Here are first photos confirming BMW's official statement made at the last Geneva Motor Show. The Bavarian carmaker is about to extend the X5 model range with an additional 4x4 "coupe," based on the same platform.

In this case, the word "coupe" does not mean a two-door, but, as in Mercedes CLS500 marketing jargon, refers to a sporting model with coupe-like roofline, even if it has four doors.

Rumors are that the new model will be named the X6. The first development mule is now doing laps at Germany's famous N?rburgring. These early development mules have a clever modular frame that allows all weight- (and, therefore, handling-) critical items to be positioned differently and in small steps, in order to find their optimum position for superior road-holding, handling, steering, and comfort. Similarly, the mules offer easy access to the suspension geometry, springs, dampers, and steering, which all can be varied and fine-tuned.

The test mule sports a non-production body made as simply as possible to cover the mechanical parts. It offers no indication of the final vehicle's styling or design.

The newcomer is reported to be a sporty looking crossover four-door, four-seater. It gets front-mounted engines ranging from a V-8 with either 340 hp or 450 hp, to a V-10 with 612 hp.

BMW hopes to be alone in this "coupe" market. By offering a high seating position and four-wheel drive, they would be without a direct competitor, at least initially. That's only until Porsche brings on the Panamera, a four-door coupe due in 2009.?

Just like the current and the next X5, the new X6 will be built in the United States in South Carolina and is scheduled for release in 2008.

BMW Plans Performance-oriented X6 SUV for 2008 Release.

In late 2008, expect BMW'S X team to gain another member. The Bavarians reportedly are developing a sporty SUV called the X6, which will be built from the same architecture as the next X3 and X5.

From what we know today, the X6 will look more dynamic and fetching than the Porsche Cayenne. Think of it as BMW's answer to the Infiniti FX45 and the new Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Although it will share its wheelbase with the X5, the X6 will be better equipped and pricier, even while offering no more rear-seat and cargo space than the X3, as a result of its swept roofline. The X6 will fit four or five passengers, depending on whether a reported 4+1 arrangement with a part-time central jump seat reaches production.

BMW's 3.0-liter in-line six and 367-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 engines are likely, although it is doubtful that either will be offered with a manual transmission in the United States. A 30/70 front/rear torque split, lightweight body panels, advanced stability control, and large brakes and tires should make the X6 even sportier than the X5.

BMW also is developing two so-called space-functional concepts, or crossovers, including a family activity vehicle (FAV) due in 2009 and a luxury activity vehicle (LAV) aimed squarely at the new Mercedes R-class and due in late 2008. The six-seat LAV will be based on 5- and 7-series components and built in Germany, whereas all future X models will be assembled in North America, including the X3, which currently is built in Austria. See the July issue of Automobile Magazine for pictures.