BMW X6 to arrive sooner than expected? Preparations begin...

BMW is making preparations at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant to build as many as 40,000 X6 crossovers a year, according to a BMW source contacted by Automotive News. The crossover coupe is expected to cost around $50,000, and target the Mercedes R-Class and Infiniti FX.

Deliveries of the new model are expected to begin next year, according to the report. Although recent reports have indicated the X6 is two years away from production, the supplier sources cited by Auto News are likely well informed.

BMW currently uses the South Carolina plant to build the new X5 SUV and Z4 roadster. BMW already has begun hiring at the plant, and at least four job fairs are planned in the area. BMW supplier Faurecia is working "around the clock" to bid on work for the X6. [Illustration source: AutoWeb].