BMW to make a minivan....WHY?

[57JagXKSS]

from autoweek.com

BMW will build a multipurpose vehicle called the X6, supplier sources say.

Sources at two suppliers familiar with the project say they are being asked to provide price quotes on parts for the vehicle, according to Automotive News Europe, a sister publication to Automotive News and AutoWeek.

The sources say the X6 will be built at BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., plant.

A spokesman for BMW Manufacturing Corp. in Spartanburg did not confirm the plans.

[porscheguy9999]

The X6? BMW wouldn't make another vehicle with the number 6 in it. Espesially an "X6". If this vehicle is to be made, then they would add a new number. Think somthing like the "2 Series". And since its a sport van, it may be "V2" or somthing. "X" means all wheel drive, then "V" would mean "Van" or somthing. But BMW would want to keep away from the name "Van". So think along those lines.

[57JagXKSS]

I mixed that up. Here is the article from autoweek.com



BMW considering sport wagon; goal to boost space without sacrificing performance
DIANA T. KURYLKO | Automotive News
Posted Date: 10/5/04
PARIS -- BMW won't build a minivan, but it is still considering vehicles that offer the interior room of a minivan.

Helmut Panke, CEO of BMW, says the automaker "will never bring a minivan" to the market. But it is looking at concepts for roomier vehicles that would not sacrifice BMW performance, he says.

One such vehicle could offer a "comfortable business-lounge environment," without the standard three rows of seats. Another vehicle under consideration is a sport wagon.

"It would have some coupe aspects together with something that is on an SUV or SAV (sport activity vehicle) platform," Panke says.

He would not say when BMW is likely to make a decision.

BMW uses the term "space functional concept" for its new vehicles, which could come in more than one size.

Mercedes-Benz has taken a similar approach with its R-Class sport wagon.

A short-wheelbase version will be sold in Europe, and the United States will get a longer wheelbase model.

Panke says the major difference between the vehicles BMW is studying and competing sport wagons is that the competition "just offers space."

"Any BMW brand solution will not just offer space," he says. "It has to be a driver's car. It has to be a dynamically handling car."

Burkhard Goeschel, BMW board member responsible for research, development and purchasing, says BMW envisions a seating position for the vehicle at a height somewhere between a passenger car and an SUV.

"The seating position characterizes the car much more than other things," Goeschel says.

BMW is not focusing on the number of seats, he adds: "It is not a people mover."

[57JagXKSS]

I just don't understand the point of it when BMW has the 3 series and 5 series wagons. This BMW "sport wagon" would have to comply with new European safety pedestrian regulations.

[Jaguar D-Type]

6-20-05

thecarconnection.com:

Here are first photos confirming BMW's official statement made at the last Geneva Motor Show. The Bavarian carmaker is about to extend the X5 model range with an additional 4x4 "coupe," based on the same platform.

In this case, the word "coupe" does not mean a two-door, but, as in Mercedes CLS500 marketing jargon, refers to a sporting model with coupe-like roofline, even if it has four doors.

Rumors are that the new model will be named the X6. The first development mule is now doing laps at Germany's famous Nürburgring. These early development mules have a clever modular frame that allows all weight- (and, therefore, handling-) critical items to be positioned differently and in small steps, in order to find their optimum position for superior road-holding, handling, steering, and comfort. Similarly, the mules offer easy access to the suspension geometry, springs, dampers, and steering, which all can be varied and fine-tuned.

The test mule sports a non-production body made as simply as possible to cover the mechanical parts. It offers no indication of the final vehicle's styling or design.

The newcomer is reported to be a sporty looking crossover four-door, four-seater. It gets front-mounted engines ranging from a V-8 with either 340 hp or 450 hp, to a V-10 with 612 hp.

BMW hopes to be alone in this "coupe" market. By offering a high seating position and four-wheel drive, they would be without a direct competitor, at least initially. That's only until Porsche brings on the Panamera, a four-door coupe due in 2009.

Just like the current and the next X5, the new X6 will be built in the United States in South Carolina and is scheduled for release in 2008.

[porscheguy9999]

The X6 is a different thing fromt he "van". BMW will classify the X6 as a "4x4 Coupe" or "Crossover Coupe". The so called "van" would be classified as a "people mover" as they call them in Europe. And it would most likly be called the V5. I'm assuming this would be like a "tall wagon" or a jacked up 530i Touring (circa Audi Allroad = jacked up A6 Avant). So that actually makes sense to me just now as I'm writing this. But BMW wouldn't want to add to an existing niche, but they want to create a new niche for this X6 4x4/Crossover coupe.

They seem to be playing towards the crowd who would buy a Mercedes CLS, but want the feel of an SUV with the handleing of a coupe. Essentially, BMW is just coming up with another way to put 2 seperate types of cars and making them a new segment of automobile.

[ec437]

am I the only one that thinks the CLS coupe is sooooooooooo damn ugly??? I mean come on, the thing is just hideous.

[porscheguy9999]

I hated the CLS alot. But the first time I saw it in person, it blew me away. I couldnt believe how this car could look bad in print could look so good in person. Pictures dont do it justice IMO. Have you seen one in person?