BMW Concept X6: The Bavarian Crossover

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/September/2007

Frankfurt, Germany — It was one of BMW's worst kept secrets, with spy shots of test mules igniting the imaginations of the BMW faithful right across the globe. But now BMW has come clean with the Concept X6, which will pave the way for the production model in the very near future.

What we see here is the concept version, and though the production X6 will be different in subtle ways, the overall exterior design is what you can expect to cruising through the well-to-do areas of town once it reaches production.

"The BMW Concept X6 is pure driving dynamics - an absolute trendsetter in the all-wheel drive segment," stated Dr. Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG.

"The BMW Concept X6 is a true BMW. And I can promise you that we will deliver a series model which is very similar to this concept car."

Though it's name would suggest the vehicle to be a close relation of the BMW X5 luxury SUV, the X6 has more in common with the sportier models in the German automakers range.

Dynamic Performance Control

According to the premium car maker, it's passion for the development of new market segments is personified in the arrival of the dynamic all-wheel drive Concept X6 Sport Activity Coupé at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

This Sport Activity Coupé, or SAC, introduces a new feature to the BMW brand, called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) technology. Simply put, this system affords the vehicle exceptional directional stability and precision under all driving conditions.

The BMW Concept X6 is equipped with the latest BMW traction system, Dynamic Performance Control, which is designed to elevate typical BMW 'sheer driving pleasure' to a new benchmark, claims the German car maker.

It says that when DPC is combined with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology, the drivetrain and chassis control system offers a unique standard of safe and exciting driving stability in all conditions. In practice, the new system feeds a variable split of torque to the two rear wheels, similar in effect to Honda's SH-AWD system, which helps to stabilise the vehicle under full throttle applications or during lift-off.

Furthermore, this new performance driving aid can detect over- or understeer during a corner and will vary the distribution of drive forces between the wheels for "perfect stability, dynamic traction, and forward motion" according to BMW. 

Other benefits of the Dynamic Performance Control technology that will debut on the BMW X6 include higher lateral acceleration and optimum directional stability when accelerating out of a bend. In other words, it'll go through corners smoothly, even when you nail the gas.

BMW X6 Design

The X6 may use a similar naming convention as the X5, but it's been designed as an almost exclusively on-road SUV. It seems as though BMW's chief of design, Chris Bangle, has relaxed his urge to radicalise the design too much, which is understandable considering this is the car that BMW hopes will lure Porsche Cayenne buyers and people who might otherwise opt for a sports coupe.

One of the BMW Concept X6's best assets is it's exterior design. It delivers a smooth coupé outline, with a short front overhang and long-wheelbase which BMW says increases stability at high speed. Muscular wheel arches and the large specially developed 21-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels enhance this impression, while a rising shoulder line takes the eye on a journey to the dynamic rear of the car.

From the front, the extra-large BMW kidney grille is flanked by sharply defined headlamp housings leading to flared front wheel arches explains the premium car maker, while the lower, gaping air intakes announce the sporting intent of the Concept X6. Can we expect V8 power then? Undoubtedly so.

From the side, the lack of a B-pillar leaves an uncluttered greenhouse, while the gently contoured D-pillars express power and stability, with a long, sloping rear window blending into the tail, where large unique tail lamps emphasise the width of the rear track, aided by individual tailpipes at each corner.

The Concept X6 is finished in a dark hue contrasting with the bright chrome highlight elements that reinforce the vehicle's sporting and technical character. Underfloor protection front and rear is made of milled aluminium to match similar looking running boards.

BMW X6 Innovation - Hybrid Plans

The engaging design of this elegant but sporty SUV is combined with the grip of a BMW X model. The Concept X6 has generous ground clearance and extra-large wheel arches to convey a powerful, yet sleek presence but don't expect to get too rough and ready with it.

But it's not just about the all-new design. BMW will also unveil the Concept X6 Active Hybrid, which will rival Porsche's upcoming Cayenne Hybrid. Reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, we'll have more info on the BMW Concept X6 Active Hybrid soon, so stay tuned!

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