New 2008 BMW X6 a Hot Commodity

With some blogs claiming the BMW X6 is sold out, we thought we’d let you know that there are at least a few hundred nationwide still available for sale. If you’re interested in the sport coupe/crossover SUV known as the X6, simply do an inventory search for the model here on Cars.com to see if there’s one for sale near you.

Many of us here at Cars.com thought the X6 — which starts at $52,500 — was not going to be a success. Then we drove it. I even took the x35i version on the track at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and experienced one of the most thrilling rides I’ve ever had. The X6 handled the track a lot better than many cars, and the brakes were outstanding. Plus, all the action took place far higher off the ground than should have been possible. Clearly the X6 is an enthusiast’s SUV that might steal buyers from the aging Porsche Cayenne.

So why were webizens shouting “sold out”? BMW says the first-year run of nearly 20,000 units in the U.S. has been spoken for by dealers. Because only 655 were sold in its first month of limited sales in April, that means there are thousands left that need to be sold to actual customers. Those interested should hit their local BMW dealership to see if they can test-drive one and place their own order.

BMW X6 Sells Out (Jalopnik)

BMW M1 Hommage: Ugliest Concept Car Ever

We’re not sure there’s never been an uglier concept car, but the BMW M1 Hommage certainly comes close — if it doesn’t outright snag the crown. Looking like a reject from an ill-advised “Back to the Future” sequel, the M1 Hommage is an homage — those crazy Europeans spell it differently — to the BMW M1, a supercar the company built in the 1970s.

The concept must be an homage, because it certainly looks dated. It was unveiled to the public at a ritzy auto event in Italy this past weekend. We’re sure much champagne was downed to make it look good. If your Monday-morning eyes are willing, a photo gallery is below. Feel free to tell us if you disagree with our assessment.

Best Cash-Back Finds: 4.25.08

Cars.com launched its new, comprehensive rebate and incentives page earlier this month, but just having the raw figures isn’t always enough. Often there are some real gems getting a significant amount of money off that aren’t heavily advertised or thought about. This time out we’ve found some interesting deals on a pair of luxury nameplates, a brand-new model and a fuel-sipping compact. 

2009 Dodge Journey
MSRP: $19,360
Cash back: $1,000
Percent off MSRP: 5.2%    
Expires: 4/30
5-Year Ownership Costs

The new Dodge Journey was just released, and Dodge is hoping that by offering a small incentive, $1,000, folks will be more inclined to give it a shot. That’s because the Journey competes with the popular Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe when equipped with two rows of seats, or the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander when equipped with the optional third row. Still, the Journey’s starting MSRP is significantly less than the competition, even before the $1,000 cash back.

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 BMW M3

From the outside, the 2008 BMW M3 sedan looks nearly identical to the regular BMW 3 Series sedan, except for a couple of flashy highlights. Different wheels, M3 badges, and a set of vents highlight the impeccable German design. But unlike any 3-Series or previous M3’s on the road, the 2008 looks as if it received some intriguing (and controversial) rhinoplasty. A large bump in the middle of the hood creates one of the most ferocious looking cars on the road. What some people may see as a blemish to the exterior design of the car, I see as a big beauty mark. The already mean fascia matched with aggressive wheels and dual vents on either side of the bump make this car look like one bad mother. But let’s be honest, I’d never own a white car unless I owned a chain of car washes. A full set of photos is below.

2008 BMW M3: Daddy Driven

Now that there’s a little Thomas in the house, the wife and I are no longer DINKs so the way I look at cars I’m reviewing has changed. The addition of a child seat alters the entire framing of how I view the cars in our driveway and how I live with them. I routinely am the one to drop the little guy off for daycare in the morning, and if the test car can’t handle our seat — or I mistakenly leave the extra base in a different test car — my wife is not too happy. That frames the debate: What cars can a dad get away with owning? Obviously a big sedan or SUV will get the job done, but what about the cars dads lust over?

The shiny, white 2008 BMW M3 sedan sure looks like it can handle the task. But does it pass the test?

BMW Bringing Google Maps to New Models

Starting with the 2008 BMW X6 and all 2009 BMW models, owners who buy a BMW Assist Safety Plan will be able to send directions, phone numbers and other information from Google Maps to their car. 

