2009 BMW X6 UK Version
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BMW car pictures | CAR Insurance Information |
2009 BMW X6 UK Version
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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