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 BMW X6 is a bespoke proposition, but one that competitors look set to copy…just like the BMW X5.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