Yes, you’ll have to pre-send the information from a computer to your car, but the idea is that drivers won’t have to print out maps or directions — they’ll be synched with the car’s navigation. Phone numbers can also be sent and dialed via the car’s Bluetooth system.

The BMW Assist Safety Plan is standard on all BMW 5, 6 and 7 series vehicles and is offered as a stand-alone option or as part of option packages on all other models. That sounds similar to OnStar’s new Destination Download announced earlier this month, but BMW’s plan doesn’t require the use of an operator. 

BMW Heads to Facebook for 1 Series

Hey twentysomethings, there’s a new BMW in town: It’s the 1 Series and it starts for under $30,000 so it’s a BMW you might actually be able to afford.

That’s not actually the advertising copy from BMW but the company is using roughly half of its ad budget to push the 1 Series — estimated from $15 million to $25 million — on online media, including Facebook. On the social media site, users will get to build their own 1 series and send it to friends. The company hopes to woo new shoppers to the brand who may have never considered it before.

BMW will also advertise on Yahoo! and MSN, but the Facebook move gets our attention most. The company will have virtual road trips from one Facebook page to another. We’re not sure how that will work but the gist is to get the shopper — and his or her friends — involved and not to cram the message down their throats.

What do you think? Would an interactive ad motivate you towards a car or do you just want to see something traditional?

BMW Turns to the Web for Its 1-Series (New York Times)

It's Good to Be the Prince

We’ve seen celebrities like Brad Pitt drive the new BMW Hydrogen 7 to Hollywood shindigs, but now BMW is loaning one of the 100 test vehicles to Prince Albert II of Monaco for an extended loan. The prince claims to be into cars, and while he can afford probably anything on the market, there’s no way to buy a Hydrogen 7 quite yet.

Also interesting was BMW letting loose the names of other celebs who are “using” the Hydrogen 7. They include Cameron Diaz, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno, Placido Domingo and various foreign politicians. BMW doesn’t say how long the loan is for, but the Prince mentioned “weeks” of testing.

2008 BMW M3 Convertible Priced at $65,725

Arriving as much of the U.S. awakens from a long, cold winter, the BMW M3 convertible is an ideal New York auto show debut to usher in the coming warmer months. Available this spring, the M3 convertible will start at $65,725 including the $775 destination charge and features a power-retractable hardtop and a 414-hp V-8 that can propel it from zero to 60 mph in as little as 5.1 seconds. Check out the gallery below of images from the show floor.

Up Close: BMW Concept CS

According to BMW North America chairman and CEO Tom Purves, the automaker's Concept CS represents what a future grand touring car from BMW might look like. The four-door's sleek lines are instantly appealing, giving the car the look of a coupe, just like Mercedes-Benz's CLS-Class before it.

In front, BMW's traditional twin-kidney grille is present, but it's larger than the one on many of the automaker’s other models. That further defines the front of the car, like Audi has done with its trapezoidal grille. The interior has a minimalistic design theme that's light on knobs and buttons and is finished in brown and tan materials.

If BMW is wondering, I think a car like the Concept CS makes a lot of sense for the brand. It would give BMW another niche offering that it could build using an existing platform, but appeal to a buyer looking for something more stylish than a regular sedan.

Related:
BMW CS Concept

BMW to Offer Internet in Cars

Before you read that headline and say to yourself, “Accident waiting to happen,” hear us out. Drivers will not be able to actually use the wireless internet technology known as ConnectDrive while the car is in motion.

This is a relief, as the thought of workaholic businessmen or rich daddy’s girls checking stock quotes and PerezHilton.com while zipping along the freeway at 80 mph should be enough to strike fear into the hearts of drivers everywhere.

While sitting safely in a parking lot, drivers can control the browser through the iDrive controller, which will manipulate the cursor on the iDrive screen (presumably connected to the iDrive drive). There may still be limitations to the technology. For instance, BMW will reformat the pages to its own servers before sending them to the car, and the browser uses EDGE technology, which according to TechnoRide.com may mean a good long wait time for page loading.

Hopefully, we’ll get answers to these questions when BMW debuts ConnectDrive at the 2008 Geneva auto show.

2008 Geneva Motor Show: BMW Offers Unrestricted Internet Browsing (TechnoRide)

Honda Still on Top in U.S., Says Consumer Reports

For the second year in a row, Consumer Reports has named Honda the automaker selling the best vehicles in the U.S., based on factors ranging from reliability to vehicle comfort.

