Videos: BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i in action
Monday, April 21st, 2008
DSC intervening only when driving to the limit.
The difference in drive forces between the two rear wheels provided by Dynamic Performance Control can be as high as 1327 lbs-ft (1800 Newton-meters). But even then, all the driver will feel when Dynamic Performance Control intervenes is a – significant – increase in agility, traction and driving stability. As a result of Dynamic Performance Control’s intervention, the Dynamic Stability Control intervenes much less frequently than before. In practice, this means that the driver is able to use the full drive power and torque of the engine much longer than with a conventional system. DSC will intervene on individual wheels or by reducing engine power only when the driver really pushes the vehicle to the extreme limits of physical performance.
In addition, DSC in the new BMW X6 offers a wide range of additional functions serving to promote safe and dynamic motoring including: ABS anti-lock brakes; Automatic Stability Control; Trailer Stability Control; Hill Descent Control; Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control, automatically maximizing brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances.
The DSC system in the BMW X6 has the ability to serves as an electronic limited slip diferential for improved acceleration. Fade Compensation can increase brake pressure under extremely high brake temperatures to maintain consistant brake forces. Brake Drying, in turn, optimizes brake performance in wet conditions by periodically lightly applying the brakes to dry the rotors, while the Start-Off Assistant prevents roll-back on an uphill gradient.
The new BMW X6 features a parking brake operating both electromechanically and hydraulically, activated or released simply by pushing a button.
Reflecting the high standard of driving dynamics offered by the BMW X6, DSC also comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as a special function, raising the DSC response thresholds to a higher level, allowing a particularly sporting and active style of motoring, and enabling the driver to set off smoothly on snow or in loose sand with the drive wheels intentionally spinning slightly.
Supported by a wide range of DSC functions, the high-performance brake system featured in the BMW X6 ensures excellent stopping power under all conditions. Vented discs on all four wheels combined with newly developed lightweight floating aluminum calipers front and rear, guarantee extremely good resistance to fading and maximum brake comfort on the top-of-the-range BMW X6 xDrive50i.
Active Steering for a particularly sporting and comfortable style of motoring.
The BMW X6 is also available with Active Steering as an option. This system, developed by BMW, offers exactly the right steering ratio at all speeds. At low speeds, such as when parking, the driver only has to turn the steering wheel twice from lock to lock. At higher speeds, on the other hand, Active Steering offers a more indirect transmission ratio in the interest of steady directional stability and, as a result, enhanced driving comfort and stability.
On the BMW X6, Active Steering is combined with Servotronic, thus making an active contribution in stabilizing the vehicle in the event of over-steer in bends or particularly demanding brake maneuvers. When applying the brakes on different surfaces left and right, Active Steering counter-steers discreetly but firmly to enhance stability.
Unique: Adaptive Drive with data transfer via FlexRay.
Carefully harmonized interaction of the vehicle’s anti-roll bars and dampers controlled by Adaptive Drive is another unique feature in the segment of BMW X models. Indeed, this combination of active body roll control and variable damper adjustment, Electronic Damping Control (EDC) available as part of the optional Sport Package gives the new BMW X6 incomparably superior driving behavior.
Adaptive Drive constantly monitors and calculates data on road speed, the steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, body and wheel velocity, as well as ride and damper position. Applying this information, the system acts directly on the anti-roll bar swivel motors and the electromagnetic valves in the EDC dampers, varying body roll and the damping effect appropriately at all times and in all situations. Simply by pressing a button, the driver is able to choose either a sporting or a comfortable setting on Adaptive Drive.
BMW Adaptive Drive uses high-speed FlexRay data transmission for fast and reliable coordination of data. This system, developed to production standard by a development consortium under the leadership of BMW offers a standard of data transfer capacity never seen before – and BMW is the first automaker in the world to use FlexRay technology in a regular production vehicle.
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