BMW in addition to a mid life makeover for its X6 range has introduced a range topping BMW X6 M50d with the most powerful volume-produced six-cylinder diesel engine in the world. The BMW X6 M50d is the flagship of the revamped BMW X6 range.
Design enhancements, innovative equipment upgrades and a new range-topping M Performance model define the Life-Cycle Impulse (LCI) of the BMW X6, the world’s first-ever Sports Activity Coupé.
The X6 mid-life model update sees the Australian debut of BMW’s entirely new class of M Performance automobiles, headlined by the new BMW X6 M50d. Featuring the most powerful volume-produced six-cylinder diesel engine in the world, the BMW X6 M50d is the creation of BMW’s iconic high-perfomance division, BMW M GmbH, and launches in Australia together with the BMW X5 M50d.
Highlights of the new model revamp include
- Introduction of the X6 M range
- Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option
- New external paint finishes, light alloy wheel and leather trim.
- The BMW X6 LCI is now equipped to seat 5, with a three-seat rear bench seat as standard.
The petrol and diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology available for the BMW X6 deliver impressive pulling power and low fuel consumption figures. The V8 engine of the BMW X6 xDrive50i delivers 300 kW, while in the BMW X6 xDrive35i an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with 225 kW ensures athletic performance.
The in-line 6-cylinder diesel engines of the models BMW X6 xDrive30d and BMW X6 xDrive40d mobilise 180 kW and 225 kW respectively. Both offer not only impressively sporty power delivery but also emission figures based on the combined test cycle of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the BMW X6 xDrive30d and 7.5 litres for the BMW X6 xDrive40d.
The top of the range BMW X6 M50d produces 280kW of power and a staggering 740Nm of torque allowing the sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds yet fuel consumption of just 7.7l/100km.
The eight-speed Sports automatic transmission offers the driver two automated shift programs – D and S modes – as well as the option of changing gear manually (in M mode). Other BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components and a disengageable air conditioning compressor are all standard features.
The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels variably and according to the situation at hand. Indeed, drive can be switched between wheels in a split-second to optimise traction, directional stability and driving dynamics. xDrive and the DSC stability control system work together to provide advance analysis of the driving situation ahead.
The ability to detect the danger of drive slip at an early stage and counteract one or several spinning wheels by varying the distribution of power has helped earn xDrive its status as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. In normal driving situations drive is sent predominantly to the rear wheels, accentuating the renowned handling characteristics of BMW cars.
In addition, Dynamic Performance Control enhances the handling agility of the BMW X6 by re-routing engine output variably across the rear axle to the wheel that needs it most to ensure maximum stability and optimum propulsion in all situations. Dynamic Performance Control also counteracts oversteer in its early stages, switching drive from the outside rear wheel – which is experiencing particularly high centrifugal forces – to the inside rear wheel. Dynamic Performance Control also steps in to stabilise the car when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, ensuring precise and agile turn-in and enabling extremely dynamic acceleration out of corners.
The new torquey and high-revving diesel engine also breaks new ground with its specific output of 93.6 kW per litre of displacement. However, the output possible using M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology is generated not in the turbochargers but in the core of the basic engine, which has therefore also been extensively modified. Maximum combustion pressure has risen from the 185 bar of the most powerful diesel engine in the existing BMW line-up to 200 bar.
M-specification chassis set-up produces accurate steering and precisely controllable handling.
The chassis technology underpinning the BMW X6 M50d is based on a double-wishbone front axle and integral rear axle. This arrangement offers the ideal platform for a sporty handling set-up which also achieves high standards of ride comfort. The X6 M50d also features air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The support mounts, elastokinematics, spring and damper system, and Servotronic mapping of the hydraulic steering – among other things – have been modified to imbue the chassis set-up of the BMW X6 with hallmark M characteristics.
Stronger body mounting reduces roll, which in turn optimises steering accuracy through corners. At the same time, the linear build-up of lateral forces for which M cars are renowned enables precisely controllable handling up to the limit. The M-specification tuning of chassis components extends to the electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll control function of Adaptive Drive, which comes as standard on the BMW X6 M50d, meanwhile, the large-format braking system – with 385-millimetre front discs and 345-millimetre rear discs – provides powerful and consistent braking, even under heavy loads.
The sporting driving pleasure served up by the BMW X6 M50d is summed up in its interiors by door sills bearing the “M Performance” lettering, the inscription “M50d” in the instrument cluster, a gearshift lever with M logo, an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim strips. Also standard fare is the exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats offering electric adjustability and a memory function. The black seats are adorned with white contrast stitching with the M logo featured along the piping.
BMW X6 Australian Pricing
Models MRLP* incl. GST & LCT
X6 xDrive30d $110,900
X6 xDrive35i $121,000
X6 xDrive40d $127,400
X6 xDrive50i $150,400
X6 M50d $157,000
X6 M $190,900
* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and states/territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
