BMW's new X6 is out in the open

Although the big 4x4 has spent 12 months testing on public roads, a heavy disguise has prevented our spy photographers from getting to grips with the newcomer's unique design - until now.

These first interior pictures of the car change all that, and also show the X6 is a strict four-seater, with its rear chairs divided by a large armrest. They also reveal how aggressively styled the BMW's back end will be.

You can see from our image of the rear seats how steeply the back of the roof slopes. As well as making the X6 look really sporty, it will help BMW to pitch the model at such rivals as the Nissan Murano and the forthcoming Infiniti FX45.

More coupé than fully fledged off-roader, the car is likely to build on the sharp handling of the already impressive X5. The German manufacturer is hoping drivers will be tempted behind the wheel by a range of V8 petrol and six-cylinder diesel engines. When it goes on sale in 2008, entry-level editions ofthe newcomer will cost from £40,000.