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BMW X6 M Breaks Cover - VIDEO ENHANCED


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MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – April 6, 2009: BMW has brought the performance character of its famous BMW M division to bear on the segment of X models for the very first time.

The world’s leading premium manufacturer has this week released details of its upcoming BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M models.

Both models set new standards in their class in terms of dynamic performance as a result of supreme acceleration, lateral dynamics, steering behaviour, short stopping distances and efficiency – all hallmarks of BMW M vehicles.


Click PLAY to watch a road test of the new BMW X6 M

Australian customers will be able to purchase the BMW X6 M in the final quarter this year; whilst at present the BMW X5 M is not planned for Australian introduction.

The BMW X6 M is powered by a new 4.4-litre V8 high-performance engine.

Delivering peak power of 408 kW, the new M TwinPower Turbo engine is the world’s first power unit with a common exhaust emission manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology.

The turbocharger and the catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders ensuring spontaneous and direct response so typical of BMW M as well as a linear surge of power for a consistent flow of torque at all times. Peak torque is rated at 680 Newton-metres.

The BMW X6 M accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a scintillating 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h or 275 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Despite superlative driving dynamics, the BMW X6 M offers the highest level of efficiency in its segment thanks to the High Precision Injection engine combined with proven and newly developed BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. These include Brake Energy Regeneration as well as on-demand control of the electrical fuel pump, detachable a/c compressor and volume flow-controlled supply of hydraulic fluid to the anti-roll system.


Click PLAY to watch the BMW X6 M road tested in snow

The BMW X6 M complies with the EU5 and LEV II emission standards and average fuel consumption is 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

A six-speed M Sports Automatic transmission, featuring optimised gearshift dynamics and outstanding gearshift comfort is fitted to the BMW X6 M. Extremely short gearshift times are the result of an innovative torque reduction concept which briefly cancels out fuel injection and ignition.

Drivers can shift gears by the BMW M aluminium shift paddles on the steering wheel or via the electronic gear selector and a launch control function is available for maximum acceleration.

The BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M are the first all-wheel-drive models built by BMW M GmbH, combining BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control. Both models exhibit outstanding driving dynamics combined with supreme stability and excellent traction as well as agility unparallel in this segment.

The X6 M features specifically developed Servotronic steering which provides substantial steering support at low speeds and exact feedback at higher speeds for greater precision when travelling fast. The driver can also call up the Sports Mode via the M Drive button for an uncompromisingly sporting control map.

The suspension with its double-track control arm front axle and the integral IV rear axle comes with elastokinematics boasting all the features of BMW M. Air suspension and self-levelling on the rear axle as well as Adaptive Drive with electronically adjustable dampers (EDC) and active anti-roll control are standard. The high-performance brake system features lightweight technology offering superior stopping power with virtually no fading and optimum control of the brakes.

The BMW X6 M also features M Dynamic Mode (MDM), which raises the control thresholds for intervention by the brakes and the reduction of the engine power and provides that typical steering behaviour so characteristic of BMW M by shifting the drive power to the rear in the xDrive setting and interacting appropriately with Dynamic Performance Control. MDM allows maximum speeds in bends plus unrestricted safety when driving to the extreme.

Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function, adaptive brake lights and 20-inch light-alloy wheels with different-sized tyres front and rear all come as standard.

A host of innovative driver assistance systems include Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights and a High Beam Assistant.

Inside, the BMW X6 M comes with M seats, an M leather steering wheel and an M footrest, as well as the M-specific cockpit including an instrument cluster with a variable pre-warning field in the rev counter, specific vehicle function displays, and white illumination of the display units.

Australian specification and pricing for the new BMW X6 M will be announced closer to launch.