US: New gasoline V8 to debut in BMW X6 at Detroit motor show
Monday, December 17, 2007, AutomotiveWorld.com
BMW has announced its first all-turbo model range, with the introduction of the new X6 crossover. There will be four forced-induction units when this new four-seater model goes on sale in 2008 after its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January.
The range flagship will be powered by a 4,395cc V8 that, thanks to two turbochargers, produces 408hp (304kW) at 5,500rpm and 600Nm of torque from 1,800rpm through to 4,500rpm, BMW states. The company claims this will give its most powerful SUV or crossover yet zero to 62mph acceleration of 5.4 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 22.6mpg.
According to its maker, this is the world's first engine to locate twin-turbochargers and a catalytic converter within the vee of the cylinder banks. This unique design allowed the company's engineers to fit the turbochargers without having to reconfigure the double wishbone front suspension (the X6 is a rebodied X5).
As well as with the 408hp engine, the X6 will also be offered as an xDrive35i variant, powered by the 306hp (228kW) biturbo 2,979cc gasoline I6 already found in the 1- and 3-Series ranges.
There are also two versions of BMW's 2,993cc I6 diesel engine for the new X6 range. Continuing the unusual model variant names, the higher-powered of these is the X6 xDrive35d. Thanks to two turbochargers, its engine produces 286hp (213kW), while the single-turbo unit in the X6 xDrive30d has an output of 235hp (175kW).
The X6 continues BMW's promotion of its so-called 'EfficientDynamics' sub-brand. In the new model, this includes Brake Energy Regeneration, incorporating an Intelligent Alternator Control and an Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recycle previously lost energy. There are also reduced rolling resistance tyres, low friction transmission fluids, active aerodynamics and direct injection for the gasoline engines.
BMW also notes that the X6 is its first model to have what it calls 'Dynamic Performance Control', a system that spreads drive forces from side to side at the two rear wheels as required in a given situation for maximum stability.
The vehicle itself is near identical to the Concept X6 which premiered at the Frankfurt IAA in September. All versions will have 19-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Performance Control, xDrive four-wheel drive, Dynamic Stability Control+, xenon headlamps, front and rear Park Distance Control, Sports suspension and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The xDrive50i will have its own alloy wheel design and a wider grille.
Options will include the Adaptive Drive handling package, Active Steering, a Head-up Display, adaptive headlamps, High-beam Assistant, a reversing Camera and four-zone climate control.
The UK importer has confirmed that sales there will start in May, with vehicles for left-hand drive markets expected earlier in the northern hemisphere spring. The sole production facility will be BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
Published on Monday, December 17, 2007
Free e-newsletters
Our free E-Newsletter service is an excellent way of staying up to date with news and features from around the global auto industry.
