The BMX X6 Is The Crossover Nobody Needs But So Many Want

And they'll pay handsomely for one.

You gotta hand it to BMW for being creative with its parts bin. Back in 2009, the first gen X6 launched, starting something that’s been copied by BMW’s competitors as well as more mainstream brands. Based on the same platform as the more conventional X5, the X6 is a luxury crossover with coupe-like styling, a niche segment BMW refers to as Sport Activity Coupe. The X6’s design isn’t for everyone, but know this: the first gen sold more than 250,000 examples worldwide, easily making the case for a successor, which we have for you today.

The 2017 BMW X6 xDrive35i is an all-wheel drive crossover with a hefty price tag and not a whole lot of interior and cargo space. But neither of those factors matter for a lot of buyers. The X6 is also about making a fashion statement, and a powerful one at that.

Under the hood lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, with power going to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Zero to 60 mph happens in 5.7 seconds. Our tester was very well equipped, with over $15,000 worth of options including the $1,900 Lighting Package, $3,000 M Sport Package, $1,550 Premium Package and the $1,700 Driver Assistance Plus. Not cheap, but the X6 also has an impressive capability that’ll satisfy many: a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The BMX X6. It’s what you buy when the X5 isn’t stylish enough. Special thanks to Niello BMW-Sacramento for letting us film the car.

Audi Won't Build The Future TT Nobody Wanted

The TT's body style will continue how it should be.

Earlier this month we learned that Audi was considering a four-door version of its TT coupe when the time comes for a redesign. Audi’s logic was that the coupe and roadster segment is quickly dying, and only a few brands are finding success. It may not be worth Audi’s development time and money any longer.

But the TT is still a recognizable name, so Audi toyed with the idea of turning it into a more practical four-door coupe. According to CarAdvice, that won’t be happening. The Australian publication recently spoke to Peter Oberndorfer, Audi’s head of communications, who confirmed the four-door coupe idea is no longer.

Now, some of you may recall back in 2014 when Audi seriously considered an entire “TT family”, so to speak, consisting of a coupe, sedan and even a crossover-ish type of vehicle. That idea originated from now former Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg, who was ousted following the revelations of Dieselgate.

“Actually we had the idea of a TT ‘family’, so to speak,” Oberndorfer said. “Not so much anymore. I think the TT is an icon, and to do a family (car) out of that is quite difficult. And especially in these times where we have to concentrate more and more, because we have to do gasoline and diesels on the one side, and electrification on the other side.”

The guy brings up some good points here, the main one being the TT always has been and should always be two-doors. “So you have to concentrate more and more and think about what you can do and what you can afford. So we’re quite happy with one TT at the moment," he added. But what does Audi have to say regarding that four-door TT rumor? “Where the recent stories came from, I don’t know. I don’t know about a four-door TT,” Oberndorfer said.

Outstanding Sports Cars Nobody Wants To Buy

We checked the sales numbers for some of today's greatest coupes and convertibles, then compared them to crossovers from the same brands. The results are interesting.

Most people love sports cars. They love reading about them. They love dreaming of owning one. Unfortunately, sports car ownership often exists more in our dreams than in reality. Ask any automaker which segment brings in the least money and their answers are universal: coupes and convertibles. In other words, sports cars. It’s a shame, really, because sports cars capture the soul of driving, at least on pavement. Although many executives are true driving enthusiasts, it can be a challenge to green light a vehicle they know won’t sell in high numbers.

Compared to crossovers, for example, sports cars – any sports car – sell for barely a fraction of what those family haulers do in a month or year. Fortunately, some automakers are sticking with their respective coupes and convertibles often because they represent the “soul of the brand,” or something like that. So we picked out nine of the most popular (in our heads) sports cars on sale today and compared their sales figures with those of a more mainstream model from the same brand. The numbers are depressing, so be warned.

Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe and Spider were instant classics the moment they arrived. The coupe came first, in 2014, followed by the Spider a year later. They represented a revival of the iconic brand for the North American market, despite the fact Alfa Romeo has always been sold in Europe. But if it wanted to survive, North America was vital and the 4C was a brilliant comeback. With its turbocharged straight-four producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 4C is loved for its lightweight and superb driving feel.

Unfortunately, its sales are dwindling, despite being a limited production model from the get-go. Last year, only 406 examples (Coupe and Spider) were sold in the US, down from 492 units in 2016 and 663 in 2015. So far this year, just 183 have left dealership lots.

