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2011 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe: Improved Performance and Efficiency
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Source: BMW | Published: Thu Jan 06, 2011 |
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Sportiness and Luxury Within the Interior
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, standard shift paddles on the sports steering wheel, and
the fine scale on the circular instruments all create an excitingly different
driving experience in the BMW X6 both on the road and off the beaten track.
With its four-passenger seating, the world's first Sports Activity Coupe is
further distinguished from the other BMW X Models. The individual rear seats are
separated from one another through the center console, the high-rising side
supports, and the integrated headrests on all four seats. As a BMW X model, the
X6 offers all four occupants an elevated, commanding seating position for the
ride heigh and visibility that one expects of a vehicle of this type.
The
BMW X6 is the only vehicle in the segment of BMW X models to feature a sports
steering wheel with gearshift paddles, which enable the driver to shift gears
manually on the six-speed automatic transmission, as standard equipment.
Multifunction buttons on the sport steering wheel operate the telephone and
audio systems quickly, smoothly and without distraction, while two additional
buttons may be programmed individually according to the driver's personal
preferences.
The kneepads on the center console offer the driver and
front passenger additional stability in maneuvers in city traffic and when
driving off-road under tough conditions.
V8 Engine with Twin Turbo
Technology
With Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection
(High Precision Injection), this engine develops its maximum output of 400 hp
throughout a broad range of engine speed from 5,500-6,400 rpm. Engine torque
reaches its peak of 450 lb-ft throughout an unusually large rev range from
1,750-4,500 rpm. This sustained thrust is the result of Twin Turbo technology
already featured on BMW's most powerful inline six combined with High Precision
Injection. The cooling effect of direct fuel injection allows for a very high
compression ratio of 10.0:1 - quite unusual on a turbocharged engine. The high
compression ratio helps to give the engine its high level of efficiency and
performance characteristics.
The position of the turbochargers and
catalytic converters in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders is
likewise an innovation in technology allowing particularly compact engine
dimensions and at the same time requiring new configuration of the intake and
exhaust ducts. This means shorter intake and exhaust manifolds and larger
cross-sections which significantly reduce pressure losses on both the intake and
exhaust side.
In combination with the new 8-speed automatic, the BMW X6
xDrive50i accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and boasts ample power
reserves for exceptional acceleration at higher speeds.
New 8-speed
Automatic Transmission with Steptronic
On both models of the X6,
sending to the standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system is BMW's new
8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic control. The new 8-speed
transmission is standard in the X6 xDrive50i and X6 xDrive35i, and raises the
industry standard for compactness, efficiency, and gear selection. The new
transmission weighs no more than its 6-speed predecessor, yet offers closer
ratios in the lower gears for improved acceleration and two additional "tall"
gears for relaxed, efficient cruising.
Using the console-mounted
e-shifter, the X6 driver chooses from three shifting programs: Drive, Drive
Sport, and Manual. In Manual mode, the driver selects from the eight forward
gear ratios via the + / - action of the shifter (push forward to downshift; pull
back to upshift). At any speed, Neutral is easily selected via a forward push of
the selector from Drive and, when at a standstill, Park is selected by
depressing the "P" button atop the shifter, or by pushing the Engine Start-Stop
button (doing so will also stop the engine).
BMW Brake Energy
Regeneration
BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system incorporates a
special deep-cycle Glass Mat battery with programmed alternator disengagement so
that, most of the time, the vehicle's battery is only charged while the vehicle
is coasting or braking. Over time, the Brake Energy Regeneration system can save
1-2% on fuel consumption.
BMW X6 Offers An Unparalled Driving
Experience
The BMW X6 employs BMW's proven intelligent xDrive
all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control to vary the distribution of
drive power between the front and rear axles, instantaneously adjusting to
driving conditions. However, the X6 takes xDrive a step further with Dynamic
Performance Control. Featured for the first time on the BMW X6, DPC ensures
variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. DPC
incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential
incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enable the system
to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that DPC can help
steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. An industry
first, 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,
DPC serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the
driver to safely enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery
or uneven surfaces, DPC provides the further advantage of even safer and more
stable traction.
