BMW CEO on the X6: “This is a romantic X5 in a way.”

BMW unveiled the much anticipated BMW X6 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week. According to BMW, most of what you saw in the concept will be carried over to the production model next year. But the X6 has a lot to live up to when it hits the market.

First, it will be BMW’s first car with a Two Mode hybrid powertrain. Second, BMW will have to see whether its customers will give into a non-traditional-looking SUV. Instead of calling the car an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), like it calls the X5, BMW is calling the X6 a SAC (Sports Acticity Coupe) due to its steeply sloped roof that flows to the back of the SUV or SAC, whatever you want to call it.

Tom Purves, BMW of North America CEO, told Automotive News that the X6 may appeal “to a sedan driver who up until now has not found an SUV to be attractive.” For you green lovers BMW unveiled the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid which reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent.

Co-developed with DaimlerChrysler and GM the hybrid system combines two compact, high-performance electric motors with a transmission using fixed transmission ratios. The two mode active transmission consists of a high-performance battery, power electronics with an integrated inverter module, and the cables required. .

Purves says that the X6 won’t have has much as cargo space as the X5 due to its steeping roof-line but it will be great for those living in cities like New York “I live in New York “” we have big potholes,” he said. And there are buyers who don’t need all the cargo space like n the X5.

“So this is a romantic X5 in a way.”

BMW X6 Concept Gallery:

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BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid Gallery:

BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid  

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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