To compare, the Stelvio SUV, in its first full model year, sold 2,721 examples in 2017 and is projected to do even better by the end of 2018.

BMW 2 Series

If you’re a true BMW fan, then the 2 Series is your car. It is the modern-day descendant of icons such as the 2002 and the E30 3 Series. And yes, you can spend big and go for the hardcore M2 and M2 Competition. But if you don’t have that kind of cash, then lower trim 2 Series coupes and convertibles will suit you just fine. The current F22 generation launched for 2014 and we’ve been fans of it ever since. Rear-wheel-drive, six-speed manual, turbocharged inline engine. It’s a simple and to-the-point setup. Sadly, that doesn’t appeal to a majority of BMW buyers.

While annual sales have typically increased since its first model year, 2017’s combined coupe and convertible count came to 29,922 units. Sounds pretty good, right? In the same year, the X5 SUV sold nearly 52,000 examples, and that’s actually a little low compared to 2015 (55,000). Now you see why BMW has a complete lineup of SUVs.

Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type comes from greatness. As the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type, the F-Type represents everything a modern Jaguar ought to be: fast, sexy, brilliant to drive, and capable of wonderful engine noise. Unfortunately, those traits aren’t good enough to carry the brand. No, Jaguar needs more mainstream models in order to make a buck. But what’s changing these days is that instead of relying on sedans like the XE for a steady profit, Jaguar has shifted focus to SUVs like the F-Pace. The sales figures speak for themselves.

Last year, Jaguar sold nearly 19,000 F-Pace SUVs, up from 10,000 in 2016. The F-Type? Just 4,108 (coupe and convertible combined) were sold in 2017. Is that enough to justify its existence? Apparently so because Jaguar is already working on its successor, so that’s something. Meanwhile, the E-Pace and all-new I-Pace will help bring in the big bucks. Even a three-row J-Pace is rumored.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling sports car of all time. The rear-wheel-drive, lightweight roadster burst on to the scene in 1989 and since then Mazda has produced over 1 million of them. Impressive. Or is it? Let’s compare it to the also very well-regarded Mazda CX-5.

In 2017, over 127,000 new CX-5 crossovers left dealership lots. That same year just over 11,000 MX-5 Miatas were sold. US sales of the MX-5 seem to fluctuate yearly but aren’t anywhere near what they were in the roadster’s early years. In its first model year, for example, 23,000 units were sold. That increased to nearly 36,000 in 1990, an all-time high. It's a steady decline from there. Meanwhile, annual CX-5 sales numbers are only increasing.

Mercedes-AMG GT

Let’s be honest with this one: the Mercedes-AMG GT was never intended to be a big money maker. It is a demonstration of what the German automaker and its high-performance division are capable of doing. Yes, a halo car. However, halo cars are never built in high numbers despite their impressive performance credentials. The AMG GT is no different. A total of 1,609 examples were sold in the US in 2017 and it looks like it’ll be around the same by the time 2018 comes to a close. Those numbers are peanuts compared to the Mercedes GLC SUV crossover.

In 2017 alone, Americans bought over 48,600 GLCs and already we can confirm that figure will be higher this year. Again, we’re not directly comparing these vehicles stats wise because they couldn’t be any more different, other than sharing that Silver Star emblem. But it just goes to show how little automakers rely on halo models to make a buck.

Nissan 370Z and GT-R

There’s no question Nissan knows how to build great sports cars. The 370Z coupe and roadster and GT-R have rightly earned their solid reputations, especially the latter, despite not being ideal daily drivers. However, a majority of car buyers and Nissan customers have zero interest in owning any of them. A total of 4,600 or so 370Z coupes and convertibles were sold in 2017, down from nearly 6,000 in 2016 and 7,400 in 2015. The GT-R? Try not to laugh (or cry): only 578 examples sold in 2017. In fact, Nissan has sold a combined total of 11,676 GT-Rs since it launched for 2008.

Now comes the crossover comparison: Last year alone in the US, 403,465 Rogues were sold, which was an all-time high for the model.

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman

Tell any Porsche 911 fan that the 718 Boxster and Cayman twins have the better engine setup (mid- vs. rear-engine) and you’re likely to begin a debate that will never end. While mid-engine sports cars have long been hailed for their ideal weight balance, they’re still sports cars at the end of the day in the eyes of the bean counters. The sales numbers do all of the talking. A total of 5,087 718 Boxsters and Caymans (2,287 and 2,800 units, respectively) were sold in 2017. The accountants are probably not impressed, especially when sales of the Macan are taken into account.

