Videos: BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i in action
Monday, April 21st, 2008
Sponsored links:Side view: dynamic roofline, muscular surfaces.
The unique proportions of the new BMW X6 stand out particularly clearly from the side. For example, the short body overhang at the front emphasizes the dynamic look of the vehicle, while the roof line tapering out gently towards the rear and the long body overhang on the rear section, add to the stretched silhouette of a genuine coupe.At the rear, the side window frame features the “counter-swing” at the bottom of the D-pillar, so well-known as the “Hofmeister kink” and chrome surrounds on the windows featured as standard distinguish the BMW X6 xDrive50i from the xDrive 35i.
The high waistline and powerfully contoured wheel arches both front and rear, moving the visual center of gravity to the middle of the vehicle and thus bearing testimony to all-wheel drive, are further significant features of the DNA of a BMW X model.
The side panel is split by two lines with striking contours, moving slowly towards one another at the front end of the vehicle to create a wedge-like impression symbolizing the forward-pushing, powerful character of the BMW X6. While the lines at the side highlight the supreme elegance of the vehicle, the special design of the surface gives the BMW X6 a particularly powerful look from this perspective. Striking interaction of the concave and convex surfaces emphasize the muscular look of the vehicle, providing the BMW X6 with an excellent balance of visual power and stylish presence.
Strong shoulders and a powerful stance from the rear.
Likewise, the rear end of the BMW X6 offers a thrilling combination of elegance, sportiness and robustness in full harmony with one another. The muscular bumper and protection cover on the underfloor; the striking light edge along the lower section of the bumper, highlighting the ride height of the BMW X6; and the vehicle proportions that are so typical of a coupe, are all examples of classic design elements that stand out clearly and convincingly in the particular style and looks of a BMW X model.
The entire rear end is subdivided by horizontal lines giving the rear end a wider look and emphasizing the powerful stance and road-holding of the entire vehicle. The greenhouse with its strikingly low rear window, in turn, tapers out smoothly towards the rear, with the rear lid featuring a distinct air flow lip, further proof that this unique new vehicle is a genuine coupe in both its looks and style.
Even the special design of the rear light clusters takes the unique character of the BMW X6 into account, the L-shape so typical of a BMW X model being re-interpreted and now boasting a particularly dynamic sweep from one side to the other. Extending far into the side panels, the rear-light clusters bring out and accentuate the entire width of the vehicle also through its night design.
Sportiness and luxury within the interior.
To the very last detail, the interior of the BMW X6 offers a unique synthesis of luxury, sporting dynamics, and powerful style. Tense surfaces blending into one another symbolize the active character of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe, sporting features such as kneepads on both sides of the center console, paddles on the sports steering wheel featured as standard, and the fine scale on the circular instruments creating an excitingly different driving experience in the new BMW X6 both on the road and off the beaten track.
Like all BMW X models, the new Sports Activity Coupe offers the occupants of all four seats an elevated, commanding seating position. In particular, this gives the driver a clear feeling of being perfectly in control of his BMW X6 in all situations. In conjunction with the cockpit simply begging the driver to drive his vehicle in an active style, this creates an innovative impression of genuine, all-out sportiness.
A further point distinguishing the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe from the other BMW X Models is the sporting design of the individual rear seats separated from one another through the center console, the high-rising side supports, and the integrated headrests on all four seats.
The BMW X6 is the only vehicle in the complete segment of BMW X models to feature a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles as standard, which enable the driver to shift gears manually on the six-speed automatic transmission for enhanced smoothness and response at all times. Furthermore, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel operate the telephone and audio systems quickly, smoothly and without the slightest distraction, while two additional buttons may be programmed individually according to the driver’s personal preferences.
The instrument panel is dominated by dual round instruments with fine scales reminiscent of motorsport as clear visual reference to the sporting character of the BMW X6. The galvanized trim rings on the instrument panel clearly accentuate the exclusive character of the vehicle’s interior, with the same high-quality metal shimmer being boasted on the rotary knobs, the door openers, on the gearshift lever knob, and on the brackets within the air vents.
The new kneepads on the center console stand out clearly as a particularly sporting feature offering the driver and front passenger additional stability in maneuvers in city traffic and when driving off-road under tough conditions.
Visibly and tangibly sophisticated, premium quality surfaces make the interior of the BMW X6 a genuine experience to feel and behold at all times. Through their special quality designed for lasting strength and resistance, the interior surfaces also emphasize the superior robustness of the vehicle committed to off-road use whenever required.
Lots of space, lots of customization options.
Wide opening rear doors facilitate access to the two rear seats, while head-room in the rear is unusually generous for a coupe-headroom of 37.2 inches guarantees supreme comfort and convenience, even for tall passengers.
A wide range of materials and colors highlighting the sporting character of the BMW X6 adds to the individual style and personality of this unique vehicle. The exterior paintwork, for example, comes in a choice of no less than ten exterior colors, eleven leather options and three trim options ensure a wide range of individual style and choice.
Trim in ash grain has been created especially for BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe. And while the wood variants exude a particular touch of discreet exclusivity, the sweeping polish on the aluminum version shows a clear and distinct reference to motorsport.
The passenger and luggage compartment on the BMW X6 are distinctly separated from one another in the usual style one would expect of a fully-fledged coupe. Offering 25.6 cu ft of storage space, the luggage compartment behind the rear seats of the BMW X6 is far larger than in a conventional coupe, providing enough space to store four full-size golf bags in the luggage compartment-even with four people riding in the vehicle.
BMW’s new Sports Activity Coupe also boasts a firm, folding cover on top of the luggage compartment that can be folded and stowed beneath the floor for convenient transportation of bulky objects. To increase the transport capacity available, the rear-seat backrests may be folded down in an asymmetric split, expanding loading capacity to a substantial 59.7 cu ft.
An automatic tailgate opening and closing function is available as an option on the BMW X6 allowing the driver to vary the final position of the tailgate when open. This helps to reduce the risk of damage, for example in an underground garage with a low ceiling.
Perfect combination of superior dynamics and outstanding comfort.
A new type of vehicle and a new driving experience, the BMW X6 definitely offers the best of both worlds. In terms of driving dynamics, the first-ever Sports Activity Coupe offers new dimensions defined by a considerable enhancement of agility, unique stability in fast corners and safe traction on slippery surfaces. Powerful engines, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, Dynamic Stability Control, optional Active Steering and Adaptive Drive, as well as Dynamic Performance Control featured for the first time on the BMW X6 as standard equipment, set the foundation for superior driving dynamics at all times.
