The new BMW X6
The new BMW X6 Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Drivetrain 7 3. Chassis 12 4. Market 16 5. Design 18 6. Q & A 20 7. Standard and optional equipment (see separate documents) 22 8. Technical specifications 23 9. Exterior and interior dimensions 25 10. Power and torque diagrams 26
The new BMW X6
Introduction
In 1999 BMW broke the four-wheel-drive mould when it launched the X5 Sports
Activity Vehicle. With a bias towards excellent on-road performance combined
with a dynamic design and a premium interior, the BMW X5 was an instant
success. And it's a winning formula that has, unlike most other models, led to
increasing sales during its lifecycle with the biggest annual UK sales coming
in its penultimate year. The timing of the BMW X5 was perfect and it reflected
buyers' lifestyles and their desire for something unique in the marketplace.
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 4x4 car-like
driving capabilities. The drivetrain, incorporating BMW EfficientDynamics
technologies, ensures the X6 delivers excellent emissions and fuel consumption
figures in conjunction with impressive output and acceleration figures. All
that in a dynamic coupe-like body shape and interior that is unique in the
premium segment. The BMW X6 is a bespoke proposition, but one that competitors
look set to copy...just like the BMW X5.
Model / Price OTR / Power (hp) / Torque (Nm) / 0 - 62mph (secs) / Top Speed
(mph) / Combined mpg / CO2 (g/km) / VED Band
X6 xDrive30d / £41,965 / 235 / 520 / 8.0 / 137* / 34.4 / 217 / F***
X6 xDrive35d / £44,145 / 286 / 580 / 6.9 / 147 / 34.0 / 220 / F***
X6 xDrive35i / £42,730 / 306 / 400 / 6.7 / 149 / 25.9 / 262 / G
X6 xDrive50i / TBC / 408 / 600 / 5.4 / 155** / 22.6 / 299 / G
*Fitted with dynamic package.
** Electronically-limited.
***VED Band F vehicles qualify for £8-a-day London Congestion Charge.
The concept of the new BMW X6 is best considered in relation to the link
between the BMW 3 Series Saloon, Touring, Coupé and Convertible. People buy
all four versions of the 3 Series depending on their circumstances and needs.
The same will be the case for the BMW X6 compared to other BMW X models.
The BMW X6 is undeniably a niche car with BMW UK expecting to sell
approximately 1,600 X6s in its first year - by comparison an average of 7,000
X5s are sold every year. Research has shown that three key buyer profiles
exist:
• Buyers who want the command driving position an X product provides,
but who also aspire to the sporting style of a Coupé.
• Early adopters. BMW broke the mould when it launched the X5 and the
interest for that model came from early adopters looking for something unique
in the market. Early BMW X6 customers are expected to come from a similar
demographic.
• The BMW X5 or other Sports Activity Vehicle owner whose family has left
home and still desires a similar car, but one that doesn't scream 'family'.
Klaus Kibsgaard, the new Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "People have
questioned why we should launch such a car, but these doubters are the same who
said a BMW X5 wasn't a true BMW and that we shouldn't produce that. The BMW X5
3.0d has gone on to be the third biggest selling new car in our portfolio* and
is one of the most searched for used cars too.
"While we intend the X6 to be a niche product, BMW is leading the way in
introducing new vehicles that challenge convention but are borne out of
evolving customer demands. The BMW Z4 Coupé, the BMW 635d and the BMW 1 Series
Coupé are all examples of this. The BMW X6 caters for a more discerning sector
of the market which wants a specific product and won't compromise."
A quartet of turbocharged engines
For the first time in BMW's history a model range has been launched solely
powered by turbocharged engines. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by the
twin-turbocharged 2007 and 2008 International Engine of the Year winner that
produces 306hp. This powerplant is capable of propelling the X6 xDrive35i from
zero to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph. The
2,979cc-engined X6 is still capable of achieving a combined 25.9mpg and a CO2
figure of 262g/km.
The BMW X6 xDrive30d and the BMW X6 xDrive35d also both have award-winning
powerplants under their bonnets. The former, a single turbocharged unit
produces 235hp from its 2,993cc block, while the latter ups the ante by
offering 286hp from the same capacity engine but aided by twin-turbochargers.
The BMW X6 xDrive30d, which is likely to become the biggest selling X6 variant
over time, reaches 62mph from zero in 8.0 seconds before going on to a top
speed of 137mph*. Emissions and economy figures are equally impressive,
recording 217g/km and 34.4mpg respectively. The low CO2 output is enough for
the car to qualify for a lower Vehicle Excise Duty band, compared to rival
products, and continue to be an £8-a-day Congestion Charge vehicle in London
should current proposals become statute.
*Note: In 2007 the BMW 320d Saloon accounted for 12,015 sales, BMW 520d Saloon
8,365 sales and the BMW X5 3.0d 6,233 sales.
The BMW X6 xDrive35d sprints from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds before going on
to a top speed of 147mph. It too sits under the 225g/km higher Vehicle Excise
Duty and Congestion Charge strata. The twin-turbocharged diesel records an
emissions figure of 220g/km, while also being capable of 34.0mpg.
Completing the awesome foursome of powerplants is a new twin-turbocharged,
high-precision direct injection, 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 408hp. This
all-new engine, not seen in any other BMW product before, is the most powerful
production non-M BMW V8 engine ever and makes the flagship X6 the most powerful
production X product. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 5.4 seconds -
quicker than a Porsche Boxster - before going on to an electronically-limited
top speed of 155mph.
All four X6 models utilise facets of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. Brake
Energy Regeneration is standard across the range and combines with active
aerodynamics and low viscosity fluids in the steering and transmission
systems. Third-generation common-rail technology diesel-engined cars and
high-precision direct injection on the petrol models both serve to optimise the
combustion process.
*Note: In conjunction with dynamic package.
A new high in dynamic capability
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 wheelslip 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 out performs
the current benchmark BMW X5 and some sports cars in terms of dynamic
capability.
The BMW X6 range goes on sale on 31 May, 2008. The diesel-engined models and
the X6 xDrive35i will initially be offered with the xDrive50i going on sale in
November 2008.
Did you know?
The BMW X6 xDrive30d has a better aerodynamic drag co-efficient than a Smart
fortwo: 0.33Cd vs 0.37Cd.
The BMW X6 accelerates faster from zero to 62mph than a Porsche Boxster: BMW
X6 xDrive50i 5.4secs vs Porsche Boxster 6.1secs.
The BMW X6 has more headroom on the second seat row than a Mercedes C Class:
946mm vs 942mm.
The BMW X6 has a larger boot than a VW Touareg: 570-litres vs 555-litres.
The BMW X6 laps the Nürburgring Nordschleife faster than a Maserati 3200 GT:
BMW X6 xDrive50i 8.35mins vs Maserati 8.37mins.
X6 key facts:
• Coupé-inspired styling and handling meets Sports Activity Vehicle driving
position, practicality and safety.
• First BMW to feature Dynamic Performance Control.
• BMW EfficientDynamics features across the range - diesel powered X6s are
both sub 225g/km vehicles.
• BMW's first ever all turbocharged model range. All-new 4.4-litre V8 petrol
engine most powerful production non-M V8 BMW has ever offered.
• Faster, yet cleaner than a Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.
• To hear more about the BMW X6 from Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Design,
log on to www.bmw-web.tv/en/channel/new
