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BMW Concept X6

BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
BMW shows off two new concept cars

BMW made two important announcements today. The first was the Concept X6 which BMW describes as "a BMW Coupe with the striking DNA of BMW's X Vehicles."

The Concept X6 is based on BMW's X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). With the Concept X6, BMW is introducing a new moniker: the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Although the Concept X6 is actually a four-door vehicle, the coupe terminology has been used to describe other vehicles such as Mercedes' striking CLS.

Everything about the vehicle from its twin kidney grill to its notched headlights to its sculpted flanks and slightly "Bangled" butt clearly showcase BMW's current design trends.

Given that this is a BMW, performance and handling are likely to be a step above other AWD SUVCrossoverWhatchamacallits on the road. Since the Concept X6 is based on the X5, expect that vehicle's 6-speed automatic transmission, 3.0 liter inline-6 and 4.8 liter V8 to power the production version.

In keeping with the current trend of staying green, BMW also today announced the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. The Concept X6 ActiveHybrid builds on the new Concept X6 by adding a two-mode hybrid system that was developed in conjunction with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.

BMW says that the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid consumes 20 percent less fuel and emits 20 percent less CO2 emissions than comparable vehicles.

BMW's production X6 SAV is expected to be made available in late 2008 and will likely be produced in South Carolina alongside the X5 SAV. There is no word, however, on when the two-mode hybrid system will show up in BMW's lineup.

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Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 9:13:03 AM , Rating: 5
Personally, I love BMW. Owned 2 - and are much better ride, quality, and reliabile in my book as opposed to the Benz and Audi's that I've owned. Not to mention, I think the looks are not only luxurious, but sporty as well.

Its great to a see a new Hybrid concept coming out to increase mileage, while looking great too. Im sick of all the Prius and grocery getters look hybrids




RE: Nice
By jkostans on 9/11/2007 9:26:09 AM , Rating: 5
I'm sorry but that thing is ugly.


RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 9:29:25 AM , Rating: 3
Uglier than a Toyota Prius????? Think not.


RE: Nice
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 9/11/07, Rating: 0
RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 9:43:41 AM , Rating: 2
Wow. I guess that's your personal preference. But i certainly do not agree.


RE: Nice
By A5un on 9/11/07, Rating: 0
RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 10:04:11 AM , Rating: 2
No, I have an 06 Audi S4 that I dont like very much. I had an 04 3 series coupe which i liked alot. I do like the new 335i, which is what I am leaning towards getting - really need to get rid of the audi.

But i really love the X5, and this X6 is not a bad looking car at all. Granted it wouldnt be my first choice at all, but im just basing it on being better looking than the rest of the available hybrids out there IMO.


RE: Nice
By A5un on 9/11/2007 10:22:55 AM , Rating: 3
May I interest you in a new, all grown up, 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX?


RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 10:25:31 AM , Rating: 2
No thanks. Not a big subaru fan. Want to get away from the AWD as well, it takes away too much of the power - as i noticed with the S4.

Outside of the 335i, the others im looking at are Lexus IS350, and the new Infiniti G37 coupe.


RE: Nice
By A5un on 9/11/2007 10:39:59 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Want to get away from the AWD as well, it takes away too much of the power - as i noticed with the S4.


Really? I've always heard the opposite. I thought AWD is THE way to fully utilize your power. Well, I've never had a RWD car before, so i wouldn't know. But I will say, what BMW is capable of doing with their underpowered car I think qualifies as magic. I sat behind the wheel of a '05 vett and a 3 series before, and I almost could not tell the difference on a test track, except for the vett's oomph.

It's amazing what BMW can do, but to me, they've got their looks all wrong.


RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 10:43:20 AM , Rating: 2
I love the looks of the 335i. To me its sport, luxurious, but doesnt go over the edge. It looks like a regular car, just faster. Thats also why i like the IS350.

AWD may disperse the power better, but when its going to 4 wheels instead of 2, you lose alot of HP. For example, match up a BMW 328I and a 328xi (awd) and you will see the performance difference.

awd helps in snow and rain, but does take away power.


RE: Nice
By TomZ on 9/11/2007 11:11:35 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
No thanks. Not a big subaru fan. Want to get away from the AWD as well, it takes away too much of the power - as i noticed with the S4.

