X DRIVE 50i

X DRIVE 50i

X5 coupe'

Trendy X6 SUV features 2+2 cabin, all-new bi-turbo V8 and clever 4WD

- The X6 was first billed as a concept in September this year, and today it's a production model. It is based on the X5, but is shorter and wider. The X6 is aimed at buyers wanting SUV looks but sporty appearance and driving dynamics, thus explaining the 2+2 cabin. The X5 with optional seven seats remains the practical SUV.

- The X6's diesel and petrol engine line-up is all turbocharged. The newest of the four is bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrolhead (left) producing 408hp and a towering 600Nm of torque. This reveals BMW's efforts of engine-downsizing. Other engines include 235hp and 286hp 3.0-litre diesels and 306hp 3.0-litre petrol.

- Efforts to reduce fuel consumption include brake regenerative system which is now becoming common in many BMWs (not in Thailand yet) and low rolling resistance tyres. Transmission is six-speed automatic. The petrol/electric hybrid engine that appeared in the X6 Concept doesn't come soon to showrooms for the X6.

- BMW hopes to make the X6 the sportiest SUV to drive. A new rear differential called DPC (Dynamic Performance Package) in BMW speak can split torque between the left and right wheels. The X6's main target is the Porsche Cayenne, which has recently seen the GTS model added to the line-up and could be seen as Weissach's attempt to protect sales from going to the range-topping X6.

- The X6 gets a unique badging strategy. The 235hp 3.0 diesel, for example, is called xDrive3.0 and 286hp 3.0 diesel xdrive3.5. Like the 330d and 335d badges, the numbers do not necessarily indicate displacement. The X6 is around 5% dearer than the X5, meaning that the range-topping xDrive5.0 will cost close to B10m - some B3m cheaper than the GTS rival when it goes on sale in Thailand in mid-2008.