More info on the BMW X6
We just posted some spy shots and new speculation about the upcoming X6 last month, but German magazine Auto Zeitung has even more information on this somewhat mysterious new BMW. The X6 Coupe is expected to be a sporty four-door coupe version of the X5 sport-ute. Kind of like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but with all wheel drive and a higher driving position thanks to that X5 platform. Think of the X5/X6 relationship as being the same as that between the 5 and 6-series. The 6 is positioned as the sportier, slightly more upscale model. Auto Zeitung is predicting the X6 will share the best engines from BMW's range including the 286hp twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel, the 335i's 300hp twin-turbo 6, and the 4.8 liter V8 putting out 367hp. Word has it a turbo V8 with 420hp is also in the works and should be good for a sub-six second 0-100 km/h sprint.
Like the X5 4.8is, BMW will most likely stay away from the "M" label for that model. Whichever engine you pick you'll get the power routed through a 6-speed automatic with that new joystick shifter from the 2007 X5 that's promised for the 5-series as well. Looks like crossovers like this are the future for many automakers, as Audi will have the Q5 and Mercedes the GLK in the next couple of years, too.
[Source: Auto Zeitung via MotorAuthority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Car videos & Motorcycle videos 3:19PM (12/28/2006)
With all these new cars and suv coming out, it is hard for the consumer to choose what they want.
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jon... 3:27PM (12/28/2006)
I dont like BMW SUV's. They dont have much ground clearance, they dont have much utility, they have a higher center of gravity then the sedans and weigh more. The AWD system is exactly the same as in the sedans. The wide road tires are poor in the snow (yes I owned an X5). In the end you go back to driving there sedans and are much happyer for it. (Now drive 330xi). The BMW SUV's have none of the benifit and are compromised in performance compared to sedans. They arent all that fast when you consider a new camery beats them to 60 and the 1/4mi. All they have is looks. And I love BMW's so what must other people think.
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MikeW 4:41PM (12/28/2006)
Why didn't BMW make the N54 the standard engine in the X5?
The N52 is a fine engine for the X3 ~4000lbs, but the weight ~5000lbs and the aero drag of the X5 are too much for just a 3 liter engine.
Maybe because of the X6, maybe BMW wants to sell more V8 X5s
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Chris 12:02PM (1/30/2007)
Jon, have you looked at all at the numbers for the new X5? Performance looks to be much better than in the past. I got an Infiniti FX45 for that exact reason, the old X5 just didn't match up performance and handling wise, so I'm hoping the new X5 or this X6 when it comes out will be much better.
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