Toyota and Subaru ranked second and third, followed by BMW, Mazda, Nissan and Volkswagen. No domestic nameplate appeared on the list.

BMW Announces X6 Prices

Anytime BMW unleashes a new model, the question for buyers is not whether the price will be hefty, but to what degree. Will it be $40,000? $50,000? More?

In the case of BMW’s new X6, things get pretty expensive pretty fast. The crossover wagon’s two trims, the xDrive 35i and the xDrive 50i start at $52,000 and $63,000, respectively, and can rise quickly. There’s the Sport Package, the Premium Sound Package, the Rear Climate Package, and so on; before you know it, $70,000 has passed you by. A small price to pay for some, but given that we’re still not sure about the X6’s place at the BMW table, that could be one hefty price tag.

BMW X6 Price Tag Makes Tall Wagon a Tall Order Starting at $52,000 (Jalopnik)
BMW X6 Pricing including options and packages (BMW Blog)

2008 Geneva Motor Show: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

• Looks like: Another way for eco-conscious celebrities to get to the Oscars
• Defining characteristics: Turbo-diesel hybrid powertrain, lithium-ion battery pack, eight-speed automatic transmission, roof-mounted solar panels, average fuel economy of 36 mpg
• Ridiculous features: Its name
• Chance of being mass produced: With other luxury automakers already in the hybrid game or entering soon, it's a no-brainer for BMW to establish a presence — if not with a production version of this hybrid, then something else.

BMW has chosen its X5 luxury SUV as the platform for which to showcase a hybrid concept dubbed Vision EfficientDynamics. The all-wheel-drive concept utilizes a 204-hp, twin-turbo 2.0-liter diesel engine that's supplemented by an electric motor, according to BMW.

Unlike the previously shown X6 hybrid concept, the mild hybrid system in the Vision EfficientDynamics cannot operate solely on electric power. However, the diesel engine does turn off when the vehicle comes to a halt to save fuel and the concept also features regenerative braking technology to capture kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost. That energy is stored for later use in a lithium-ion battery pack in the rear of the SUV. Average fuel economy for the concept works out to about 36 mpg, according to the automaker, which is a 100% improvement over the X5's 18 mpg combined rating with the base 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder.

2008 BMW M3 Convertible

• Competes with: Audi RS 4 convertible
• Looks like: Someone wants their hair blow-dried very, very fast
• Drivetrain: 420-hp, 4.0-liter V-8 with dual-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

We’ve been anticipating the new BMW M3 since we took the previous generation around a track. Then we learned there would be both a sedan and coupe version of the M3. How could it get better than that for a performance enthusiast looking for a fun ride? Well, how about a hardtop convertible with nearly the same performance?

That’s what BMW has done with the BMW M3 convertible you see here. It’s only a fraction slower than the coupe, despite weighing more to accommodate the retractable hardtop.

Just like the regular 3 Series convertible, which debuted last year, this is also the first time an M has featured a retractable hardtop.

You can check out our posts on the previous M3s to get more specifics, but the convertible with its top down is surely the stunner of the group. Many more photos below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Video: 2008 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is one strange SUV. Actually, BMW calls it an SAV (sport activity vehicle), but until the general populace starts using that term, we’ll stick with what we know. Kelsey Mays walks us through that debate from the show floor in this video.

Up Close: 2008 BMW X6

The X6's svelte exterior lines take a hefty toll on its utility when you get up close. You have to duck your head to get in the backseat, and its confines would best be described as cozy. Cabin appointments in back are like those up front — wide armrests and leather-ensconced door panels — but the low roof and high windows mean claustrophobics should ride shotgun.

BMW Prices 1 Series Convertible at $33,100

BMW announced at the Detroit auto show today that the 128i convertible will be priced at $33,100 and the 135i will list for $39,100, not including a $775 destination charge. A convertible will join the coupe version of the car in the U.S. this spring.

More 1 Series News

BMW M3 Starts at $54,575

No surprise: 414 hp will cost you a pretty penny. BMW announced today that the M3 sedan will start at $54,575, while the coupe runs $57,275. Both cars hit dealerships in March. It wasn't immediately clear whether the prices included destination charge — two BMW spokesmen have yet to return our emails — but the prices reflect a premium of around $16,000 over the 300-hp 335i.

