The new BMW X6.

The new BMW X6 redefines the Sports Activity Coupé market which BMW created with the original model back in 2008. Featuring a new interpretation of the car’s robust yet sportily elegant styling, a more luxurious interior, greater versatility, enhanced equipment and superior performance with up to 22 per cent lower fuel consumption, it is set to build on the near-250,000 sales of the first-generation model.     

The new X6 will go on sale in the UK in December 2014, initially with a choice of three TwinPower Turbo engines, with one more to follow after launch. An eight-speed Sport automatic transmission is standard along with the latest version of BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system. The xDrive30d and xDrive50i models are available as SE and M Sport models, while the M50d will be available as a stand-alone model.   

The new BMW X6 reinterprets the Sports Activity Coupé

The original X6 combined the robustness of an SUV, the sporty elegance of a coupé and the luxury of a limousine and these key features have been reinterpreted in the new model.    

The design characteristics which distinguish any BMW – a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short front overhang and set-back passenger cell – remain ever prevalent.  In the new X6 they are combined with large wheel arches, a high window sill, high seating position and a short distance between the front axle and instrument panel, all of which highlight its off-road stability. These are complemented by X-shaped contours in the bumper, matt silver underbody protection and a powerful double-kidney grille flanked by large twin circular headlights which turn into the front wings. The robustness of the new X6 is reinforced at the rear by horizontal lines which appear to stretch its width, matt silver underbody protection, the surfacing of the high-opening tailgate and a powerful bumper and flat apron.   

Sharp contours emerging from the front wheel arches, one stretching upwards and finishing at the rear door handles and the other running downwards then turning back towards the L-shaped rear light units, assist the coupé-like roofline to emphasise the car’s sportiness.

The interior is plush and luxurious, with rich-looking materials, including Softskin on the dashboard, instrument surround and upper-arm trim panels. The standard Fine Brushed Aluminium trim sits atop a high-gloss black surface, underscored by an accent strip in Pearl Grey Chrome. The instruments are enclosed within the black panel display, while a 10.2-inch widescreen display comes as part of the standard BMW Professional Navigation system. Ambient lighting can be set to blue, white or orange, or combinations of the three.

All versions have Dakota leather upholstery in a choice of six colours, a multifunction Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. The rear seats are split 40:20:40 as standard to improve the versatility of the interior. Luggage capacity has been increased by up to 75 litres to a maximum of 1,525 litres.

Unique design features of the BMW X6 M50d include bespoke contours for the front apron, larger air intakes, muscular side sill extensions and a rear apron with diffuser. The kidney grille is Matt Aluminium fronted with Black vertical slats, there are stainless steel exhausts with Black Chrome finishers, Ferric Grey exterior mirror caps, M50d inlays in the door sill finishers and 20-inch M Double-spoke light-alloy wheels.

More power, lower fuel consumption and enhanced EfficientDynamics

The three TwinPower Turbo engines available at launch maintain BMW’s tradition of combining even more performance and driving pleasure with greater efficiency. They deliver higher power outputs with lower fuel consumption and emissions, aided by additional EfficientDynamics technologies, a further developed eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, weight reduction and improved aerodynamics. All engines meet the EU6 emissions standard thanks, in the case of the diesel engines, to a NOx absorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder common-rail diesel engine in the xDrive30d features a single turbocharger with variable inlet geometry. It develops 13hp and 20Nm more than its predecessor – now 258hp and 560Nm. With peak torque available from 1,500rpm, this translates into effortless driveability and a zero to 62mph acceleration time improved by 0.8 seconds to 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption has been reduced by 15 per cent to a combined 47.1mpg, while CO2 emissions are down to 157g/km.

A diesel engine also powers the M Performance version of the new X6, the M50d. This 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit features three turbochargers working harmoniously in a precise multi-stage process and common-rail injection with piezo injectors, generating up to 2,200 bar pressure. With outputs of 381hp and 740Nm available over a wide rev range, it delivers the performance typical of an engine developed by BMW M – zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, a reduction of 0.1 seconds – with greater efficiency. Fuel consumption of 42.8mpg represents a 14 per cent improvement over the previous model, while CO2 emissions come down to 174g/km thank to the two relatively small turbochargers and a single large one which dovetail precisely to maintain charge pressure for instant, lag-free response.

The petrol version available at launch is a further development of the 4.4-litre V8 for the xDrive50i, which features twin turbochargers and high-precision direct injection.  The power output is increased by 10 per cent to 449hp and torque by 50Nm to 650Nm, which is available from 2,000rpm. The zero to 62mph time therefore tumbles by 0.6 seconds to 4.8 seconds, while fuel efficiency improves by 22 per cent. The new combined economy figure of 29.1mpg is accompanied by CO2 emissions of 225g/km.

