BMW introduces a new concept in premium motoring, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé. Powered exclusively by a pair of twin turbocharged straight-six engines, one petrol, the other diesel; the new BMW X6 redefines the concept of a sporting coupé for the 21st century.

BMW has created a vehicle with excellent ground-clearance equipped with a sophisticated and intelligent all-wheel drive system, and an extremely spacious comfortable and luxurious interior designed for four occupants.

There is no other premium vehicle like the BMW X6. It creates a niche all its own at the upper end of the premium car market, and delivers to an exceedingly discerning customer, the ultimate in driving excitement.

BMW broke the four-wheel-drive mould in 1999 with the launch of the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. At that time the concept of a large all-wheel drive vehicle designed to deliver superior driving dynamics and luxury features and high levels of build quality was unknown. Now the BMW X5 is considered the benchmark in a market where many rivals have flooded in, spurred on by the success of the BMW X5 concept. Nevertheless, BMW X5 sales continue to grow year on year.

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It is against this backdrop that BMW decided to extend the design envelope once again, and combine two key areas of interest among its customers. BMW Coupés have always been extremely sought-after and the success of BMW xDrive and the BMW X Series vehicles prompted some serious discussion of how to combine the two strengths into one remarkable vehicle.

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 all-wheel drive car-like driving capabilities.

The drive train, incorporating the latest and most stimulating BMW technologies, ensures the BMW X6 delivers low emissions and low fuel consumption figures in conjunction with impressive output and acceleration performance. All that in a dynamic coupé-like body shape and interior that is unique in the premium segment.

The BMW X6 is a bespoke proposition. Given the history of BMW X Series vehicles, one may only wonder as to how long the X6 will remain alone in this class.

Just as there are many customers for BMW 3 Series family vehicles outside the Sedan, so too will customers who admire the concept of the BMW X3 and X5 desire the new BMW X6.

The BMW X6 is undeniably a niche car. There will be only a few hundred available to Australia in 2008 and 2009 as worldwide interest and early demand limits supply to some markets.

BMW expects to sell the BMW X6 to customers who want the command driving position a BMW X Series product provides, but who also aspire to the sporting style of a Coupé. The BMW X6 will also appeal to early adopters, who traditionally make up a large proportion of new BMW concept models. In addition BMW expects further customers will be drawn from the BMW X5 owner base and from owners of rival premium brand all-wheel drive vehicles and premium coupés.

For the first time in the history of a BMW model range, every member of the BMW X6 family is powered by Twin Turbo engines. The BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by the twin-turbocharged 2007 and 2008 International Engine of the Year winner that produces 225 kW. This engine is capable of accelerating the X6 xDrive35i from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h (where legal).
The 2,979 cc-engined X6 is still capable of achieving 12.1-litres per 100 km on the combined test cycle, and emits just 286 g/km of CO2

The BMW X6 xDrive35d also boasts a stirring power plant under its bonnet. The Twin Turbo diesel produces 210 kW from its 2,993 cc aluminium block and 580 Nm of torque, and is able to accelerate the car from 0-100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is a miserly 9.0 l/100km, while exhaust emissions are only 237 g/km of CO2. Top speed is 236 km/h.

The third-generation common-rail technology diesel-engine and high-precision direct injection system on the petrol model both serve to optimise the combustion process.

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 wheel slip 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 delivers an even greater degree of dynamic control and enjoyment than ever before.

The BMW X6 model range will be available for delivery from the network of BMW Dealers across Australia from 11 August.

BMW X6 Pricing.

BMW X6 xDrive35i, 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles $114,705
BMW X6 xDrive35d, 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles $120,530
All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges. Luxury Car Tax (LCT) has been included at the new rate of 33 percent above the $57,180 threshold