Permanent all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear axle gives all BMW X models not only superior traction, but also enhanced driving dynamics. BMW xDrive is acknowledged as an intelligent all-wheel drive concept due to the important fact that this system delivers drive power to the appropriate axle in each case via a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, the wheels with optimum grip on the surface thus getting exactly the power and traction required as a function of driving conditions and in a precise dosage.

A special feature of Dynamic Performance Control is that momentum and torque are distributed variably between the rear wheels not only when the engine is “pulling” the car, but also in overrun, thus acting independently of actual drive forces. This is ensured by an additional, superimposed transmission within the final drive made up of a double planetary gearing
and a multiple-plate brake controlled by an electric motor on each side, providing a variable power split also when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. The BMW X6 is the first car in the world to offer such a stabilizing effect independent of engine load and the flow of power.

Dynamic Performance Control also optimizes traction on slippery surfaces and in situations where the car is running on different surfaces on either side, for example a snowbound surface at the side of the road and asphalt in the middle. In such a case any difference in the frictional coefficient between the wheels on the right and left (modal split) is set off by Dynamic Performance Control distributing drive forces to the rear wheels precisely as required.

By looking at the instrument cluster, the driver is able to literally “watch” the interaction of Dynamic Performance Control and xDrive. A graphic display activated as an alternative to other display modes in the on-board computer simply by pressing the lever on the steering column informs the driver of the current distribution of drive forces at any given point in time. DSC only intervenes at the very limit.

The difference in torque between the two rear wheels built up by Dynamic Performance Control may reach a maximum of 1,800 Newton-meters. To the driver, this means a significant improvement of agility, traction and driving stability. He also feels the effect of Dynamic Performance Control through the fact that DSC Dynamic Stability Control is now required far less frequently. Over and above its stabilizing effect, DSC in the BMW X6 encompasses further functions in the interest of safe and dynamic motoring. These include the anti-lock brake system (ABS), ASC Automatic Stability Control, Trailer Stability Control, HDC Hill Descent Control, DBC Dynamic Brake Control maximizing brake pressure whenever required in a particular case, CBC Cornering Brake Control, and Automatic Cruise Control complete with a brake function.

The top-of-the-range BMW X6 xDrive50i is powered by a newly developed 8-cylinder. The most powerful in-line 6-cylinder in BMW’s engine portfolio, in turn, gives the BMW X6 xDrive 35i superior performance at all times, and the BMW X6 xDrive35d is entering the market with the most dynamic 6-cylinder diesel in the world. Even the BMW X6 xDrive30d – again featuring an all-aluminum diesel with third-generation common rail fuel injection – offers the performance of a sports car combined with a high standard of efficiency quite unique in the BMW X model segment.

Displacing 4.4 liters, the new V8 with Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection develops a maximum output of 407 bhp in the speed range between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm. Torque peaks at a very substantial 600 Newton-meters available throughout the unusually broad speed range from 1,750–4,500 rpm. This is the first time that the use of two turbochargers offers particular efficiency in boosting both output and torque also on an 8-cylinder petrol engine. Each of the two turbochargers supplies compressed air to four cylinders, ensuring unparalleled spontaneity and a perfect response to the gas pedal. 

The all-aluminum V8 power unit developed for the BMW X6 offers incomparable dynamics and performance in providing the qualities typical of an 8-cylinder: acceleration to 100 km/h in the BMW X6 xDrive50i comes  in just 5.4 seconds and power reserves are quite sufficient also at higher speeds for thrilling acceleration at all times. This superior performance then continues all the way to 250 km/h or 155 mph, where electronic control cuts in to limit the vehicle’s top speed.

The second petrol variant of the BMW X6 is powered by the most muscular in-line 6-cylinder in the BMW engine range, the BMW X6 xDrive35i benefiting from a maximum output of 306 bhp from an engine capacity of 3.0 liters. This supreme power and performance comes at an engine speed between 5,800 and 6,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 400 Newton-meters maintained all the way from 1,300 to 5,000 rpm. Like the new V8, the power unit featured in the BMW X6 xDrive35i offers the combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection exclusive to BMW for unparalleled power and performance and for truly impressive all-round economy, particularly in relation to the vehicle’s dynamic driving potential. 

Two turbochargers, direct fuel injection, maximum performance – the most powerful diesel available in the BMW X6 boasts interesting features comparable to the petrol models: the 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo (VTT) is likewise an engine of the highest standard. Maximum output is 286 bhp at 4,400 rpm, making this the most dynamic power unit of its kind the world over. At the same time the BMW X6 xDrive35d features its own, very specific and unmistakable driving characteristics combined with unique technical details.

With its all-aluminum crankcase, VTT turbocharging and third-generation common-rail fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors, this power unit offers all the features required for supreme torque and muscle combined with outstanding efficiency. Weighing just 194 kg (428 lb) this high-performance diesel weighs some 50 kg less than  a comparable 8-cylinder. Clearly, this serves to maximize the dynamic driving qualities of the BMW X6 xDrive35d, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is 236 km/h or 146 mph.

All variants of the new BMW X6 come as standard with a wide range of features in and around the engine serving to maximize the vehicle’s efficiency. Brake Energy Regeneration on all model variants, for example, ensures an intelligent flow of energy, concentrating the generation of electric power for the on-board network on overrun phases and application of the brakes.

On-demand management of ancillary units likewise serves to further optimize the efficiency of the BMW X6, with the power required to drive the fuel and steering assistance pumps significantly reduced by matching the uptake to current driving conditions, saving substantial energy in the process. The belt drive on the a/c compressor comes with a separate clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor as soon as the driver switches off the air conditioning. Apart from tires with reduced roll resistance, optimization of the vehicle’s aerodynamics also serves to enhance efficiency, with the cooling air flaps behind the BMW kidney grille and in the air intake opened and closed electronically as required in the models BMW X6 xDrive35i, BMW X6 xDrive35d and BMW X6 xDrive 30d. With the flaps reducing air resistance when closed, they are opened only in response to a greater demand for cooling air.

Presenting the BMX X6, BMW is once again proving the company’s outstanding expertise in the development of innovative vehicle concepts. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé interprets the sportiness so typical of the brand in completely new style and with unprecedented qualities. At the same time the new model adds an innovative and truly fascinating variant to the existing family of BMW X cars, BMW thus standing out once again as the trendsetter in a particularly dynamic and fast-growing market segment. Finally, with its concept and its drive technology the BMW X6 confirms the outstanding innovative power of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles.

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