOW", BMW does it again.

Looks aggressive from the front.

I've got an Infiniti FX in my fleet and always find myself complaining when getting out whenever sitting in the rear. I can envision the same thing happening here with the X6. For those who understand. Getting out of a vehicle with the bottom of the rear door is half the size of the front is a pain. Also, it's very easy to ding the vehicle next to you without really trying.

Very easy to enter when nothing parked next to you. However, getting out is another story. For that reason I wouldn't get this vehicle. However, if my daughter wants it she can have it. Anything for her.

Like trying to get in the 1 series or the old LR Discovery - very difficult with the bizarre door shape.
Anything for your daughter? Oh dear...

"However, if my daughter wants it she can have it. Anything for her."

?

You would blow $70K for your daughter? I did $16K with a Civic EX Coupe, and she loved it just the same.

I do not understand this vehicle, why do I want an X5 without the practicallity>?

Maybe you want an X5 with more style?

I dont care about other people in my car. THe car is for me. I WANT this vehicle. My current BMW lease is up in december, one of these is definitely on order for me. The aggressive lines, the strong V8. I live the interior styling. What color to get!? I think I will go white, its the new black

Right there with you 2ndBimmer.

Unfortunately, my lease isnt up till April 2010, and I aint complaining about the 335i coupe, but man oh man do I WANT this car. Amazes me that my coupe is barely a year old, and Im already LUSTING after this !!

And for the record, my coupe is alpine white, and it is for sure the new black. Modern BMWs showcase their beautiful lines in light colors, whereas previous BMW's were more menacing in darker shades such as Black and Gray, Just my opinion.

I love this car, too... thinking about the X6 50i for myself. If there was one SUV to desire, this would be it. It apparently handles like a sedan, too. It would look a little strange to have an X5 and an X6 in the same garage, though.

"Amazes me that my coupe is barely a year old, and Im already LUSTING after this !!"

That's the frustrating thing about being a car fan, Chip. You love your new ride for awhile... the honeymoon. And while it's still fantastic for the duration of its ownership, you're just waiting until you can get the next big thing.

Very true S4, and being Audi and BMW owners, we have new more desireable models on the runway every two years or so. It gets Better and Better every year!!!

Im sure youre experiencing the same situation. You love your S4, but with the S5 and R8 out there and the TT-S, M3 sedan/coupe on the way, Im sure youre ready to hop into a new one. God, who wouldnt.

I just got back from the show. i was amazed.

Just paid a visit to the dentist, did you?

It really looks like the infamous AMC Eagle 4x4

http://www.edmunds.com/media/news/column/letterstotheediors/02.dec/83.amc.eagle.500.jpg

Im seriously considering this SUV, even though my X5 is still new! I thought SUVs cant get any sleeker than my X5, but the X6 blows it away. And the engine choices..... amazing! I might get one in Monaco Blue..