The BMW line at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007 was that its new X6 Sports Activity Coupé is a “concept car”.

This has been challenged by some commentators who expect it in the showrooms next summer.

The X6 mixes X5 mechanicals with a snazzy coupé body. It will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate its xDrive four-wheel drive system tuned for road performance. Also, all models will come with BMW’s “Dynamic Control Performance” active chassis.

The engine will be definitely sporty with two turbo-diesel sixes and turbo-charged six and V8 engines.

The consensus is that the X6 is rather unique. It has fine looks, and although climatologists might not like the idea of a SUV/coupé combination, BMW will counter by positioning it as a hybrid by 2009, claiming it will reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent.

It will be interesting to observe what emerges and when.

The C5 Airscape is a concept car from the old school. Citroen debuted its styling for the forthcoming C5 saloon at Frankfurt with this extraordinary show model.

Citroen C5 Airscape concept car

It’s said to be a fresh view on the world of executive cabriolets. If the next C5 emerges anything like as smart as the C5 Airscape, Citroen buyers are going to be queuing up for it.

It’s the front-end design that stands out. Bold new headlamps frame the chic double chevron Citroen-badged grilles, and the bonnet, with its neat feature lines, gives the C5 Airscape real sex appeal.

If this is a sign of Citroen’s future design direction, its rivals had better look to their mettle.