Secret 4x4s of 2006 - Other secret 4x4s arriving in 2006

What?: BMW X5 When?: Early 2007 How much? £40,000 (est)
The next-generation X5 will match the Audi Q7 by offering seating for up to seven passengers, although this may be an option rather than a standard feature. BMW has yet to release pictures of the car, but it’s thought to be a less radical-looking design than its little brother, the X3. Many of the X5's key features, such as the sloping split tailgate, are likely to be carried over.

What?: Audi Allroad When?: Summer 2006 How much? £34,000-£44,000 (est)
The Allroad is aimed at buyers who want a go-anywhere A6 rather than a full-blooded 4x4 – a halfway-house between a true off-roader and a four-wheel drive estate car. The Allroad gets a choice of three engines to start with – the 3.2- and 4.2-litre petrols and 3.0-litre TDi from the A6 range. The 4.0 TDi is likely to follow a little later.

What?: Jeep Commander When?: Summer 2006 How much? £33,500 (est)
The Commander is set to join the growing band of 4x4s with room inside for seven, however the rearmost two seats will probably be best suited to children. Buyers will have a choice between a 5.7-litre V8 petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel.

What?: Mercedes GL-Class When?: Summer 2006 How much? £45,000 (est)
Mercedes isn't being left behind in the seven-seater 4x4 race. This big off-roader will sit above the M-Class in Mercedes’ model line-up. The GL looks set to be a luxurious affair, cosseting passengers on-road and off.

What?: Vauxhall Antara When?: Late 2006 How much? £17,000 (est)
Roughly the same size as the Toyota RAV4, the new Vauxhall Antara will be available in five-door form only. Despite its 4x4 looks, the Antara is billed as a crossover car, so is likely to be more at home on Tarmac than the rough stuff. The GTC concept version featured Vauxhall’s latest 209bhp 1.9-litre diesel which, with a 0-62mph time of around 8.0sec, is a mouth-watering prospect for this stylish-looking car.

To watch our exclusive video preview of some of the models in this sector, click on the relevant link for you below.

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See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.