Quote:
Originally Posted by deemo319
The X6 was the direct result of a couple of focus groups after the E53 X5.
The owners wanted something more aggressive and with seating for four.
The E53 X5 4.6is and the subsequent E53 4.8is led the way down the path of the E71 X6.
Overwhelmingly male, the prospective owners wanted more extreme, which led to the X6.
Cut roofline, lower suspension, hatchback and seating for four and later optional seating for five.
Dealers were scared they wouldn't sell and stayed away from them.
Other manufacturers watched as BMW made serious money and exploited and niche market that nobody knew about, but they did since the could develop it from the E70 X5 chassis.
Now the Mercedes-Benz GLC (?), VW's Audi is working on a Q6 and Toyota's considering one for their "Lexus" brand.
Honda tried and failed miserably with the "Acura ZDX" and in its final year on the market it sold 410 units. Yes, that's 410 units.
The American market didn't want a Honda Accord based crossover with beak in the front and rear that was priced out of its element.
With sales of 235,850 E71 X6 units in its lifecycle BMWs competitors and perceived competitors have watched them rake in huge profits long enough and want in on the upscale "SUV Coupe" market niche.
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To be fair, the x6 only fits four people if the two in back are tiny. If your head hits the roof, you don't "fit". As much as I like the the look of the x6, I think it is more coupe than suv...to its detriment, if you need or want the suv part.