In 2008 when BMW launched the X6 Sports Activity Coupe, the Munich-based automaker went under fire for the continuous expansion of their X-models. The BMW X6 SAC created a new demographic, a niche that soon became attractive to other automakers as well.
The X6 was marketed as a Sports Activity Coupe and combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof). While slightly longer and wider than the X5, the X6 sits significantly lower and seats only four people, a feature that many started to criticize.
Soon the X6 became a hit for the company with most of the units heading to China, Eastern Europe and Middle East. While not a volume seller, the X6 was often hard to find on dealers’ lots. In December 2010, BMW of North America reported 30.8 percent sales increase, exactly 561units. Globally, the company sold 4,018 units in December 2010.
Today, Audi announced they are considering an X6 competitor. Audi’s Head of Design Wolfgang Egger talked to the press about a sport crossover rival to the BMW X6. “It has been a big success in China, where it’s become a second car driven by women. There, it’s a female sports car.”
According to Egger, the forthcoming Audi Q3 will be a step in this direction, but the automaker could still go further to compete with BMW.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz also announced a competitor for the X6. Dubbed GLC, the coupe-crossover is due to launch sometimes in 2014.
[Source: LeftLaneNews ]
