[GreekMaverick]

.....!

Link:
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101798

Text:
What's special about it?
Coupelike agility combined with SUV utility? That's the promise of the 2009 BMW X6. It sounds like a stretch, but if any company can pull it off, BMW can. It already made its X5 SUV handle like a sedan, so making the similarly sized (although slightly lower) X6 feel like a coupe isn't impossible.

A choice of two turbocharged engines should help. Base models, which will be known as the xDrive35i, will get the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 as the 3 and 5 Series sedans. It delivers 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, so even the entry-level X6 should be plenty fast.

The real news is the top-of-the-line model known as the xDrive50i. It's the first BMW to use the company's new twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Like the smaller inline-6, the all-aluminum V8 uses direct injection to help deliver both efficiency and big power. Rated to produce 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the xDrive50i tops both the supercharged Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne S in both horsepower and torque. BMW says the xDrive50i will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

All-wheel drive is standard on both trim levels of the X6 along with a six-speed automatic transmission. A new system called Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) has also been added to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In addition to modulating power between the front and rear wheels, DPC also has the ability to increase or decrease torque to each of the rear wheels to help steer the X6 through corners. Those wheels will be 19 inches in diameter on most X6s, although 20-inch wheels will be available as an option.

With such advanced hardware, the coupelike qualities of the X6 don't seem like an exaggeration. It's the utility end of the equation that's a little harder to justify. Unlike the current X5, the X6 is designed for a driver and three passengers only. There are no third-row seats of any kind and the second row gets a center console between the seats. There are only 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and even with the seats folded, the maximum cargo space only goes up to 59.7 cubic feet. That's less than BMW's smaller X3 SUV on both counts.

It looks as though BMW is counting on buyers who are more interested in the coupe side of the equation anyway, as everything about the interior is geared toward driving fast. All four seats feature oversize side bolsters and integrated headrests. There's also a standard sport steering wheel with integrated shift paddles, not to mention a set of knee pads on the center console to give the driver and front passenger something to lean on in fast turns.

Production starts in the spring of 2008 at BMW's assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, so expect to see the X6 in dealerships by June. BMW has yet to announce any pricing, but given its premium engine lineup, the X6 will most likely slot in slightly above the current X5.

[GreekMaverick]

That Engine is what the New M3 needed to have, not a Hot Rod SAV.....!
BMW gets it Wrong ONCE again .. (Or Right, Depends which way u see it)

[uabimmer]

AWW!
I wanted them to make a bigger SUV. Cant fit too much into the x5 and now there is a smaller x6???

I'm thinking this could simply be an answer to Porsche, because why on Earth would anyone make a SUV THAT fast...

[GreekMaverick]

Shiv, Could there be a Procede on the X6's Future?

[wahoo]

great engine...ugly a$$ suv. The top of the line X5 carries a 68-70k price tag. Given the price of gas, this might possibly be a collosal flop. Of course, if you can afford a 65-70k suv, gas shouldn't be a problem. Still an ugly vehicle.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

^^^The X6 looks hot, dont know what you're talking about. Lightyears better than the X3/5

[A418t81]

I read it was a 4.0L, not a 4.4

[Last E92 M3]

agreed, great engine but fugly style.
M version of X5 is what I am waiting for. lol! (if that ever happens)

[GreekMaverick]

Originally Posted by Last E92 M3

agreed, great engine but fugly style.
M version of X5 is what I am waiting for. lol! (if that ever happens)

I Guess everyone has their own opinion, to me it looks amazingly gorgeous...Will even take it over the Infinity FX which is drop dead gorgeous

[radgator1]

It looks great to me, but I see 2 major problems:

1. It will cost a small fortune even for the Drive35 version. With Premium and Nav and sun shades (which are the bare minimum options I need) I am sure it will be 60K plus

2. It is going to be built in S.C. In addtion to quality concerns over a non-german BMW, I would want to do ED for sure If I got one so that makes it a no-go for me.

Too bad really, If I could get a good enough lease rate and since I am sure it will have an excellent residual I could get past number one above with the deep discount of ED, but without that option I will never end up getting one.

[sonybony40]

Its true what they say....it looks like an AMC Eagle...Uggggghhh

[-Ryan-]

That motor is going to be a monster with a piggyback added.

[De90man]

Originally Posted by GreekMaverick

That Engine is what the New M3 needed to have, not a Hot Rod SAV.....!
BMW gets it Wrong ONCE again .. (Or Right, Depends which way u see it)

This 4.4L engine is too heavy for the M3. And, I think they should have used a hotter version of the N54 for this M3.

We are all witnessing what the N54 is capable of. even stock, it puts out more torque than the M3 4.0L V8 (<--amazing kit tho)!! People 'talk' hp, but they really 'drive' torque!!

[Driver72]

Well months ago I predicted it would be a 4.0-4.2 liter TT V8
Guess they made it a bit bigger than I thought.

[turbocoins]

Originally Posted by -Ryan-

That motor is going to be a monster with a piggyback added.

+1

[5soko]

wait. i dont think the v8 motor is a TT.

there just mention a v8 400+hp and than the 3.0TT engine to be both options. or am i reading wrong.
its not gonna be a v8TT

[-Ryan-]

Originally Posted by 5sokol335icoupe

wait. i dont think the v8 motor is a TT.

there just mention a v8 400+hp and than the 3.0TT engine to be both options. or am i reading wrong.
its not gonna be a v8TT

It's the first BMW to use the company's new twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8.

[wahoo]

Originally Posted by ArmyBimmerDude

^^^The X6 looks hot, dont know what you're talking about. Lightyears better than the X3/5

thats why they make chocolate and vanilla. AMC Eagle..hehehe. More like a moon unit with huge blind spots. Just bought a Lexus GX470 b/c the wife wants to get rid of the V8 T-reg. I wanted the X5 but couldn't swing it - incredible power plant but cost of operation is a great deal cheaper in the Lexus. Next time.

The X6 doesn't look to have 3rd row seating - more of a crossover. The FX is a fun ride but has the same passenger load issues (2 rows).

When you 'need' 3rd row seating, there aren't many sport like SUV vehicles in the 55k range. Oh well...I still have my little 3 series.

I'd still take the X5 4.8.

[!Xoible]

this car is Nabil-approved. i love it

[sflgator]

Doesn't anyone think that the X6 may be more expensive than the X5? I have this feeling, and if so, then you're looking at an X6 that costs >$70k with some decent options.

[lawdude]

Looks like Coca Cola was awarded exclusive rights to back seat product placement.

[stefano7171]

Originally Posted by 5sokol335icoupe

wait. i dont think the v8 motor is a TT.

there just mention a v8 400+hp and than the 3.0TT engine to be both options. or am i reading wrong.
its not gonna be a v8TT

Read well, is a TT. Also interesting is that the turbos are mounted inside the V of the cylinders, making the engine very compact!