SPY PICS: Sports crossover no BMW snow job
These are the best pics yet of BMW's X6 super-crossover…Yes, we're running out of winter puns, but these just-obtained spy pics of BMW's new sports crossover are no PR whitewash. Tentatively dubbed the X6 by the world's automotive media, but still know as SAC in BMW-land (Sports Activity Concept), the vehicle pictured is both longer and lower than the soon to be released new E70 X5, yet it will seat just four.
Yes, it's bigger than the company's seven-seater all-wheel drive flagship and yet offers the room of a coupe -- albeit a large one. There's even a fresh rumour that BMW will offer a convertible version in due course! Can you spell 'conspicuous consumption'?
Captured near BMW's Arjeplog test centre in Sweden (for the latest weather report click
… It was -25 degrees C when we looked!), just as the company promised the X6 is clearly an all-new type of vehicle,.The disguise does little to hide the car's sloping coupe-like roofline. Also obvious are the heavy swage lines on the bonnet a la the Z4M roadster and coupe.
Forget the Volvo-aping temporary grille though -- there's an integrated double-kidney-shaped aperture behind it and big Cayenne-style under-bumper vents in the front valance. Note also the thin, aggressively styled headlamps.
What is heavily sheathed is the rear end. Thus there are few clues, though the look, at this stage at least, seems to reflect some Z4 influences.
CarPoint/Carsales' spymaster Carparazzi's concept illustration indicates what the finished item could look like when it hits the road.
While commentators have been sceptical about BMW entering non-sedan segments -- saying it will dilute the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' experience -- most are now convinced that the Bavarians will deliver a super-crossover that will perform at least as well as their benchmark sedans.
The X6 may only seat four, but what it loses in practicality, it will gain in performance. Expect it to surface in 2008, and arrive Down Under soon after.
-- with Carparazzi
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
