For a few years now, automakers have been exploring new market segments in order to attract even more people to their showrooms. Crossovers have proven to be quite successful; on the other hand, there are new vehicle types which do not seem to take off.
For instance, a couple of years ago, Infiniti managed to juxtapose an SUV with a sports car to create a radically-styled machine; however, very few companies have tried to emulate them due to fears of a failed surgery.
Yet, for 2008, BMW is moving forward on this slippery ground. Largely inspired from the X5, the all-new X6 marks the German automaker's foray into the Infiniti-built niche: coupe-style sport utility vehicles. Either you love it or you hate it; that's how polarizing this model is. The roofline is extremely arched and peaks near the B-pillars.
In fact, the overall shape generates a lot of puzzlement; at first glance, the bodywork appears disorganized, with a front fascia almost identical to the X5 as well as the rear-end treatment of the 3-Series Coupe, especially the taillights. The influence of BMW's design director Chris Bangle is immediately felt -- and like all his other creations, the result gets mixed reviews.
Botched transformation
Likewise, the interior is a carbon copy of the X5, although a number of modifications were made to create some visual separation. In the process, ergonomics have been compromised. Overall, the interior layout is complex and ill-designed. I've driven a lot of BMWs over recent years and I thought I got used to their tricky iDrive, but I was wrong.
The instruments are hard to grasp and the controls are not intuitive at all, which makes you turn your focus away from the road. To make sure, I asked for a second opinion from a colleague but the verdict was the same: the design and ergonomics are subpar. HVAC controls are particularly difficult to reach. Fortunately, the system works great when you're driving. Also, soundproofing is just above average, offering decent insulation against road and wind noise.
For instance, a couple of years ago, Infiniti managed to juxtapose an SUV with a sports car to create a radically-styled machine; however, very few companies have tried to emulate them due to fears of a failed surgery.
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| The influence of BMW's design director Chris Bangle is immediately felt |
Yet, for 2008, BMW is moving forward on this slippery ground. Largely inspired from the X5, the all-new X6 marks the German automaker's foray into the Infiniti-built niche: coupe-style sport utility vehicles. Either you love it or you hate it; that's how polarizing this model is. The roofline is extremely arched and peaks near the B-pillars.
In fact, the overall shape generates a lot of puzzlement; at first glance, the bodywork appears disorganized, with a front fascia almost identical to the X5 as well as the rear-end treatment of the 3-Series Coupe, especially the taillights. The influence of BMW's design director Chris Bangle is immediately felt -- and like all his other creations, the result gets mixed reviews.
Botched transformation
Likewise, the interior is a carbon copy of the X5, although a number of modifications were made to create some visual separation. In the process, ergonomics have been compromised. Overall, the interior layout is complex and ill-designed. I've driven a lot of BMWs over recent years and I thought I got used to their tricky iDrive, but I was wrong.
The instruments are hard to grasp and the controls are not intuitive at all, which makes you turn your focus away from the road. To make sure, I asked for a second opinion from a colleague but the verdict was the same: the design and ergonomics are subpar. HVAC controls are particularly difficult to reach. Fortunately, the system works great when you're driving. Also, soundproofing is just above average, offering decent insulation against road and wind noise.
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| The interior is a carbon copy of the X5. |