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BMW introduces a new concept in premium motoring, the BMW X6 Sports Activity
Coupé. Powered exclusively by a pair of twin turbocharged straight-six engines,
one petrol, the other diesel; the new BMW X6 redefines the concept of a sporting
coupé for the 21st century.
BMW has created a vehicle with excellent ground-clearance equipped with a
sophisticated and intelligent all-wheel drive system, and an extremely spacious
comfortable and luxurious interior designed for four occupants.
There is no other premium vehicle like the BMW X6. It creates a niche all its
own at the upper end of the premium car market, and delivers to an exceedingly
discerning customer, the ultimate in driving excitement.
BMW broke the four-wheel-drive mould in 1999 with the launch of the BMW X5
Sports Activity Vehicle. At that time the concept of a large all-wheel drive
vehicle designed to deliver superior driving dynamics and luxury features and
high levels of build quality was unknown. Now the BMW X5 is considered the
benchmark in a market where many rivals have flooded in, spurred on by the
success of the BMW X5 concept. Nevertheless, BMW X5 sales continue to grow year
on year.
It is against this backdrop that BMW decided to extend the design envelope
once again, and combine two key areas of interest among its customers. BMW
Coupés have always been extremely sought-after and the success of BMW xDrive and
the BMW X Series vehicles prompted some serious discussion of how to combine the
two strengths into one remarkable vehicle.
The introduction of the BMW X6 is a logical next step in the process of
anticipating customer demand. The BMW X6 sets a new performance benchmark with
the world debut of its innovative Dynamic Performance Control rear differential
and advanced stability systems to ensure a new dimension in all-wheel drive
car-like driving capabilities.
The drive train, incorporating the latest and most stimulating BMW
technologies, ensures the BMW X6 delivers low emissions and low fuel consumption
figures in conjunction with impressive output and acceleration performance. All
that in a dynamic coupé-like body shape and interior that is unique in the
premium segment.
The BMW X6 is a bespoke proposition. Given the history of BMW X Series
vehicles, one may only wonder as to how long the X6 will remain alone in this
class.
Just as there are many customers for BMW 3 Series family vehicles outside the
Sedan, so too will customers who admire the concept of the BMW X3 and X5 desire
the new BMW X6.
The BMW X6 is undeniably a niche car. There will be only a few hundred
available to Australia in 2008 and 2009 as worldwide interest and early demand
limits supply to some markets.
BMW expects to sell the BMW X6 to customers who want the command driving
position a BMW X Series product provides, but who also aspire to the sporting
style of a Coupé. The BMW X6 will also appeal to early adopters, who
traditionally make up a large proportion of new BMW concept models. In addition
BMW expects further customers will be drawn from the BMW X5 owner base and from
owners of rival premium brand all-wheel drive vehicles and premium
coupés.
For the first time in the history of a BMW model range, every member of the
BMW X6 family is powered by Twin Turbo engines. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered
by the twin-turbocharged 2007 and 2008 International Engine of the Year winner
that produces 225 kW. This engine is capable of accelerating the X6 xDrive35i
from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h (where
legal).
The 2,979 cc-engined X6 is still capable of achieving 12.1-litres per 100 km
on the combined test cycle, and emits just 286 g/km of CO2
The BMW X6 xDrive35d also boasts a stirring power plant under its bonnet. The
Twin Turbo diesel produces 210 kW from its 2,993 cc aluminium block and 580 Nm
of torque, and is able to accelerate the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.9
seconds. Fuel consumption is a miserly 9.0 l/100km, while exhaust emissions are
only 237 g/km of CO2. Top speed is 236 km/h.
The third-generation common-rail technology diesel-engine and high-precision
direct injection system on the petrol model both serve to optimise the
combustion process.
The power of the BMW X6 is harnessed by an advanced chassis that incorporates
Dynamic Performance Control for the first time on a BMW. Dynamic Performance
Control offers drivers class-leading cornering ability courtesy of a complex
multi-clutch differential that, effectively, helps drive the vehicle around a
bend.
A conventional differential wastes power through wheel slip during cornering.
A limited-slip differential locks out an unloaded wheel to transfer drive to the
wheel with most grip – but the locked wheel can act as a drag on performance.
However, Dynamic Performance Control improves on the traditional, performance
oriented limited-slip differential. It allows an inside wheel to still deliver
power and provide drive, while at the same time sending more drive to the
outside wheel that has more grip.
The result, combined with one of the most advanced stability control systems
available, is a vehicle that delivers an even greater degree of dynamic control
and enjoyment than ever before.
The BMW X6 model range will be available for delivery from the network of BMW
Dealers across Australia from 11 August.
A note about naming.
Given the proliferation of BMW
models producing varying outputs from the same capacity engine, a new solution
had to be found for the naming of a vehicle. New models will now adopt
‘performance output’. For example, in some markets there are 325d, 330d and the
335d models that are all powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine. When looking at
the X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive35d both follow this path. The addition of
xDrive to the vehicle name underscores the four-wheel-drive
capability.
“BMW is leading the way in introducing new vehicles that challenge convention
but are borne out of evolving customer demands,” says Tom Noble, BMW Group
Australia General Manager, Marketing.
“The BMW X6 caters for a more discerning sector of the market which wants a
specific product and won’t compromise. The X6 is a blend of the strengths of the
BMW X5 and the BMW 6 Series Coupé served up in an eye-catching form.
“Since we previewed the Concept X6 at the Australian International Motor Show
in October 2007, the level of interest from BMW owners and conquest customers
has been incredible. We have only a limited supply of BMW X6 vehicles to deliver
this year, and even before the cars went on sale, a large proportion already had
names against them.
“Once again it seems BMW is leading the way with an innovative concept that
is just what the market is looking for,” Tom says.
BMW X6 Pricing.
BMW X6 xDrive35i, 6-speed automatic transmission with
Steptronic and shift paddles $114,705
BMW X6 xDrive35d, 6-speed automatic
transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles $120,530
All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges. Luxury Car Tax
(LCT) has been included at the new rate of 33 percent above the $57,180
threshold.
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