BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe to Debut at Detroit, New V8 Twin Turbo

BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe

By Sam Stockley
December 16, 2007 5:30 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German

BMW are to present two defiant worldwide firsts at next month's 2008 Detroit Auto Show. An all-new twin-turbo V8 unit will debut in a vehicle that combines the dynamic appeal of a coupe with the versatility offered only by an SAV. This is a production crossover only BMW could concoct: the mould-breaking X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

Redefining the very coupe concept, the five-door, four-seater X6 is a model fusing the flexibility and powerful presence offered by BMW's high-riding, load-lugging X models with the 'sporting elegance' of a large BMW Coupe.

The X6 Sports Activity Coupe introduces two twin-turbo units to its initial line-up. The X6 sees the debut of a 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and the inclusion of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder with 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft of torque for introductory models dubbed xDrive50i and xDrive35i respectively. But further technology features beyond the hood.

Standard with BMW's proven xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the X6 comes with a new feature, named Dynamic Performance Control. The DPC system not only splits torque between front and rear axles, but also to either left or right rear wheels. As a result, the X6 delivers improved agility and stability at any speed via the variable distribution and multiplication of torque at each rear wheel, allowing enhanced steering precision and more abrupt turns whether accelerating or decelerating.

The new BMW X6 is expected to arrive at BMW Dealerships in the U.S. second quarter of 2008. Pricing and options will be released in the months preceding. Read on for further details.

Source: BMW AG

Press Release (Click to expand)

THE FIRST-EVER BMW X6 SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPE:
BMW’s All-New X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i Make World Debuts at Detroit Auto Show in 2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – BMW will once again introduce a ground-breaking idea to the world and the creation of a new segment with the debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The all-new vehicle redefines the very notion of a coupe—with five doors and four sculpted seats, a higher ride and loads of cargo space. It defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look, combining coupe agility and SAV versatility, taking the coupe to a higher level.

As the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The BMW X6 offers unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. The new BMW X6’s design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations.

Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control likewise ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enables the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enter and enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction.

The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 liters, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,800–4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X Model.

The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.

Hence, the BMW Sports Activity Coupe is an absolutely exceptional vehicle also beyond the direct range of BMW X Model competitors, ensuring unparalleled performance in all situations, regardless of road and surface conditions.

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