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.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, a number of “cars of the future” are making a name for themselves.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

The Mitsubishi Concept-cX is described as a “funky new proposal for a compact crossover with a ‘jet’ fighter” nose from the new Lancer. The raised ground clearance and chunky wheelarches are all its own, and despite the name, there may eventually be a showroom model of this car.

Crossover cars are very much in now. Nissan’s Qashqai is already selling well, Mazda has just launched the CX-7 and Ford’s Kuga is close to production, so people are used to the idea of a car that takes elements from both a regular family hatch and an SUV.