BMW X6 debuts
Cross-over vehicle mixes the looks of an SUV with the rakish profile of a coupe
By Justin Lee
LOCAL BMW DISTRIBUTOR Performance Motors has recently unveiled the X6 Sports Activity Coupe.
Based on the X5, the X6 inherits many of its donor car’s design cues with the exception that it has a tapered coupe like roofline.
The first variant to be launched is the xDrive35i. This model comes equipped with the 3.0-litre, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine currently found in the 135i and 335i. This unit produces a maximum of 306bhp at 5,800rpm and propels the X6 from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The car’s top speed is 240km/h. Transmission is a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The other model that will be launched in the near future is the xDrive50i. This gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing a maximum of 407bhp at 5,500rpm. It is coupled to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. 0-100km/h is achieved in 5.4 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
The unique thing about this V8 is its clever packaging where both turbos and the catalytic converter reside with the vee of the engine.
All X6s will be equipped with Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). This system works by detecting possible over- or understeer of the car and will vary the distribution of drive between the wheels to optimise traction. DPC achieves this by transferring additional power to the outer rear wheel to push the car round a corner. It is rather different from the current stability control systems which applies brake force to the inner wheels.
The X6 xDrive35i comes highly equipped with many standard features such as six airbags, 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, front and rear distance sensors, electric adjustable front seats, a 6.5-inch colour display screen, iDrive control interface and dual zone climate control. It is priced at $293,800 with COE. The price for the xDrive50i model has yet to be announced.
