The BMW X coupe premiered at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. From a pure styling standpoint, the X coupe is dramatically different from anything BMW has ever created - a logical next step in the evolution of BMW design. X coupe points to a new design direction for the segment of sporty, lifestyle-oriented vehicles.

The X coupe is not just a show sculpture; it is driveable, and based on the chassis of BMW’s production Sports Activity Vehicle, the X5. Under the coupe’s long, one-piece hood is an advanced BMW turbodiesel engine: the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder unit of the European 530d model, with state-of-the-art common-rail direct fuel injection, developing 184 horsepower.

Beyond the production engine, the X coupe’s powerplant has been modified to produce a brawny 332 lb-ft. of torque; this speaks well for off-road ability, and top speed should be somewhere around 125 mph.