Jalopnik
Here in Detroit, BMW went one step further in answering unasked questions, revealing the production model of the new X6 sport activity vehicle (SAV). We're not sure what sports they're referring to, but as far as activity goes, Bimmer engineers apparently went hog wild in countering the inherent flaws of a such high -ground-clearance vehicle for sporting pursuits. They're defying physics with what BMW calls its intelligent X-Drive, a new ground-control system that distributes power between front and rear axle, and its dynamic performance control system, which distributes torque between left and right wheels as needed. Both supernannies are standard on the 2009 X6. Not standard, though a tasty option, is a new, direct-injection, twin turbo V8 producing 407 hp 450 lb-ft. For people who just have to have it all, and are willing to pay smart people to reconcile contradictory desires.
Comments
If it is wrong - as many are suggesting - to want one of these, then I don't want to be right.
Is it a coupe? Is it an SUV? No! It's an unfortunate combination of both!
Seriously though, I can see this being pretty popular. Now a lot of the people who buy X5s can stop pretending that they want an SUV for utility.
Does it look any better in the flesh?
Every passing day just seems to make me happier about my E39...
hmm... i don't know.. it makes me think that the new impreza has a long lost german cousin.. but.. i'm still not sure how i feel about it... probably have to see it in a few rap videos before i know i don't like it... or maybe just get cut off once or twice by one.. (where i live... x3 & 5 drivers are notorious for not giving a damn about traffic..)
Somehow I don't think "The Ultimate Rolling Into A Ditch at Moderate Velocities Machine" has the same ring to it.
[www.youtube.com]
Wow, my least favorite vehicle in my least favorite color. 2 for 2 BMW.
Also, there can never be an M-version. Mazda locked that one up years ago.
Dear Chris:
Hey man, why don't you just make a coupe version and call it a day, it would look much cooler! You're not gonna go deer hunting with this thing anyways!
Dear Aston:
Did you let Chris borrow your butt? For how much?
Maybe it looks better in person. I hope. But lugging all those nannies around must play hell with the mpg.
Dear god, it's uglier than an X5!
They said it wasn't possible! They said it couldn't be done! The fools! Who's laughing now? Mwuhahahaaaaa!
Someone stop this menace before he is allowed to draw anymore pictures of cars (outside of therapeutic ones done in an approved mental institution. With crayons).
I like the back of it, but the front I wish was more original.
On that note I am very happy that we are getting vehicles such as this. Way back in the early 90's when I went to the auto show for the first time vehicles such as this were actually all the rage. That was right before the SUV's came out, but they were already predicting what could come next.
Time to update my resume looks like BMW is hireing
@Bowler Hat: Couldn't have said it better myself.
The design is very, I mean very, refined for a Bangle monstrosity. Hey, though, what's the point of the M3 if they can just shove that engine into a 3 series? I'd buy it. Enough torque to tow a Boeing, and with a little chip, probably another 60 HP.
Thanks to wise long-term investment, Hans Moleman was able to save enough money to have his Pacer jewel-encrusted and hot-rodded by a crack team of Bavarian engineers.
Didnt we do this like 30 years ago with the AMC Eagle, Spirit, et al?
I saw the concept in person recently and the presence of that car was great. Even without the wheels and fully flush windows I'm sure the X6 will have the same effect.
The problem I have with this car is one of logic and prejudice - to me a Cayman is perfectly rational, despite half the seats but similar expense. I prefer agility to computer controlled heft. If I had kids and/or bikes this car might be an alternative. But that's where my prejudice towards something more nimble comes in. BMW could instead import a 335i wagon that's just as fast, roomier, more fuel efficient and less expensive. It would be so much more logical, more pre-millenium German. The X6 is early new century American.
@gamble: There's no coupe in it at all; call it what it (half-)is, a hatchback.
in this photo: [jalopnik.com] it looks like a 911 on stilts. Even with the whole 2 dr v 4 dr thing going on. Odd.
I like. especially the back of it.
I might be in the minority in here but as an X5 owner I'm also a fan of this design.
And the twin turbo will be a blast, can't wait to take a test drive.
@FreeMan: The Panamera ought to look like that...from the beltline up. Come to think of it, the Cayenne could learn a thing or two from it as well.
@ FreeMan: wow what an ugly picture of it. It looks as if they were going to make it higher off the ground, then decided not to, but instead of just lowering it, they added about a foot more of body downwards.
Is it a suv or is it acoupe? hummm! It's an unfortunate combination of both!
Seriously,
JW Patterson
Auto Professionals, LLC
Kansas City, MO.
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