Mar 7th, 2010
Last fall we had a quick jaunt in the two-mode BMW X6 Active Hybrid. We have discussed the system at great length with Dave Buchko from BMWNA when he visited with us during a BimmerCast. Thanks to Dave we were left with a great understanding of the system and how BMW created a hybrid that provided both better fuel economy and performance than the V8 X6.
We have not discussed the vehicle much lately but Herr Spira over at The Diesel Driver recently had a week in the X6 Active Hybrid and has cued us back to the NiMH based hybrid. In his review he breaks down the vehicle systems and explains some of the plusses and minuses of BMW’s first production hybrid.
The secret sauce behind the performance is the two-mode active transmission that supports enhanced efficiency or greater performance, as desired by the driver. When the driver accelerates, the V-8 is joined by the two electric motors to provide additional power without increasing fuel consumption. The motors also supply power in most driving conditions (such as highway driving), reducing the power output required of the V-8.
For more of his take on things (including an unexpected conclusion) check out the complete review at The Diesel Driver.
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Feb 18th, 2010
The X6 will following along the line of the 1 and 3 series with an engine kit, aero kit, wheels and interior appointments. As you’d expect power is up (there are kits for both models) and there are some unique aero additions that even make the X6 M look a little subtle. Here are some highlights:
- Retrofitable (Available June 2010)
- xDrive50i: Power upped to 448 hp / 479 lb-ft.
- xDrive35i: Power upped to 326 hp / 332 lb-ft.
- xDrive50i: 0-60: 5.2s
- xDrive35i: 0-60: 6.5s
Official Release: The BMW X6 stands out in particular through its unique sporting looks and performance, unmistakable design adding a most exclusive touch. And now the truly discerning driver is able to make the driving experience and looks of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé even more outstanding, tailoring all the car’s features to his individual, sporting preferences.
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Feb 12th, 2010
Supplements to the BMW Individual product portfolio round off the list of new items in the range of BMW M GmbH. For the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, too, there is the option to add an unmistakable touch with stylish and exclusive options from the BMW Individual program directly at the market launch. The range specially developed for the Sedan includes the BMW Individual high gloss Shadow Line, the BMW Individual Exterior Line in satinised aluminium design, an anthracite-coloured BMW Individual roof liner and BMW Individual reading lights at the rear.
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Feb 3rd, 2010
With their typical fun-to-drive qualities, superior all-wheel-drive technology and powerfully expressive styling, the BMW X models occupy a position all their own in their respective classes. The unique attractions of this concept, now successfully established in four different market segments, received further confirmation recently with an excellent showing in the latest readers’ poll by the German magazine Off Road. The BMW X5 was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” in the “Luxury SUV” category, while the BMW X1 and BMW X6 came first and second in the “Crossover” category and the BMW X3 took second place in the “SUV” category.
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Jan 27th, 2010
Looks like the X6 is the next vehicle to be announced with the new dual scroll turbo inline six featuring Valvetronic. We have long suspected the soon to be announced X5 LCI (refresh) to sport the newest BMW six cylinder, but we believed the X6 would remain powered by the award winning twin turbo N54. These motors reportedly have the same official outputs but the new N55 is more efficient, lighter as well as providing better acceleration and throttle response. BMW’s new eight speed transmission, supplied by ZF, will be equipped in both US X6 models to provide even greater efficiency and improve shifting ability.
Worth noting is that this motor and transmission swap has currently only been officially confirmed for the EU.
Introduced for model year 2010 in the US was a factory tune for the X6 known as option 7RR. It featured the same output as the recently launch 335is (320hp/330 ft-lbs). Will this become the X6xDrive35is? We do not see this as a large leap and suspect we will hear official word in the not so distant future.
UPDATE- An unnamed source has confirmed the US will see the N55 and 8 speed switch for model year 2011. This same source reports there will be no “is” model offered at this time.
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Jan 8th, 2010
Before the holiday break I was lucky enough to spend some seat time behind the wheel of a BMW Performance 335i sedan with Eric Riehle. Eric is the new Accessory Development Manager for BMW Performance and Motorsport. In other words, he is every enthusiast’s best friend as he helps create and bring to market the accessories we all would like.
So without further delay here is our exclusive interview with Eric.
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