Production of one of BMW’s most innovative and radical models for many years, as well as the birth of a whole new concept: the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), commences in January.

Produced at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, USA, the new BMW X6 (E71) takes much of what makes the established X5 so desirable, and combines it with rakish coupe styling to create a unique new model.

The Market Explained
BMW demonstrated back in 2000 that the perennial challenge to combine the security and ruggedness of an SUV with the sporting dynamics of a good road car was well within its grasp. The X5 was born, and a new sector to go with it - the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Despite a host of competitors following BMW’s lead, and therefore massive growth in the sector, the X5’s enviable position was largely maintained and indeed refreshed, thanks to the launch of E70 last year.

However, in such a hotly contested marketplace, maintaining a stand-out position via clear differentiation from your rivals becomes harder to achieve, and for the BMW X family to maintain its leading position a fresh approach is now necessary - hence the introduction new BMW X6 SAC.

Built on an X5 platform and therefore sharing many key dimensions, the new BMW X6 nevertheless focuses on a radical styling departure via its rakish four-door coupe profile. Practically is maintained thanks to generous space, both for occupants and luggage, but dominant visual appeal is massively heightened to levels that competitors can only dream of.

In addition, a high-performance xDrive50i V8 petrol variant is expected towards the end of 2008.

Both the xDrive30d and xDrive35d (VED Band F) will be exempt from the proposed 2008 London Congestion Charge of £25 per day for vehicles within Band G will avoid the £400 annual Road Fund Licence.