BMW iDrive, 4th Generation
Standard in the
X6 xDrive50i and included with the optional Navigation system in the X6
xDrive35i is BMW's latest version of iDrive controller. iDrive enters its 4th
generation building upon this pioneering development, while making it more
natural, more intuitive, simpler and more elegant in its functionality - and
more esthetically pleasing and enjoyable.
With the 2002 7 Series, BMW
initiated a new direction in the control of vehicle features and functions; via
a multi-menu color display and a mouse-like controller usable by driver and
passenger alike, a potentially crowded landscape of buttons and knobs was
supplanted by a computer-logic control path.
An overarching attribute of
iDrive was the separation of control (via the console controller) and display
(the centrally placed iDrive monitor). This basic arrangement remains; the
controller has been further developed and the display has evolved markedly.
Positioned centrally in the instrument panel, the new control display sets
higher standards for logical, readily understood menus and attractive graphics.
The controller has been refined for comfortable, intuitive selection and
activation of functions via standardized turn, push and tilt motions, while
being augmented with new direct-selection keys for specific menus, plus more of
the Programmable Memory Keys that were added to the system.
High-resolution Display
With its 8.8-in., high-resolution monitor,
the new iDrive displays remarkably attractive images. It's a system appropriate
to the vehicle it's in, achieved via up-to-date hard- and software.
White-on-black menu lists; effective symbols and icons; contemporary graphics;
and clear, consistent color-coding are among the elements that enhance not only
function but also esthetics.
3D Navigation
This overall
refinement of functionality means simpler and more enjoyable use of the optional
Navigation. Full-screen map displays offer outstandingly detailed views of the
geography; maps as well as specific symbols can be shown in 3-dimensional form.
Selected points of interest along the travel route appear with near-photographic
realism.
Mere input of destinations reveals the new system's impressive
capabilities. If the destination appears on a list in the system, a preview map
appears as the user scrolls the list; this can help distinguish between places
with similar or identical names. If a destination (or a phone number) needs to
be entered manually, this is done with a new, circular "speller" that makes the
entry go more quickly.
BMW xDrive: Intelligent AWD
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 enhanced driving dynamics as well. BMW xDrive acts 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,
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 X6 with Dynamic Performance Control,
handling and stability are further enhanced with the ability to multiply torque
to an individual rear wheel for yaw control. With the combination of xDrive and
Dynamic Performance Control, the X6 is able to counteract even the slightest
trend to over- or under-steer right from the start, at the earliest conceivable
point, benefiting the driver's sense of driving dynamics and security.
Dynamic Performance Control
The positive effect of Dynamic
Performance Control on the agility of the BMW X6 can be felt right from the
start. In conventional everyday traffic, the vehicle steers into corners with
great precision at any speed.
DPC likewise enhances the handling and,
indeed, the overall control of the BMW X6 in sudden steering maneuvers and at
particularly high speeds in corners. If the vehicle begins to understeer or push
to the outside of a corner BMW xDrive and DPC will shift torque to the outside
rear wheel in order to counteract the understeer. On the other hand, if the
vehicle threatens to over-steer, xDrive reduces the transmission of power to the
rear wheels then the DPC transfers torque and drive forces from the outer rear
wheel and diverts these forces to the inner rear wheel.
Dynamic
Stability Control
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 DPC
intervenes is a - significant - increase in agility, traction and driving
stability. As a result of DPC'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 serve 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 grade.
The BMW X6 features a parking brake operating both
electromechanically and hydraulically, activated or released simply by pushing a
button.
Packages and Options
- Active Ventilated Seats Package: Includes Active Comfort and ventilation
features. 20-way adjustable Multi-contour front seats, standard on on the
50i, are included on the 35i
- Cold Weather Package: The new lower priced package includes retractable
headlight washers, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats
- Premium Package: All models include Auto-dimming interior and exterior
mirrors; digital compass; BMW Universal Transceiver; Ambiance Lighting
package; Storage package; BMW Assist with a 4-year subscription and
Bluetooth cellphone interface. The 35i also gets front lumbar support, which
is standard on the 50i.
- Premium Sound Package: Includes Premium sound system with 16 speakers,
the iPod/USB Adapter ansSirius satellite radio with a one-year subscription.
- Rear Climate Package: Includes 4-zone climate control, manual rear
sunshades and Privacy Glass.
