The Automotive Crystal Ball: BMW to Make an Off-Road Coupe?

It's also worth noting that the SAC would be the shortest vehicle to be spun off the platform. Considering the fact that the

The SAC will use the X5's advanced X-Drive all-wheel drive system. (Photo: BMW of North America)

car is half off-roader, half-coupe, the SAC will use the X5's advanced X-Drive all-wheel drive system, tweaked for a rear-wheel drive bias to minimize understeer and retain sports car-like handling.

An area that's slightly more in the gray is the SAC's suspension system. It's speculated that base-level versions will use steel springs, which are often criticized as being too stiff for an SUV. However, BMW has proved this to be false with the current X5, delivering one of the best handling and ride combinations in the crossover SUV segment. Alternatively, an air suspension system could be used, which would allow ride height to be raised and lowered to retain the SAC's low center of gravity at high speed, or when traversing across rough terrain raising the ride height and improving general comfort. Of course, the mitigating factor is price.

Another area which has yet to be agreed upon is what kind of body layout will be used. Though Panke says, "It is not a

Three possible body layouts are currently up for debate. (Photo: BMW of North America)

two-plus-two in the traditional sense, it is a four-seater with boot (trunk) space," this leaves the door open to three possibilities which are currently up for debate.

Firstly, the SAC could be a tall-profile two-door coupe, although this is unlikely. Far more likely would be a four-door version with a swooping roofline like the M-B CLS sedan, though the rear door handles would most likely be hidden in the rear C-Pillars. Also on the list is a rear-hinged door option, though its potential to be picked is far less likely due to its inherently complex design and outright cost.