The mid-50s price falls close to at least one competitor, the $56,000 Lexus IS-F. The Mercedes C63 AMG and Cadillac CTS-V have not yet been priced. The current Audi RS 4 costs an eye-watering $66,910, but it's based on the outgoing A4. Is 55 large too much for the M? Weigh in below.

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Diesel BMW X5 xDrive35d, 335d

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz M320 Bluetec, E320 Bluetec
• Looks like: Identical to the X5 and 335, besides what’s under the hood
• Drivetrain: 265 horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

It seems luxury automakers are hopping on the diesel bandwagon long before everyone else. Instead of affordable, high-mileage diesel engines showing up in high-volume models, BMW — like Mercedes before it — is bringing clean diesel to two of its most popular models.

Both the X5 and 3 Series will get a 265 horsepower, 425 pounds-feet-of-torque six-cylinder diesel engine capable of 0-62 mpg in 6.2 seconds. That’s accompanied by a fuel economy of 23/33 mpg city/highway. We like all that torque, but most Americans are looking to diesels for savings at the pump. A gasoline powered 335i gets 17/26 mpg in comparison. That’s roughly 30% better, but the numbers still won’t impress too many greenies. To be fair, a Mercedes E320 Bluetec gets 23/32 mpg. And BMW’s tagline for the effort is “The world’s most sporting inline-six diesel,” so they’re obviously aiming at those torque fans.

For those who remember the old-fashioned diesels of the 1970s and 1980s, BMW delivers this bit about how clean the new diesels are: They’ll emit just 1% of the particulates of a 1983 BMW diesel model. They also meet the most stringent pollution laws, like those in California.

We’ll have more on the two models at the Detroit auto show in two weeks.

Through Ian's Lens: 2007 BMW Alpina B7

What can you say about the outside of a 750 unit, limited-run, $115,000 imported German sedan with a 500 horsepower, supercharged V8 engine? Aesthetically, not much. To the untrained eye, the outside of the 2007 BMW B7 Alpina looks exactly like any other 750 BMW on the market today. A different rear badge, 21-inch rims, and a few slight fascia modifications (like the Alpina insignia on the front spoiler) are about the only portions of the exterior design that set apart the B7 from its equally expensive kin.

But the design and implementation of the interior is where the rare B7 sets itself apart. The thought and effort put into the overall comfort for the driver and the passengers start with the seats themselves. From there, the opulence sweeps through the cabin, with brushed metal highlights on fine wood grain. The interior roof is covered in Alcantara (designer synthetic suede) and the steering wheel is housed in sewn leather. Since the design of this car hinges more on the texture of pretentious materials and not on a color palette, I have chosen to show these images to you black and white. After all, elegance deserves elegance. More photos below.

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 BMW 535i

OK, we admit it… we’re jealous of 535 Fan from Indianapolis, Ind. He’s driving a new BMW 535i. We recently tested both the 2008 528i and 550i but not the new member of the 5 Series family with the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. Not surprisingly, 535 Fan likes his new car very much. However, we’re not sure about his dubious claims regarding a trip through Chicago completely absent of traffic issues. Post your own consumer review here. 

2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2008 BMW X6

• Competes with: Infiniti FX
• Looks like: A 5 Series on an unholy raised suspension … with a hatch
• Drivetrain: 300-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder or 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 with six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Late Spring 2008

We saw the concept for the X6 — a completely new model for BMW — just a few short months ago, and now we get to see the real McCoy in assorted colors and with final production information. BMW calls the X6 a Sports Activity Coupe, not because it has two doors — it has four — but because of its sloping roofline and hatchback.

We’re not sure how the body style will fare in a crowded market of standard luxury SUVs, but we’re impressed that BMW is making its superb twin-turbo six-cylinder engine the standard power plant for the X5, with a twin-turbo V-8 optional. The company says the V-8 will move this “coupe” to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. That’s mighty fast.

Buyers will also be able to option a bunch of performance improvements, like active steering and adaptive drive. Both systems continually monitor driving conditions and adapt different systems to perform at their peak, so driving purists will be happy they’re options. Check out the photos below and tell us what you think of the new model. We have no word on pricing, but it’s doubtful the starting price will reside below $50,000.