Last year, almost 21,500 Macans left US dealer lots, and the same, if not more, are expected to be sold this year. It’s how the auto industry works these days.

Subaru BRZ

Once again, prepare yourselves for another episode of ‘How the Hell Can Sports Cars Be Justified!?’ with the Subaru BRZ and Forester. Needless to say, the BRZ is the only Subaru in the lineup not to have all-wheel drive, but the typical Subaru customer doesn’t care because they’re not in the market for a sports coupe in the first place. No, they want an SUV like the Forester. A total of 177,563 Foresters sold in 2017, slightly down from 178,593 in 2016.

The BRZ? Merely 4,131 sold in 2017 and 4,141 in 2016. Its best year was 2013 with 8,587 units sold. Was the RWD experiment worth it for Subaru? Subaru’s finance department probably doesn’t think so.

Amazing Station Wagons That Nobody Buys

Once the darling of the automotive world, they've fallen out of favor.

Here’s a conundrum – station wagons. Once the darling of the family, they’ve nowbeen shunned globally – first in favor of MPVs, and more recently in favor ofcrossovers and SUVs for their ‘practicality’ and high riding nature. So here goes a not so secretive secret –nobody buys any station wagons – they’re the black sheep of the automotiveworld. But, for those that spare them amoment of time, you’ll find that wagons are equally as practical as SUVs, and providecompelling, car-like dynamics for the enthusiast.

So for those so inclined, here’s our guide to the top 6 station wagons nobody buys. This of course does exclude crossover wagons, as we’ve dealt with those before, choosing instead to focus on true to type station wagons…

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

The Volkswagen Golf is a superbly accomplished hatchback in its own right, arguably deserving of the title of segment leader, combing space, practicality, frugality, and refinement that encroaches on the premium segment. But its lesser known big brother – the Golf SportWagen – takes every single one of those features and amps it up to new heights. With more space, a plus ride, exciting handling, and refinement to rival the best in the business, the Golf SportWagen turns the Golf from a compact hatchback into a true family car, complete with 66.5 cubic feet worth of cargo space with the 60/40 split rear seats folded.

Not only is it practical, but the 1.8-liter turbo engine combines potency and efficiency in a package that can handle all weather scenarios with its available all-wheel drive. With an MSRP starting at a shade over $21 000, it’s also the cheapest station wagon on this list, making it the perfect entrant to kick things off.

Mini Clubman

They may have added in an extra pair of doors for the current generation – robbing the Mini Clubman of some of its original awkward charm – but in doing so they’ve only made it more practical and more appropriate as a family vehicle. True to form though, it still retains the double rear swing doors, adding a level of extra practicality in tighter parking areas where roof height and giving easy access to the 17.5 cu ft. trunk – which will swell to 47.9 cubes with the rear bench folded.

The Mini Clubman offers a range of versatile engine and drivetrain options to cater to a wide range of buyers – everything from the 134hp Cooper Clubman to a 228hp John Cooper Works performance derivative, with the choice between front and all-wheel drive, and manual and automatic gearboxes to choose from. The Clubman’s greatest trait is perhaps that it appears so unassuming – seemingly more hatch than wagon which may be its only reprieve in a world that, as we’ve seen, no longer values the wagon.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

Diesel might have a bad rap after the whole VW debacle, but it seems not every manufacturer has given up on it in the US. The BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is the only vehicle on this list to make use of diesel as its means of propulsion, though a gasoline derivative is also available. Regardless of which engine you choose, you get BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and a 27.5 cubic foot trunk capacity that’ll swell to a cavernous 61.5 cubes. BMW’s penchant for pleasing driving dynamics is standard, and, if you opt for the 180hp 328d xDrive, you’ll get 43 miles to the gallon on the freeway.

Volvo V90

Volvo has a lengthy history with the station wagon body style, so it should come as no surprise that the Volvo V90 is one of the best looking wagons, arguably ever made. It’s one of two wagons still on sale by the Swedish brand, and it’s one of the few in the market that actually still has several direct rivals – coming in the form of the Mercedes-Benz E Class and Jaguar XF. Based on the same platform that underpins the XC90 SUV and S90 Sedan, the V90 is quite the accomplished vehicle, with optional rear air suspension lending levels of comfort few premium cars can match.

