BMW X6 M To Debut at New York Auto Show

Here comes the next niche-creator from BMW: a high-performance "Sports Activity Coupe." Regardless of the pointlessness of the niche in general (and the X6 in particular), the X6 M is going to be a genuine barnstormer.

Rumor has it the X6 M will be equipped with the same 550bhp twin-scroll turbo V8 that has found it's way into the BMW X5 M. In the slightly lighter, lower X6 it should present a more sporting vehicle than the X5, especially with the X6's nifty torque-vectoring rear axle.

BMW's thin press release says the X6 M will be "the next milestone in it's illustrious history."  I'm not sure about this.  550bhp twin-turbo V8 or not, M cars have always been about the driving experience - and I'm just not sure that a 4993 pound (standard weight of the X6 xDrive50i) soft-roader SUV-coupe-thing is really what the doctor ordered.

Still, reviews of the X6 have been very positive about it's driving dynamics - considering it's considerable heft.  An M version with tweaked suspension might be the GT-R of SUV's, so maybe this is worth keeping an eye on.

The X6M will debut at the New York Auto Show next week, so keep your eyes pealed for more information and Jim's coverage of the debut.