Mini, BMW, Infiniti Top Best Resale Value List

Our list of the cars, trucks and SUVs with the best resale value has just been updated, and a lot of familiar names top the list. When we break down resale values by segment, the Mini Cooper, Honda Accord, Infiniti G35/G37, BMW 5 Series and GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado top their respective segments.

When you take a look at the top 10 resale values overall, it’s the Infiniti G35/G37, Jeep Wrangler and BMW 3 Series taking the top three spots, knocking the Mini Cooper off its previous No. 1 perch.

Which cars rank lowest? The Mazda B2300, Ford Ranger and Suzuki Forenza top that dubious list.

Check out the full rankings below. 

Best Car Resale Values by Class
Best Overall Car Resale Values
Worst Overall Car Resale Values

Video: BMW 1 Series

When BMW introduced its new 1 Series at the L.A. auto show, we had a lot of questions. Would the 1 Series live up to the high standards of the brand? Would it come in costing less than $30,000 yet still maintain any excitement? Would it steal business from its best-selling cousin, the 3 Series? Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder takes a closer look at the 1 Series to shed some light on the company’s much-anticipated new addition.

BMW 1 Series Priced Less Than $30,000

BMW's new 1 Series coupe will have a base price including destination of $29,375 for the 128i and $35,675 for the 135i. The 128i is powered by a 230-hp inline-six that can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds with the manual transmission, while the 135i does the run a whole second quicker. Under the 135i's hood sits the BMW's 300-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder.

The coupe hits dealerships in spring 2008, and a convertible version of the 1 Series will be shown at the Detroit auto show in January.

Related
More on the LA Auto Show
More on the BMW 1 Series

BMW Confirms CS Production Plans

Remember that wild-looking four-door coupe BMW unveiled at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show? If you don’t, there’s a picture right here and a gallery here. Anyway, at the Tokyo Motor Show that’s going on this week, BMW executives confirmed that the company will indeed build the sloping sedan.

How emphatically did they confirm production plans? “This vehicle is only a concept study, but we have already decided that we will definitely build a four-door Gran Turismo, modeled on this concept,” said BMW board member Stefan Krause.

We pretty much expected the CS to be built, but it’s always nice to know it is officially in development.

2 Minute Faceoff: Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 335i

Before we start to tell you about the video above, we’re going to say right now (right now!) that we don’t want to hear any complaints out of you rascally commenters about us comparing a coupe to a hardtop convertible. We know they’re not exactly the same. But we had both cars in the same place at the same time, we had two minutes, we had Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder in a caffeinated state, so we went with it.

There, we feel better now. Oh, and enjoy the video.

2008 BMW M3 Sedan is Coming

• Competes with: Audi RS 4, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
• Looks like: A baby M5
• Drivetrain: 414-hp, 4.0-liter V-8 with six-speed manual transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2008

This spring is going to be a busy one at BMW dealerships. The new 1 Series will debut alongside two powerful versions of the 3 Series. The M3 coupe was announced earlier this year, and today we bring news of a sedan version of the M3. The sedan will feature the same 414-hp engine as the coupe, which is a bump of 15% over the last M3 while getting 8% better fuel economy. Yes, we’re throwing in practicality here. A sedan version of the M3 hasn’t been available since 2000.

BMW says the new M3 maintains a 50/50 weight distribution, using aluminum for components up front to achieve that vaunted balance.

The new M3 will also feature a memory setting for driving settings, much like you would find on many power seats. Instead of seating comfort, however, this MDrive will store preferences for dynamic stability control and modes for steering response, ride comfort and throttle response.

There’s no mention of 0-60 speed — we’re guessing “fast” will be a safe guess — nor price — we’re guessing “expensive” will be a safer guess — yet anticipation still abounds. Check out more photos below.

Is a Bigger BMW Better?

General Motors once vowed, "A vehicle for every purse and pocket."

Of course, creating so many divisions and models got GM into financial trouble when the number of its competitors grew so much as well and people dipped into pocket and purse to buy Toyotas and Hondas.

Now BMW, which sells about 300,000 BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles annually, appears to want to benchmark GM: It's saying it will add six new models in the U.S. within the next few years in order to have products in segments in which it doesn't now compete.

Automotive News says BMW, which already has a small 1 Series on the way and just unveiled an X6 coupe crossover concept in Frankfurt, plans a small BMW crossover and two sedans, one priced above the current 7 Series; a Mini crossover; and two Rolls-Royce models. What, no pickup or minivan?