Unlike many a rival brand, the V90 focuses outright on comfort and practicality, though the R-Design gives buyers not only a sportier looking V90, but one with a fairly adept sports chassis that can run with the best.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

While many may lust after the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain 4x42, that’s just a concept. However, the regular EClass wagon is a worthy substitute that combines practicality with styling that gets rid of the rather questionable Mercedes-Benz back ends present on their sedan models. A 40/20/40 rear seat split enables a versatile cargo capacity ranging from 35 cubes all the way to 64 cubes with the rear bench stowed away. But it’s the available performance on offer that endears us to the E-Class Wagon even more.

Just two variants are available, with the base model being an E400 with a twin-turbo V6 good for 329hp. But the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is the one that earns the Mercedes a spot on this list – who doesn’t love a 603hp wagon with all-wheel drive and a drift mode? The kids will never be late for school again!

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

The third wagon in its category, after the Volvo V90 and Mercedes E-Class, the Jaguar XF is the most driver orientated of the lot. But with the exception of the AMG E63 S, it’s also the most expensive of the lost with a starting price of $70 450 – though at $30 000 cheaper than the E63, it’s a huge bargain. It’s available in just a single derivative, ‘S AWD’ it packs the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 from the F-Type under the hood, developing 380 hp. A rear biased all-wheel drive system and 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox ensure power meets tarmac effectively.

0-60 mph is dealt with in 5.3 seconds, but it’s the way the XF Sportbrake talks to you as a driver that makes it so enjoyable; whilst cargo volume of up to 69.7 cubic feet places it ahead of its two rivals. Performance, noise, practicality, and of course good looks are all par for the course here, making the XF Sportbrake a compelling, albeit expensive station wagon for those in the market.

Outstanding Sports Cars Nobody Wants To Buy

We checked the sales numbers for some of today's greatest coupes and convertibles, then compared them to crossovers from the same brands. The results are interesting.

Most people love sports cars. They love reading about them. They love dreaming of owning one. Unfortunately, sports car ownership often exists more in our dreams than in reality. Ask any automaker which segment brings in the least money and their answers are universal: coupes and convertibles. In other words, sports cars. It’s a shame, really, because sports cars capture the soul of driving, at least on pavement. Although many executives are true driving enthusiasts, it can be a challenge to green light a vehicle they know won’t sell in high numbers.

Compared to crossovers, for example, sports cars – any sports car – sell for barely a fraction of what those family haulers do in a month or year. Fortunately, some automakers are sticking with their respective coupes and convertibles often because they represent the “soul of the brand,” or something like that. So we picked out nine of the most popular (in our heads) sports cars on sale today and compared their sales figures with those of a more mainstream model from the same brand. The numbers are depressing, so be warned.

Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe and Spider were instant classics the moment they arrived. The coupe came first, in 2014, followed by the Spider a year later. They represented a revival of the iconic brand for the North American market, despite the fact Alfa Romeo has always been sold in Europe. But if it wanted to survive, North America was vital and the 4C was a brilliant comeback. With its turbocharged straight-four producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 4C is loved for its lightweight and superb driving feel.

Unfortunately, its sales are dwindling, despite being a limited production model from the get-go. Last year, only 406 examples (Coupe and Spider) were sold in the US, down from 492 units in 2016 and 663 in 2015. So far this year, just 183 have left dealership lots.

To compare, the Stelvio SUV, in its first full model year, sold 2,721 examples in 2017 and is projected to do even better by the end of 2018.

BMW 2 Series

If you’re a true BMW fan, then the 2 Series is your car. It is the modern-day descendant of icons such as the 2002 and the E30 3 Series. And yes, you can spend big and go for the hardcore M2 and M2 Competition. But if you don’t have that kind of cash, then lower trim 2 Series coupes and convertibles will suit you just fine. The current F22 generation launched for 2014 and we’ve been fans of it ever since. Rear-wheel-drive, six-speed manual, turbocharged inline engine. It’s a simple and to-the-point setup. Sadly, that doesn’t appeal to a majority of BMW buyers.

While annual sales have typically increased since its first model year, 2017’s combined coupe and convertible count came to 29,922 units. Sounds pretty good, right? In the same year, the X5 SUV sold nearly 52,000 examples, and that’s actually a little low compared to 2015 (55,000). Now you see why BMW has a complete lineup of SUVs.

Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type comes from greatness. As the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type, the F-Type represents everything a modern Jaguar ought to be: fast, sexy, brilliant to drive, and capable of wonderful engine noise. Unfortunately, those traits aren’t good enough to carry the brand. No, Jaguar needs more mainstream models in order to make a buck. But what’s changing these days is that instead of relying on sedans like the XE for a steady profit, Jaguar has shifted focus to SUVs like the F-Pace. The sales figures speak for themselves.

Last year, Jaguar sold nearly 19,000 F-Pace SUVs, up from 10,000 in 2016. The F-Type? Just 4,108 (coupe and convertible combined) were sold in 2017. Is that enough to justify its existence? Apparently so because Jaguar is already working on its successor, so that’s something. Meanwhile, the E-Pace and all-new I-Pace will help bring in the big bucks. Even a three-row J-Pace is rumored.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling sports car of all time. The rear-wheel-drive, lightweight roadster burst on to the scene in 1989 and since then Mazda has produced over 1 million of them. Impressive. Or is it? Let’s compare it to the also very well-regarded Mazda CX-5.

In 2017, over 127,000 new CX-5 crossovers left dealership lots. That same year just over 11,000 MX-5 Miatas were sold. US sales of the MX-5 seem to fluctuate yearly but aren’t anywhere near what they were in the roadster’s early years. In its first model year, for example, 23,000 units were sold. That increased to nearly 36,000 in 1990, an all-time high. It's a steady decline from there. Meanwhile, annual CX-5 sales numbers are only increasing.

Mercedes-AMG GT

Let’s be honest with this one: the Mercedes-AMG GT was never intended to be a big money maker. It is a demonstration of what the German automaker and its high-performance division are capable of doing. Yes, a halo car. However, halo cars are never built in high numbers despite their impressive performance credentials. The AMG GT is no different. A total of 1,609 examples were sold in the US in 2017 and it looks like it’ll be around the same by the time 2018 comes to a close. Those numbers are peanuts compared to the Mercedes GLC SUV crossover.

In 2017 alone, Americans bought over 48,600 GLCs and already we can confirm that figure will be higher this year. Again, we’re not directly comparing these vehicles stats wise because they couldn’t be any more different, other than sharing that Silver Star emblem. But it just goes to show how little automakers rely on halo models to make a buck.

Nissan 370Z and GT-R

There’s no question Nissan knows how to build great sports cars. The 370Z coupe and roadster and GT-R have rightly earned their solid reputations, especially the latter, despite not being ideal daily drivers. However, a majority of car buyers and Nissan customers have zero interest in owning any of them. A total of 4,600 or so 370Z coupes and convertibles were sold in 2017, down from nearly 6,000 in 2016 and 7,400 in 2015. The GT-R? Try not to laugh (or cry): only 578 examples sold in 2017. In fact, Nissan has sold a combined total of 11,676 GT-Rs since it launched for 2008.

Now comes the crossover comparison: Last year alone in the US, 403,465 Rogues were sold, which was an all-time high for the model.

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman

Tell any Porsche 911 fan that the 718 Boxster and Cayman twins have the better engine setup (mid- vs. rear-engine) and you’re likely to begin a debate that will never end. While mid-engine sports cars have long been hailed for their ideal weight balance, they’re still sports cars at the end of the day in the eyes of the bean counters. The sales numbers do all of the talking. A total of 5,087 718 Boxsters and Caymans (2,287 and 2,800 units, respectively) were sold in 2017. The accountants are probably not impressed, especially when sales of the Macan are taken into account.

Last year, almost 21,500 Macans left US dealer lots, and the same, if not more, are expected to be sold this year. It’s how the auto industry works these days.

Subaru BRZ

Once again, prepare yourselves for another episode of ‘How the Hell Can Sports Cars Be Justified!?’ with the Subaru BRZ and Forester. Needless to say, the BRZ is the only Subaru in the lineup not to have all-wheel drive, but the typical Subaru customer doesn’t care because they’re not in the market for a sports coupe in the first place. No, they want an SUV like the Forester. A total of 177,563 Foresters sold in 2017, slightly down from 178,593 in 2016.

The BRZ? Merely 4,131 sold in 2017 and 4,141 in 2016. Its best year was 2013 with 8,587 units sold. Was the RWD experiment worth it for Subaru? Subaru’s finance department probably doesn’t think so.