(autoinsidernews) - BMW is currently looking at its unused production capacity at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant to build up to 40,000 units of the automaker's upcoming X6 crossover, according to a supplier cited in an Automotive News report. The X6 will ride on the same platform as the new X5, and target Mercedes' R-Class.
The X6 will be smaller than the R-Class, and offer the sporty handling expected of BMW's. Based on the sloping roof of recent test mules, the crossover is likely to be a five passenger model only, skipping third-row seating for a stylish exterior, reports Trend.
The Spartanburg plant currently produces both the X5 and the Z4 roadster. Following a consolidation of the two lines last year, the BMW plant is running under capacity.
BMW intends to use the spare capacity for another Ultimate Driving Machine, and unused capacity is said to waiting for the X6. BMW is expected to begin hiring soon, with plans for four job fairs in the coming months.
Automotive News reports that the X6 should hit showrooms early in 2008, and cost upwards of $50,000.