This is our third spy video of the upcoming 2009 BMW X6 and it's not getting any prettier. Designed to take over the mantle of the current BMW X5 as BMW's high-performance SUV, the slightly smaller X6 crossover wears a fastback roof line that up until now has been covered in heavy camouflage.
Our latest spy video and photos finally reveal the true shape of this ute, and it's a far more dramatic departure from the boxy X5 than we expected.
Looking like an oversize Dodge Caliber, the X6's roof line plunges downward as soon as it passes the B-pillar. This is sure to limit passenger headroom in back, although the X6 is only designed to carry two in the second row anyway. Apparently, a spacious cabin was not the primary goal here.
We also managed to catch the X6 with its rear hatch open, and not surprisingly the cargo area is pretty tight as well. There's a propped-up cover that looks like it might hide an under-floor storage area, but it's most likely nothing more than a well for the spare tire.
That spare tire is likely to take up a good chunk of space, as the X6 will get an aggressive set of rubber to back up its promise of sport-sedan performance. We're expecting the U.S.-built X6 to arrive only with V8 power at first, but the U.S. government's latest push toward stricter fuel economy rules might lead to the use of BMW's smaller, more efficient inline-6 engines as well. Automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive are also expected, but this, too, could change.
Look for the official debut of the 2009 BMW X6 this fall or early next year, with sales beginning in late 2008.
See new BMW models
Our latest spy video and photos finally reveal the true shape of this ute, and it's a far more dramatic departure from the boxy X5 than we expected.
Looking like an oversize Dodge Caliber, the X6's roof line plunges downward as soon as it passes the B-pillar. This is sure to limit passenger headroom in back, although the X6 is only designed to carry two in the second row anyway. Apparently, a spacious cabin was not the primary goal here.
We also managed to catch the X6 with its rear hatch open, and not surprisingly the cargo area is pretty tight as well. There's a propped-up cover that looks like it might hide an under-floor storage area, but it's most likely nothing more than a well for the spare tire.
That spare tire is likely to take up a good chunk of space, as the X6 will get an aggressive set of rubber to back up its promise of sport-sedan performance. We're expecting the U.S.-built X6 to arrive only with V8 power at first, but the U.S. government's latest push toward stricter fuel economy rules might lead to the use of BMW's smaller, more efficient inline-6 engines as well. Automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel drive are also expected, but this, too, could change.
Look for the official debut of the 2009 BMW X6 this fall or early next year, with sales beginning in late 2008.
See new BMW models
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