BMW 1 Series Convertible Coming This Spring

• Competes with: Mini Cooper S, Audi A3
• Looks like: A slightly smaller, less aggressive BMW Z4
• Drivetrain: 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder or 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter  six-cylinder
• Hits dealerships: 128i this spring, 135i later in 2008

We went gaga over the 135i coupe when we first saw it and learned that it would indeed be coming stateside. Now that we know the lineup will include more affordable 128i coupe and convertibles — in both 128i and 135i powerplants — we’re even more excited.

How can we get excited without ever having driven a two-door 1 Series? Because BMW promises a pure driving car without too much gadgetry getting in the way. However, iDrive is available with the navigation system.

The convertible top can be retracted in 22 seconds at speeds up to 25 mph. Raising the roof takes the same amount of time. There’s a standard soft-top in black or taupe, plus an optional version in black with shiny metallic fibers that the company says shine silver in the sun. The optional sun-reflective leather found on the new 3 Series convertible is also offered here.

BMW says two golf bags will fit in the trunk when the top is retracted, but we’ll believe that when we see it. Keep reading for more photos.

Cars.com Faceoff: Luxury Sedan Showdown

Someone recently asked us what the heck it is we do all day at the Cars.com offices, you know, besides blogging here on KickingTires. Well, one of the things we do is compare some of the big players in segments from convertibles to SUVs. This month we took three of the best entries in the luxury sedan market and compared the good, the bad and the kind of expensive. The 2008 BMW 528i, 2008 Cadillac STS and Infiniti M35 deliver style and value, but which one brings home the win?

Cars.comparison: Luxury Performance Sedans (Cars.com)

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: BMW X6 Hybrid Concept

• Looks like: A hybrid Hot Wheels brought to life
• Defining characteristics: BMW's menacing answer to the Toyota Prius
• Ridiculous features: A 20% gain in mileage? If it’s a concept, BMW should aim higher
• Chance of being mass-produced: Believe it or not, this could very well be in your favorite environmentally conscious celebrity’s driveway soon

Following on the heels of the plain-old gasoline-powered X6 concept comes the X6 hybrid. Again, we’ll preface this entire “concept” thing with the fact that we’re pretty darn sure this will be at a BMW dealership sometime before the end of the decade, looking pretty much exactly like the images here. The hybrid system is the two-mode variety and is based on technology jointly developed with GM and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW says it will get 20% better fuel economy than a standard X6 — because they’re all just concepts, no standard powertrain information has been released — by allowing the electric motor to power the car from a stop and at low speeds, with the engine kicking in at higher speeds. This also marks BMW’s first traditional gasoline-electric hybrid planned for mass production. Oh, wait — it’s still a concept. Expect to see more hybrids from BMW using the same system in more familiar models. We think the boring old X5 SUV could use a hybrid version. More photos of the X6 hybrid concept below.

2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: BMW X6 Concept

• Looks like: A Hot Wheels car brought to life
• Defining characteristics: A sports car body dropped onto Bigfoot’s wheels
• Ridiculous features: A sports car body dropped onto Bigfoot’s wheels
• Chance of being mass-produced: BMW doesn’t often introduce a concept that isn’t meant for production. The X6 looks so ready to hit dealerships we’d expect to see the real thing revealed by the end of this year.

We’re kind of at a loss here. We knew BMW was working on an SUV with a swoopy shape but nothing could have prepared us for this. The X6 is a real BMW, folks. The name might say concept — a hybrid version of it will be a concept as well; we’ll post about it as soon as we can — but BMW has been testing the X6 for production for quite some time. It seems BMW actually intends to sell this “sport activity coupe” to the masses. How big the masses are remains to be seen.

Why are we blown away? Well, despite the recent anti-SUV sentiment in the U.S., luxury SUVs are still selling well and the redesigned BMW X5 is the company’s best SUV to date, perhaps even the best luxury SUV on the market. BMW doesn’t need another vehicle in this segment and the X6 will have less room inside than the X5. Perhaps the radical looks, augmented by those ridiculously huge 21-inch wheels, will draw those who don’t want a soccer-mom mobile. 

The idea of a four-door coupe style is not new — see the Mercedes-Benz CLS — but putting it on an off-roadable platform seems like an odd choice, it certainly doesn’t look like anything else on the road. While we regroup, check out the images below.