Huh? Where does the power go, exactly?

The perception you have of less power could be due to the slight increase in weight due to AWD, or the design which makes it nearly impossible to spin the tires if you're one who likes to drive that way.

Personally, I will never own a non-AWD car again. The performance in wet/snowy/icy weather makes it a no-brainer for me.


RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 11:15:03 AM , Rating: 2
Just the fact that powering 4 wheels vs 2 wheels (or 2 axels vs 1 axel). The it takes more power to achieve the same performance/speed with 4 wheels than it does 2. Go check out some 0-60 times as well. No question from that awd is better handling in wet/snow weather, as well as corner. But it also takes away from some of the performance.


RE: Nice
By Hexxx on 9/11/2007 11:32:07 AM , Rating: 2
You lose power due to increased friction on the drive train from having to drive all 4 wheels. 4WD provides better traction, but is less efficient transferring the power from the engine to the wheels than 2WD.


RE: Nice
By kkwst2 on 9/11/2007 1:40:42 PM , Rating: 2
Wow, friction? I hope your drivetrain is not slipping that much. Friction is a force from two bodies sliding over one another. Your drivetrain parts should not be sliding against each other. You might think that there is twice the load since it is having to move four wheel. However, by magic (Physics actually), the work required by each wheel is halved! So it's a wash. TomZ is right though, it's mainly the weight of the more complex drivetrain that would be the culprit in any decreased performance. There may theretically be some more inertial forces to overcome, etc. these should be pretty minimal.

In real world performance, in the hands of a schlep like you or me, the AWD is often going to get better performance because it's going to be easier to keep the wheels from slipping. Thus the power is often actually utilized more efficiently in propelling the car. You might have a harder time squealing the tires, so if that's what you're looking for, RWD is likely your best bet in a standard front engine car.

The idea that AWD inherently reduces the power output of the engine is groundless, AFAIK.


RE: Nice
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 1:55:57 PM , Rating: 2
No one said it reduces power output to the wheels. The horsepower of the engine is still managed by the engine. However, the amount of power needed to drive the wheels if you are running 4 instead of 2 is not halved.

For example, the new BMW 328 series. The 328xi is AWD, the 328i is RWD. Both have the same exact 230hp motor. There is about a 150-200lb different in weight, with the AWD series being a bit heavier (3400lbs vs 3600lbs).

0-60MPH (manual transmission)
328i - 6.3s
328xi - 6.9s

.6 seconds is quite a bit of time during a 0-60 run, much more than being caused by a 200lbs difference.

It takes more HP to exert the same amount of power to 2 axles as it does to 1 axle. The RWD version will sping out easier due to the single axle having more power available to it because there is no second axle to power.


RE: Nice
By Keeir on 9/11/2007 4:37:02 PM , Rating: 2
I suspect something more is in play for BMW than just mass. Probably something wrong with the manual edition in general.

Some other All-Wheel Drive optional Cars (All Data directly from Manufactures Website)

Transmission: Incr. 0-60, Incr. Mass (By adding AWD)

A4 (FWD)-
200 hp
Manual: .2s, 121 lbs
Auto: .2s, 210 lbs

255hp
Auto: .1s, 177 lbs

Lexus IS 250 (RWD)
204 Hp
Auto: .4s, 216 lbs

BMW 328i (RWD)
230 Hp
Manual: .6s, 242 lbs
Auto: .2s, 221 lbs

A quick glance at the "category" shows you choose the worst example of loss to 0-60 times in direct comparison. A average of the above different models and power train shows a change more inline with the increased addition of wieght (.14s per 100 lbs average). BMW's automatic version of the 328i->328xi does significantly better than manual (going from 6.9s to 7.1s).


RE: Nice
By Hexxx on 9/12/2007 10:22:37 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Wow, friction? I hope your drivetrain is not slipping that much. Friction is a force from two bodies sliding over one another. Your drivetrain parts should not be sliding against each other.


Driveshaft? And how do you explain the power loss between the fly wheel and driven wheels?

quote:
The idea that AWD inherently reduces the power output of the engine is groundless, AFAIK.


It doesn't reduce the engine power output. There is a greater loss in the amount of power delivered to the wheels.


