2008/2009 BMW X6 Breaks Cover

BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe Concept Revealed

• Concept innovation of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé.

• As the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, BMW is now once again presenting a new, consistently developed concept.

• The most sporting and dynamic interpretation of a BMW X model, with the emphasis above all on the car’s active driving potential. Superior driving dynamics taken up by typical BMW design language and authentically visualised in the car’s design.

• Extravagant body design combining the sporting elegance of a
  BMW Coupé with the striking DNA of BMW X.

• Clear orientation to the wheels, generous ground clearance and
  extra-large wheel arches give BMW Concept X6 the powerful presence
  so characteristic of a BMW X model.

• BMW Concept X6 is the first car in the world to feature Dynamic Performance Control for unique directional stability and precision under all driving conditions as well as BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.

BMW has finally unveiled its much-anticipated X6 coupe-crossover, which it calls a "Sport Activity Coupe." BMW will be the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles.

The X6 was presented at the IAA in Frankfurt. Like the M3, it is being billed as concept, but a nearly identical production vehicle is expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2008.

BMW design chief Chris Bangle said "a good concept realizes itself in a short amount of time." The X6, no doubt, falls under this category in BMW's mind.

Of course, we don't need Bangle's statement as proof of production ambitions for the X6. For months, spies have photographed the X6 undergoing extensive real-world testing.

Exterior designer Pierre Leclercq says the X6 is "a real sports car," true to BMW's tradition. "There's nothing like this on the market right now."

Daring design

As recent photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 will be longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it is expected gain in performance.

The X6 is, by far, the most extreme example of a "crossover-coupe" to date. Mercedes and Land Rover are both rumored to be planning a similar vehicles, but no plans have been announced.

X6 to be BMW's first hybrid

BMW also debuted a hybrid version of its X6 Concept. Visually the hybrid is identical to the regular X6 but BMW claims that the hybrid is 20% more fuel-efficient. Various reports indicate the X6 will be BMW's first production car offered with the option of a hybrid powertrain.

Exterior design:

• The powerful presence of the car’s body merges smoothly and harmoni­ously with the low-slung roof of the greenhouse. This flowing roofline is indeed a characteristic element of the coupé silhouette, just like the short front overhang, the long wheelbase and long rear overhang.

• In its design, BMW Concept X6 expresses all the DNA so characteristic
  of BMW X. The optical balance of the front and rear wheels clearly visible from the side bears convincing testimony to BMW’s intelligent xDrive
  all-wheel-drive technology.

• The second dominating element in the design of the body is the
  clear orientation to the car’s wheels, muscular wheel arches and large wheels providing a particularly impressive look and sign of stability.

• The exterior is characterised by exciting interaction of convex and concave surfaces.

• The side contour line rising up dynamically to the rear and the growing distance between the shoulder and the sill-line as the car moves to the back generate a dynamic wedge shape.

• The striking front view with clear focus on the car’s width bears out the expression so typical of a BMW X model. This powerful look is further enhanced by the extra-large BMW kidney grille serving as the air intake with robust slats, the headlights cut in a sharp profile, and clear accentuation of the side panels highlighting the flared contours of the wheel arches. The large air intakes, in turn, characterise the significant demand for cooling air in the engine, make the car look longer and underline its sporting character also from the front.

• The engine compartment lid comes with clear contours subdivided by sharp lines tapering out towards the BMW kidney grille. The elegant look created in this way is also characterised by bumper elements finished in body colour with discreet plastic appliqués in the typical style of a BMW X model.

• The unique design of the D-pillars expresses sheer power and stability, the innovative design of the rear lights emphasising the width of the
  car. Positioned far to the outside, the exhaust tailpipes and horizontal lines of BMW Concept X6 accentuate the wide track of the car.

• The dark paintwork standing out clearly form the chrome elements symbolises the sporting and technical character of BMW Concept X6, with sophisticated highlights being added by the sill trim at the side, the chrome-coloured slats, the foglamps with their special surrounds in the outer air intakes, as well as the chrome-plated tailpipes.

• The underfloor protection front and rear is made of milled aluminium.

• White direction indicator lines are integrated in the rear lights and the special night design of BMW Concept X6 is characterised by light bodies with a homogeneous light effect.