BMW just pulled the covers off the fifth-generation X5, which gives everyone a rough idea of what a next-generation X6 could look like. Independent digital artist Theophilus Chin moved quickly on that opening, working up a pair of renderings that imagine the Neue Klasse take on the coupe-SUV that started the whole segment.

More: BMW Is Fixing The X2’s Face But Skipping Its Ugliest Angle

While the X5 has been around since 1999, the X6 didn’t show up until 2008. The current version arrived in 2019 and went through a facelift in early 2023, which puts it near the end of its run. BMW isn’t saying much, though if approved, a Neue Klasse X6 could reach the road by 2027.

Same Sheet Metal, Different Roofline

Illustrations Theophilus Chin

Naturally, the model borrows the front end design from its X5 sibling, albeit with a sportier stance. In fact, the two nameplates traditionally share the same sheet metal up until the B-pillars. Behind that point the X6 goes its own way, taking the coupe-SUV path with a sloping roofline that ends in what looks like a slightly longer rear overhang.

More: BMW’s New X5 Will Get A Pure V8, Batteries Not Included

For the tail, Theottle took the sharp lines of the X2 as a starting point, an odd choice given how much flak the X2 has caught for its rear, though he did rework the taillights with more modern LED graphics to soften the reference. Even so, we’d bet a production car ends up with more elongated lighting units back there, closer to what you see on the i3, iX3, and X5.

Illustrations Theophilus Chin

The cabin and the mechanical bits underneath should carry over from the X5, which means the coupe-SUV would likely come with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, plus a twin-turbo V8 held in reserve for a performance variant. There’s also the chance of a Toyota-sourced hydrogen setup somewhere down the line, though BMW might keep that one exclusive to the X5.

The automaker has confirmed that the smaller BMW X4 won’t be returning for another generation due to changing market realities, with the X2 serving as an indirect replacement. The X6’s future is harder to read, since no camouflaged prototypes have turned up in testing yet. Until one does, Theottle’s rendering stands as our best preview of what Munich could plan for its next high-riding coupe.

BMW X5

Reaction to Mercedes-AMG’s new electric 4-Door GT has certainly split the room. Its gaping gob, rounded surfacing and unconventional rear have set the comment sections at each other’s throats. For all the prancing horses in this world, though, it could look a lot worse than it does.

Read: Mercedes-AMG’s Upcoming EV Looks Bland, But Will Let The Performance Do The Talking

Whether buyer sentiment overpowers internet diatribe remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: AMG are amping up momentum with a high-riding, SUV counterpart that brings supercar performance to a more user-friendly package.

Slipping Through The Wind

AMG’s crossover will borrow heavily from the GT sedan’s aesthetic playbook. Our spy shot-based illustration reveals a taller, more practical body with a low-slung ‘Panamericana’ nose and a slim, full-width light strip. Large intakes, shapely front fenders and a heavily sculpted hood exude a go-fast presence.

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In profile, a long wheelbase in tandem with a relatively low roofline cements a planted stance. Flush  door handles, large wheels and pronounced rear haunches also contribute to the look. Out back, the tri-circle taillights are housed in a better-resolved black panel than the GT sedan, and an integrated roof spoiler is more function than form. Whether it gains the sedan’s optional active ‘Aerokinetics’ rear diffuser remains to be seen.

Nightclub On Wheels

The interior of the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe EV.

The cabin will largely be copy-pasted from the sedan, with extra cargo space thrown in. Expect a 14-inch driver-oriented digital instrument cluster and a 10.2-inch infotainment display running Mercedes-Benz MB.OS software. The MBUX-based system also brings over-the-air updates, connected services, and AI integration.

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Other goodies will include an augmented-reality head-up display, Burmester 4D surround sound, performance telemetry, and customizable drive modes. Red contrast stitching, heavily bolstered Alcantara sports seats, and carbon fiber trim will finish off the performance look inside.

The Fundamentals

SH Proshots

AMG’s hyper SUV will ride on the automaker’s AMG.EA architecture, developed exclusively for high-performance vehicles. The aluminium-intensive structure is abundant with high-strength materials and weight-saving measures.

Read: Nissan’s New Skyline Is Coming To America As The Q50, And It May Bring Back The Manual

Its higher center of gravity is kept in check with adaptive air suspension, rear-axle steering and active roll stabilization. Advanced torque-vectoring and chassis management help the sports driving experience.

Flux Power

Mirroring its sedan sibling, the electric powertrain will feature axial-flux motors developed by YASA, which are compact and lighter compared to radial-flux motors. 

Also: 2027 BMW X5 Drops Door Handles For Wings, Adds A 435-Mile Electric iX5

The headline act is the GT 63 tri-motor configuration, with 1153 horsepower (860 kW) and 1475 ft-lbs (2000 Nm) of torque. Power is fed to all four wheels, enabling a 0-60 mph time in about 2.5 seconds. The lower-powered GT 55 variant still offers a thumping 805 hp (600kW).

Power comes from a 106 kWh high-performance battery featuring cylindrical cells and advanced cooling. An F1-developed 800-volt architecture will support DC fast charging up to 600 kW in ideal conditions and offer a WLTP range of up to 435 miles (700 km). It will also feature synthesized gear shifting accompanied by a faux V8 soundtrack.

Rivals and Reveal

Mercedes-AMG’s flagship electric SUV will target the upper echelon of the performance market, taking on the Porsche Cayenne Electric, Lotus Eletre, and Xiaomi YU7 GT.

Related: Mercedes-AMG Plans 27 New Cars In 36 Months To Catch BMW’s M

With prototype testing underway, expect the production model to debut early next year. When it arrives, it will become the second model built on the AMG.EA platform.

Does the GT in SUV guise redeem the sedan’s controversial look? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops