BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show

BMW will once again introduce a ground-breaking idea to the world and the creation of a new segment with the debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The all-new vehicle redefines the very notion of a coupe -- with five doors and four sculpted seats, a higher ride and loads of cargo space. It defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look, combining coupe agility and SAV versatility, taking the coupe to a higher level.

As the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The BMW X6 offers unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. The new BMW X6's design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations.

Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control likewise ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enables the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enter and enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction.

The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 liters, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,800-4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X Model.

The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.

Hence, the BMW Sports Activity Coupe is an absolutely exceptional vehicle also beyond the direct range of BMW X Model competitors, ensuring unparalleled performance in all situations, regardless of road and surface conditions.

Unique design: dynamic line, powerful presence.

In its design, the BMW X6 definitely offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW X Model, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control.

Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the car's details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically "cut off" at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle.

Front end with clear and dynamic orientation to the road.

Just one look at the front end of BMW's new Sports Activity Coupe demonstrates the powerful presence of this unique vehicle. Due to the greater share of surfaces finished in body color, the front end looks lower and even more dynamic, clearly emphasizing the powerful orientation of the BMW X6 to the road. This DNA so typical of BMW is also demonstrated in the design of the hood and in the vertically positioned BMW kidney grille, with fins finished in a sophisticated titanium color on the xDrive50i and in black on the xDrive35i.

Large air intakes are positioned far to the outside for more than just meeting the cooling requirements of the powerful engines. Rather, interacting with the side panels extending far to the inside over the headlights, the air scoops provide clear orientation towards the wheels, emphasizing the powerful stance of the vehicle on the road.

The headlights themselves merge in a dynamic sweeping line into the side panels, the surface of the engine compartment lid is divided by striking lines tapering out towards the BMW kidney grille like the borderlines of the engine compartment lid at the sides.

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 xDrive35i.

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 symbolising the forward-pushing, powerful character of the BMW X6. While the lines at the side highlight the supreme elegance of the car, 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 car 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-seat height 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 variant exudes 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 almost 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 at 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 car park or 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 bends 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 even as standard equipment, set the foundation for superior driving dynamics at all times.

Even with a moderate, reserved style of motoring, Dynamic Performance Control optimizes steering precision most considerably, enabling the BMW X6 to handle even difficult driving conditions through the outstanding quality of its drive and suspension technology.

Driving dynamics with intelligent control: Integrated Chassis Management.

The vehicle's drivetrain and suspension systems interact perfectly with BMW's Integrated Chassis Management. This high-performance electronic control ensures perfect harmony of drivetrain and suspension functions within fractions of a second, spelling out maximum driver control and supreme performance wherever you go and at all times.

Even under a sudden change in driving conditions for example, on varying surfaces, in spontaneous steering maneuvers, when accelerating or applying the brake abruptly, ICM reacts with the utmost precision to the xDrive, DSC and Dynamic Performance Control actuators and to Active Steering when fitted as an option. In all cases, the nature and scope of such intervention is appropriately masterminded to ensure not just maximum driving stability, but also optimum dynamics.

BMW's X Models already available today owe their outstanding agility largely to the supreme performance and qualities of ICM. Now the central control unit has an even greater and more progressive influence on driving dynamics in the new BMW X6, since it is also able to use the actuators serving for BMW's new Dynamic Performance Control. Depending on driving conditions and with fully variable management, the power of the engine is no longer split "just" between the front and rear axle, but also - through Dynamic Performance Control - between the left and right rear wheel, feeding additional power to the most appropriate point where it can be conveyed best to the road.

This drive technology quite unique in the market enhances the agility, steering precision and tracking stability of the car in corners as well as its traction on slippery surfaces, significantly improving driving dynamics in all cases and under all conditions.

As a result, Dynamic Stability Control is only required to cut in by applying the brakes electively on the appropriate wheel or wheels when the vehicle really reaches the extreme limits to driving physics. The world's first Sports Activity Coupe thus offers the driver the truly fascinating experience of being able to handle even the most demanding driving situations with sporting style and dynamic performance never seen before.

The drivetrain and suspension technology of the BMW X6 ensures the highest conceivable level of safety, precision and driving pleasure on all surfaces whether rough or smooth. The foundation of this purpose is provided by suspension technology quite unique in the segment of BMW X Models. The front axle, for example, is a double track control arm configuration applying the double joint principle for dynamic lateral acceleration, superior tracking stability and minimization of forces acting on the steering wheel. Appropriate front axle kinematics, in turn, ensure optimum front wheel camber on the road at all times, the BMW X6 thus maintains supreme grip and road-holding even under the most dynamic conditions.

At the rear, the BMW X6 features BMW's patented Integral IV axle serving to harmonize superior comfort with equally superior dynamics. And now this lightweight construction has been specifically optimized for the Sports Activity Coupe in many respects, with the entire rear axle configuration being appropriately adjusted to the specific demands of this model, for supreme sportiness and performance.

The wheel mounts, rear axle sub frame and four track arms efficiently take up the dynamic and drive forces flowing into the suspension, reducing any elastic distortion of the wheel mounts, while soft swinging mounts provide appropriate longitudinal suspension and optimize the roll quality of the wheels. Effectively separating the road surface from the drivetrain, finally, the rear axle helps to ensure first-class noise control and ride comfort.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Also featured as standard are run-flat safety tires, which enable continued driving even after a complete loss of pressure in the tires. Furthermore, the Tire Pressure Monitor system permanently monitors air pressure and warns the driver as soon as the air pressure in the tires drops more than 30 per cent below the ideal level.

BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive for enhanced dynamics and optimum traction.

Permanent all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles gives all BMW X Models not only superior traction, but also enhanced driving dynamics. Indeed, BMW xDrive gains its superiority as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system by distributing drive power front to rear by way of an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch according to driving conditions, in exactly the right dosage and to the axle with grip.

In normal driving situations BMW xDrive distributes drive power in a 40 : 60 split front-to-rear, with sensors consistently measuring wheel slip. Hence, the system is able within a fraction of a second to vary the distribution of drive forces, with BMW xDrive-unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems-anticipating the upcoming situation and not just responding once a wheel has started to spin. This serves to stabilize the vehicle even before the driver notices any need for action.

On the new X6 with Dynamic Performance Control, handling and stability are enhanced to an even higher level with the ability to multiply torque to an individual rear wheel for yaw control. With the combination of xDrive and Dynamic Perforance Control, the X6 is able counteracting even the slightest trend to over- or under-steer right from the start at the earliest conceivable point with the positive effects on the driver's sense of driving dynamics.