RE: Nice
By Lord 666 on 9/11/2007 12:21:09 PM , Rating: 2
My idea of a "perfect" car would be a AWD diesel version of the Jetta, A4, or E320.

Hopefully Subaru will start making a diesel.


RE: Nice
By A5un on 9/11/2007 12:34:31 PM , Rating: 2
I believe they already are in the making of a diesel


RE: Nice
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 9/11/2007 10:05:45 AM , Rating: 2
The 6 is BY FAR the worst offender. My gawd is that thing ugly. I mean, there's ugly and their *&^#king ugly. That thing is *&^#king ugly. Even the interior is hideous.

That rear deck/trunk is just a disaster.


RE: Nice
By colonelclaw on 9/12/2007 8:48:43 AM , Rating: 2
for me the worst is the 5-series with it's Dame Edna headlights

what makes it even worse was that the previous generation was a great looking car - subtle and understated yet powerful looking


RE: Nice
By onelittleindian on 9/11/2007 12:17:33 PM , Rating: 2
It just goes to show that tastes vary. Personally I think these cars look great.


RE: Nice
By Keeir on 9/11/2007 10:18:03 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
In fact, the last gen 5-Series/M5, 7-Series, Z and M3 all looked better than the current generation IMHO.


Couldn't have said it better myself. Hate to see a design regress across such a broad range. I admit that I am not the intended audience for many of the cars, but I am the intended market for the 3-series which I personally find the ugliest.


RE: Nice
By semo on 9/11/2007 10:34:57 AM , Rating: 2
a bit harsh but can not entirely disagree. the only bmw i like is 5 touring shape. i think it's the best looking estate/combi/station wagon/whatchamacallit


RE: Nice
By retrospooty on 9/11/2007 1:51:15 PM , Rating: 2
"In fact, the last gen 5-Series/M5, 7-Series, Z and M3 all looked better than the current generation IMHO. The E39 M5 is just gorgeous. The new E60 M5 looks like a piece of tacky crap next to it."

Agreed. Its funny, because the previous gen were really nice looing, and the current are soooo ugly, and they are basically very similar in body style, just fairly minor accentuations and trim effects. All to totally uglify teh current linup.

compare any 2002 beamer of any model to its 2006 or newer counterpart. It looks like Toyoya's stylists, went to work at BMW. Nice cars, great bodies, BAD MAKEOVER! LOL


RE: Nice
By retrospooty on 9/11/2007 1:51:22 PM , Rating: 2
"In fact, the last gen 5-Series/M5, 7-Series, Z and M3 all looked better than the current generation IMHO. The E39 M5 is just gorgeous. The new E60 M5 looks like a piece of tacky crap next to it."

Agreed. Its funny, because the previous gen were really nice looing, and the current are soooo ugly, and they are basically very similar in body style, just fairly minor accentuations and trim effects. All to totally uglify teh current linup.

compare any 2002 beamer of any model to its 2006 or newer counterpart. It looks like Toyoya's stylists, went to work at BMW. Nice cars, great bodies, BAD MAKEOVER! LOL


RE: Nice
By Samus on 9/11/2007 11:33:41 PM , Rating: 2
The 5-series is probably the most beautiful BMW in recent memory. That's why everything introduced after the redesigned 5-series a few years back looks a lot like it. The 5-series was Beamers 're-entry' vehicle to rid themselves of their boring 90's styling.


RE: Nice
By Lord 666 on 9/11/2007 9:33:13 AM , Rating: 2
I'll lead off the charge this morning in saying that just because BMW has a pending hybrid does not mean they went green. In fact, their 7 Series hydrogen car is much more "green" and future looking. Plus the 7 Series is actually for sale on a limited basis (Will Farrell has one)

There are many conventional IC power plants that are more green than hybrids; Honda Civic vs and GM.

Now only if BMW would commit to importing their diesels into the US. With BIN 5/EU 5, those diesels would be as equally green.


RE: Nice
By weskurtz0081 on 9/12/2007 6:24:11 PM , Rating: 3
BMW's reliable? The older ones might be FAIRLY reliable but, the new ones have tons of problems. Ask anyone that works for BMW service(that isn't servicing your car). They will tell you to NEVER own a BMW that is out of warranty. Especially the new 7 series. They are probably the least reliable 7 series ever made.