Reader Review of the Week: 2007 BMW 335i Convertible

We're kind of jealous of this week's winner of the RROTW. While we get to sit behind the wheel of a BMW M3 or 335i for a week or so to review the car, Former M3 Guy from San Diego has owned both BMW two-doors in convertible form. He lists the pros and cons in his review, saying the 335i is a match for the M3 in terms of acceleration, but "probably couldn't quite keep up in the 'twisties,' but on the other hand it is a much more comfortable everyday driver." Our own Mike Hanley recently reviewed the 335i hardtop convertible, and you can find his review here.

Volvo S80 Tops Luxury Side-Impact Crash Testing

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its latest side-impact crash-test scores for large sedans. Three of the six models earned the top score of Good, but the BMW 5 Series ended up with a marginal rating, which is just one wrung above poor. Volvo continues to live up to its safety reputation, with the all-new S80 sedan earning Good side-impact scores. Along with its top frontal and rear crash scores, the S80 has now earned IIHS’ highest honor: Top Safety Pick.

The Acura RL and Kia Amanti also earned Good side-impact crash-test scores, while the 2007 Mercedes E-Class and Cadillac STS received Acceptable scores. All of the vehicles were equipped with standard side curtain airbags and front-seat-mounted torso airbags.

Strangely enough, both the STS and E-Class were recently reengineered to earn better crash scores, but the tweaks only resulted in marginal improvements, not enough to move them into the Good category.

Source: IIHS

Customer Satisfaction Leans Luxury, Domestic

The University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2007 was released today and identifies some interesting trends about how happy buyers are with their car purchases. This year, Lexus led the way with a score of 87, compared to the average of 82. Four other companies tied with a score of 86: Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln/Mercury (both owned by Ford) and BMW.

Toyota dropped three points from 87 to 84. The survey suggests that poor customer service and a number of recalls over the past year are to blame for the fall. Rounding out the bottom of the list is Jeep, which scored a lowly 75. Dodge and Chrysler were also both below average at 80 and 79, respectively.

Besides the success of its Lincoln and Mercury nameplates, Ford also saw the largest improvement, moving up three points to 80.

Full List of ASCI Scores
Car Buyers Give Toyota Lexus Top Score (BusinessWeek)

Mini Clubman Revealed Online

A number of websites leaked information about the Mini Clubman last night, days before it was supposed to be revealed. The surprising thing is one of those sites was owned by Mini itself. These images are of the new Mini Clubman, an elongated version of the Mini Cooper that will go on sale early next year.

A Clubman micro site was launched today by Mini and that’s where these computer-aided images are from. Keep reading to see more pictures and visit Mini.com for a lot of video game-esque driving. We’ll have full specs and official photos as soon as possible.

Friday Fleet Notes: 7.13.07

This week the staff takes on three very different vehicles: the Honda CR-V, Infiniti M35 and BMW 650oi convertible.

2007 Honda CR-V EX

My wife was a little stunned when she got into the CR-V; she was expecting a smaller cockpit area, especially given how small the CR-V seems from the outside. “I like the look if it,” the wife said. “It’s sharper-looking than the previous one, not as boxy-looking.”

We took our boys (the daughter is out of town, visiting her cousins) to Costco and loaded up the back, where there was plenty of space. There’s a shelf to hide your cargo, although I wonder if it would fray easily over time. The boys found plenty of legroom in the backseat.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 BMW 5 Series

Recently I had the chance to test the 2008 BMW 528i and 550i. BMW only made minor cosmetic changes, but it beefed up the entry trim’s engine and added the twin-turbo from the 335 to create a 535i as well. Check out the review for the full rundown on all three models and what they offer.

2008 BMW 5 Series Expert Review

BMW Launches 1 Series Minisite

We know some of you may be getting sick of 1 Series information this week, but since it is an entirely new line for U.S. buyers, it’s a big deal and we’re going to treat it as such. To go along with yesterday’s photos and video released to the press, BMW’s consumer website has now devoted a considerable amount of space to a model months before it will be available to buyers.

There are nine beautiful wallpaper-sized images to download that, we’ll admit, look better than the dozens in our press photo gallery. You can also sign up for updates from BMW.

Now back to your pre-4th of July planning.

BMW USA