X6 SAC (sports activity coupe) background BMW will launch the X6 in 2008. Based on the X5, it will have a tapered roof that will give it a dramatic look. BMW calls the X6 a sport activity coupe or SAC, instead of SAV or SUV. It will simultaneously have a bigger footprint and less passenger/cargo capacity than the X5. There will be two variants: Gasoline engine 4.8-liter V8 producing 450 hp. Two mode hybrid based on the joint research effort among BMW, DaimlerChrysler (while those two were still married, if only for the sake of the children), and General Motors. The gas-engine X6 arrives in 2008. It will be built in the Spartanburg, SC, factory. See this BMW video interview with Chris Bangle to more fully understand BMW's thinking behind the X6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t3mlzzfTKo While BMW says the design is groundbreaking, others say it's not very space-efficient. Some say the sweeping design emulates Pontiak's bold brushmanship with the Aztek.
X6 not as cramped inside in back After sitting in the back seat of an X6 at the auto shows: It's not as bad as you'd think. The roofline doesn't come down that quickly so those under 6 feet tall will be okay. Legroom feels like a 5 Series sedan meaning okay but not spacious.
I see the X6 all around Greenville. It's tough to tell the difference between Audi's crossover and the X6.
X6 Cabin Room Our local BMW dealer held an evening session to show off the X6, 135i and M3. This was my first chance to see the X6 in real life. I was impressed by its look and finish. Photographs do not really do it justice, making it look overly "stubby". Pricing also seemed reasonable considering the engine choices, the 300 bhp twin turbo in line six and the twin turbo V8. What did surprise me was the lack of headroom at the front, even with the driver's seat as low as it could go, I could barely get my fist between my head and the roof (the normal measure I use). I am 6' 1" and do not usually get issues like this in a BMW. I fit in a Z4 Coupe comfortably. The rear seating is slightly uncomfortable for me, as my head touches the roof and there does not seem to be a rear seat recline option (as there was in the X5) although the seats are well shaped and fitted me comfortably otherwise. The car was the XDrive 35i with sport and premium packages. This vehicle looks like a real winner to me, but the headroom issues may mean I have to pass, which would be a real pity since it, otherwise, fits my future requirements extraordinarily well.