Later in 2015 these will be joined by an additional six-cylinder diesel in the 313hp xDrive40d.

All engines are combined with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission which permits the driver to take control using either the gear selector or paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission now features Launch Control to maximise traction and acceleration from standstill, while - in conjunction with the BMW Professional Navigation system – the car is able to take into account the route being followed when deciding when to change gear.

Additions to the EfficientDynamics technologies which feature on all BMWs include a new ECO PRO mode activated via the Drive Performance Control switch in the centre console. This moderates the engine management, accelerator response and gearshift programmes to promote a relaxed, fuel-efficient driving style. It also includes a Proactive Driving Assistant which advises the driver when to ease off the accelerator on the approach to corners, junctions or speed-restricted areas. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and lightweight engineering also assist in fuel-saving and efficient driving.

The aerodynamic properties have been enhanced to improve the drag co-efficient (Cd) to as low as 0.32 for the xDrive30d SE. Detailed streamlining work includes the addition of BMW’s innovative Aero Curtain and Air Breathers to reduce turbulence in the front wheel areas, cooling flaps in the front end which open or close depending on airflow requirements and optimised airflow over the rear.

Dynamics and comfort taken to a new level

The new X6 takes the dynamism, comfort and safety of the Sports Activity Coupé to a new level through the latest xDrive all-wheel-drive system, revisions to the double-wishbone, double-joint front suspension and patented integral rear axle, and innovative additions to BMW’s suite of electronic driver assistance features.

The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system now features a lighter and more efficient transfer case, while by linking up with the car’s Dynamic Stability Control it is able to sense and adjust the drive split before wheel slip can occur. The xDrive system also features torque vectoring, which aids turn-in during cornering by selectively braking the inside wheels.  A new xDrive status feature in the Control Display informs the driver of body roll and pitch, while a compass display can also be shown.

Improvements have been made to the suspension, enhancing the X6’s sporting agility and ride comfort. The car’s directional stability has been sharpened, tyre noise and suspension weight have been reduced, there is less friction within the wheel bearings and the optional trailer coupling now has a fully electric towbar. The BMW X6 can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and has trailer stability control to prevent swaying.

There are now three adaptive suspension packages available allowing owners to tailor sports performance and ride comfort precisely to their requirements. Adaptive M suspension is standard on the M Sport and M50d models; Adaptive Comfort suspension is optionally available on SE variants; while Adaptive Dynamic suspension – which includes Dynamic Performance Control, Dynamic Drive with Active Roll Stabilisation to curb body roll and a torque-per-axle display – is available across the range.

Significantly more standard equipment and a greater range of personalisation features

The new BMW X6 provides far higher levels of standard equipment than the previous model, while offering customers greater opportunity to personalise their vehicle. Among the highlights of the new personalisation options are the Pure Extravagance packages.

Standard equipment additions include: part-electric front seats with heating, LED ambient interior lighting, Full Black panel display and Driving Assistant featuring Lane Departure Warning plus Pedestrian and Collison Warning with Braking. All versions of the X6 also now come with BMW eCall and Online Services, Bluetooth Hands-free facility with USB audio interface and Voice Control as well as the BMW Professional Navigation system, incorporating Real Time Traffic Information. 

The Pure Extravagance Exterior Design package adds illuminated Aluminium door entry sills and Aluminium running boards, Air Breather, exterior mirror caps, trim, kidney grille and air intakes in Cerium Grey.  Black high-gloss finishers on the B and C pillars and mirror triangles, a key with Pearl Grey Chrome buttons and Black high-gloss insert and front and rear stainless steel bumper inserts finish the look.

The Pure Extravagance Interior Design packages add Nappa bi-colour leather upholstery, in Ivory White and Black or Cognac and Black with contrast stitching, in Grey or Brown respectively, on the instrument panel top and upper door armrests. A remote control with Pearl Grey Chrome buttons completes the package.

The new BMW X6 can be further enhanced through the extensive range of optional  features including: Comfort Access, soft-close doors, Aluminium running boards, High-gloss Black or Matt Aluminium roof rails, a Reversing Assist camera with optional Surround-view, an electric glass sunroof, sun protection glass and sunblinds.   The interior can be optionally specified with ventilated front seats, an extended storage package, heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control, BMW Professional rear-seat entertainment and three upgraded loudspeaker options.

A range of additional safety options are also available and include Driving Assistant Plus - which automatically maintains the distance to the car ahead above 19mph - Lane change warning system, Adaptive LED Headlights, Active Steering, Internet access, Online Entertainment and Remote Services. Park Assist, Head-up Display  and Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot are also available. 

The new BMW X6 starts from £51,150 OTR for the BMW X6 xDrive30d and will go on sale on 6 December, 2014.     

Ends

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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