We'll admit to being a little skeptical of the 2009 BMW X6 after seeing the early prototypes. Any new vehicle that resembles an AMC Eagle is suspicious, and the fact that it appeared to have negligible rear passenger space and little to no cargo room seemed all the more suspect.
After seeing it in person following its world premiere here in Frankfurt, our opinion of the X6, at least in concept form, hasn't changed much. It has a good stance and some interesting lines here and there, but you have to look hard to appreciate it...
Take a quick glance and it just looks odd.
BMW played up the idea that the X6 opens up a whole new segment, the first "Sport Activity Coupe" in its terminology, but it's going to have a tough time convincing the general public of this. Add to that a sticker price that's expected to exceed that of the current X5 and the X6's story becomes even less believable. If the production version has the twin-turbo V8 engine that we expect, the X6 is sure to deliver exceptional performance, but we doubt it will be enough to make buyers forget the questionable styling. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
BMW played up the idea that the X6 opens up a whole new segment, the first "Sport Activity Coupe" in its terminology, but it's going to have a tough time convincing the general public of this. Add to that a sticker price that's expected to exceed that of the current X5 and the X6's story becomes even less believable. If the production version has the twin-turbo V8 engine that we expect, the X6 is sure to deliver exceptional performance, but we doubt it will be enough to make buyers forget the questionable styling. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
bmwrulz says:
02:40 AM, 09/11/07
Skeptical, a word used often when spy photos and videos would surface of the new X6. But, given BMWs highly regarded presence in the industry, recently out-selling all the large luxury automakes, this vehicle will probably do just fine. Although now it at least looks the part.
iancar says:
06:46 AM, 09/11/07
Is it just me or anyone else think it will be a flop too?
rsholland says:
07:38 AM, 09/11/07
I have no doubt it will do fine. It's BMW's answer to the Infiniti FX, which has been a huge hit for Infiniti.
ateixeira says:
07:52 AM, 09/11/07
"Sport Activity Coupe" sounds better than "World's Biggest Hatchback", and probably heaviest, too.
Problem here is, it looks worse, and offers less practicality. It's a bit of a tough sell. Coupes usually look better, the rear end on this thing is tuncated unnaturally.
If their goals are modest it may do OK, but I bet the X5 would do better if it gets the same engines.
sjava says:
09:49 AM, 09/11/07
ateixeira, that truncated rear end reminds me of 3er ti hatchback. Oops.
bmwrulz says:
10:30 AM, 09/11/07
All of you make excellent points. I doubt this SAC will be a flop and the X5 will most definitely outsell it but it is a niche vehicle that others will follow. Remember when the new 7 Series debuted? No one took to it lightly, people hated the look, unlike now where it is more praised.
estreka says:
03:46 PM, 09/11/07
I don't think it looks bad, but I'm no SUV fan, either.
zach101 says:
05:22 PM, 09/11/07
This thing looks UGLY.
desiathate says:
08:03 AM, 09/12/07
it looks nice ..very nice and i think it will out sell the New FX or whatever they are calling it and i think it's a hit. when the new 6 5 and even then 7 series came out people hated it but all new bemmers grows on you and this will just that and in another few years you will see merc and lexus make some like that ..its the same story everytime but then again i dont mind listing to it again and again lolz yeah can you tel i am BMW fan.
germanisbest says:
09:40 AM, 09/12/07
Nice work BMW. Long live the AMC Eagle!!! This car is almost as bad as the new Chev Aveo.
jadevetti says:
02:51 AM, 09/13/07
Odd looking? Doesn't EVERY concept look ODD INITIALLY?
This looks like a 3, 6 X and 7 series all rolled together. And after looking, and looking....and clicking back to do some more looking....
...Unless you are about to buy a car, like I am this weekend, this thing has you. Now I have a dilemma-do I get an X5 or should I wait till next year to see this coupe I mean suv-whatever it is-firsthand? The front is sick, hands down!