Also, while BMW's do handle extremely well they are not the most comfortable car to drive. I have driven a the new 3 series, 5 series, and X5's. None of them were very comfortable. The X5 was probably the worst offender.

It's my opinion if you care about outstanding handling that BMW is probably one of the top choices, if you care about comfort I would put it much closer to the bottom of the list(the 7 series is probably pretty comfortable though).


B for beutiful!
By pjpizza on 9/11/2007 11:40:27 AM , Rating: 2
He he he... I can't believe all these comments on how the new BMW lineup is ugly... You guys most be some old American farts commenting on this.

I guess you should stick to your Chevy's and Pontiac's and Lincoln's and Mercury's and Dodge's (oh, the Magnum looks like a cardboard box with a Hemi)... I just don't get it I guess. ;)

And if you make any comment on Audi's or Mercedes' looking better, good for you. Have a donut.




RE: B for beutiful!
By acer905 on 9/11/2007 12:12:37 PM , Rating: 2
American, yes. Old, no. BMW, dull. Aston Martin, stylish. Cadillac XLR, stylish. Corvette, stylish.

Just personal preferences though.


RE: B for beutiful!
By mdogs444 on 9/11/2007 12:19:21 PM , Rating: 2
the XLR is the same thing as the Vette. The vette has had very minimal changes in the past 7yrs.


RE: B for beutiful!
By acer905 on 9/12/2007 12:22:49 PM , Rating: 2
Yeah it shares the same frame, but the Vette is a pure sports car, the XLR is a luxury roadster. And the rectractable hardtop on it is just awesome.

And as for the vette's changes, the C-6 began in 05, which included a multitude of changes. The most obvious being the exposed headlights. Granted it isn't as radical of a change as the 63 was, but its still a new generation of the car. (and if you wanna know, the C-5 began in 97 so i have no idea where you even got that 7 years statement)

However the corvette has proven that it doesn't really need major changes, just slow progressive upgrades every now and again. The C-3 generation lasted 14 years, with the only major appearance change being the switch to a fastback in 78.


RE: B for beutiful!
By pjpizza on 9/11/2007 12:23:22 PM , Rating: 2
Cadillac... WHAT?

I agree with Aston, Corvette, some Infiniti's, some Volvo's, Saab's, Fiat (the new 500 is cool!)... Too many too mention really.

I see your point though... You want something with a lot of flare, and the BMW is maybe a little plain, especially in standard form. But, with the M-Aero packs I think they all look killer, just waiting to feast on the asphalt they inevitably are on their way to devour... YUM!


It's been Bangled
By colonelclaw on 9/11/2007 8:57:03 AM , Rating: 2
The spirit of Chris Bangle lives on in those hideous upside-down rear light clusters




RE: It's been Bangled
By Gul Westfale on 9/11/2007 9:27:49 AM , Rating: 2
indeed. he used to be just the car designer, but then BMW made him design chief for the whole company, and now their motorcycles are ugly, too.

i understand that they have to do something different, design-wise; but as an american designer once said (i forgot if it was harley earl or someone else): "building a beautiful car costs the same as building an ugly one, so why build the ugly one?"


By weskurtz0081 on 9/12/2007 7:14:58 PM , Rating: 2
Posted this above but figured no one would see it buried in the replies.

BMW's reliable? The older ones might be FAIRLY reliable but, the new ones have tons of problems. Ask anyone that works for BMW service(that isn't servicing your car). They will tell you to NEVER own a BMW that is out of warranty. Especially the new 7 series. They are probably the least reliable 7 series ever made.

Also, while BMW's do handle extremely well they are not the most comfortable car to drive. I have driven a the new 3 series, 5 series, and X5's. None of them were very comfortable. The X5 was probably the worst offender.

It's my opinion if you care about outstanding handling that BMW is probably one of the top choices, if you care about comfort I would put it much closer to the bottom of the list(the 7 series is probably pretty comfortable though).




BMW X6
By autooracle on 9/12/2007 11:50:23 PM , Rating: 2
Bring it on guys......How about a diesel hybrid version for the states. This just might shut the EPA up enough with their pre-conceived notion that diesel's are so much more pollutant. Well, in 1982 with an Oldsmobile Delta 88 diesel....yes, but times have changed folks.




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