- Sport Package: Includes 19-inch wheels, Shadowline exterior trim,
anthracite-color headliner; Adaptive Drive: Active Roll Stabilization and
Electronic Damping Control. Both models add the separate option of 20-inch
wheels with performance tires. Sport Seats are included on the 35i and may
be substituted for the standard Comfort Seats on the 50i. Comfort Seats may
be substituted for the Sport Seats in the 35i for an addition charge.
- Sport Activity Package: Includes 19-inch wheels, Shadowline exterior
trim and anthracite-color headliner. Both models add the separate option of
20-inch wheels with performance tires. Sport Seats are included on the 35i
and may be substituted for the standard Comfort Seats on the 50i.
- Technology Package: Available for the 35i, it Includes Rearview camera
with Top View, Navigation with Voice Command and Real Time Traffic
Information with dynamic rerouting.
Factory Options
- Active Cruise Control: Newly available on the X6 for 2011. The system
enables the driver to maintain a set distance from the car in front by
modulation either the throttle or the brakes. The Stop-and-Go function is
capable of braking the X6 down to a full stop if required.
- Lane Departure Warning: Also newly available for the X6 for the 2011
model year. When activated, the system sends an alert when the vehicle
crosses a lane's dividing line without the driver signaling. As in other
BMWs, the system vibrates the steering wheel rather than sounding an alarm,
simulating the sensation the driver would feel when driving over a rumble
srip.
- Automatic High Beams: System automatically switches off high beam
headlights when oncoming headlights are detected, then switches them back on
when the vehicle has passed.
- Active Steering: Active Steering varies steering ratio widely to achieve
amazing agility at lower speeds while retaining stability at higher speeds.
The system includes Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist. Sport
Package is required.
- Adaptive Drive: Combines Active Roll Stabalization with Electronic
Damping Control. Included in the Sport Package.
- Comfort Access: Allows the owner to enter and start the X5 without
removing the remote from his or her pocket.
- Aluminum running boards: Dresses up the exterior and enables easier
entry and exit from the vehicle.
- Soft-close Doors: Pulls the door all the way closed and latches it for
added convenience.
- Multi-contour Front Comfort Seats: Available on the 35i as a stand-alone
option or as part of the Active Ventilated Seats Package, these seats offer
20-way adjustability. Standard on the 50i
- Sport seats: Available as part of the Sport Activity Package and Sport
Package on the X6 xDrive35i and available as a no-cost alternative to the
Multi-contour Comfort Seats in the 50i.
- Heated front seats: Available as a stand-alone option or as part of the
Cold Weather Package, these front seats offer 4 heating zones, rapid heating
and 3-stage heating.
- Heated rear seats: Available as a stand-alone option.
- BMW On-board Navigation System: Available as a stand-alone option or as
part of the Technology Package on the 35i, Navigation system includes the
4th generation iDrive controller and new 8.8-in. high resolution screen. The
new system includes an 80-GB hard drive for data storage, 12GB of which can
be used for music storage. Real Time Traffic Information with dynamic
rerouting continues to be part of the system. Standard on the 50i.
- Rear-view Camera with Top View: Available as a stand-alone option on the
50i and included in the Technology Package on both models.
- Side-view camera: Provides an image of traffic crossing in front of the
X6 from either side.
- Head-up Display: Driver can read key information with minimal diversion.
Includes variable brightness and positioning; can be turned off or on as
desired.
- Sirius Satellite Radio: Integrated into vehicle audio system, Sirius
provides 120 stations with uninterrupted programming. Now priced at $350
including a one-year subscription.
- iPod/USB Adapter: Enables an MP3 player to be played through the
vehicle's audio system. This option fully integrates an iPod's functionality
into the audio system and multifunction steering wheel and enables non-iPod
MP3 players and thumbdrives to be used as well.
- Rear-seat Entertainment System: Includes an 8.0-inch rear TFT screen
with controller, DVD player and infra-red wireless headphones. Also includes
wireless remote control and wireless headphones.
- Nappa leather: This exquisite and supple leather is available as an
option on both models and now includes a Leather Wrapped Dashboard.
- Smartphone Integration: A connection and docking station provide full
integration of a smartphone, while reception is provided through the
vehicle's built-in antenna. Charging is also provided while the phone is
connected.
BMW X6 xDrive50i: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications
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