2015 BMW X6 M50d
And The New BMW X6
The launch of the second-generation BMW X6 will go hand-in-hand with the arrival of a BMW M Performance Automobile developed on the basis of the new Sports Activity Coupe. The new BMW X6 M50d is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and a maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp. Its driving properties are all about extraordinary agility and precisely controllable handling. Like its engine – the most powerful diesel unit in the BMW line-up – the new model’s eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system, specially tuned chassis technology, aerodynamically optimised body design and cockpit design all bear the signature of BMW M GmbH.
The expertise amassed by BMW M GmbH in motor racing and the development of high-performance sports cars has been brought to bear in the targeted modification of individual components. And this know-how is also evident in the hallmark M precision with which the chassis configuration, braking performance and aerodynamic balance of the new BMW X6 M50d are matched with the engine’s performance characteristics. This gives the BMW M Performance Automobile a distinctive, extremely sporty profile – one which is underlined by bespoke design accents and turns the driving pleasure already conjured up by a BMW X model into an inimitable, emotion-rich experience.
Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with unparalleled M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, supreme power and exemplary efficiency.
The straight-six diesel engine under the bonnet of the BMW X6 M50d is another example of the BMW Group’s stand-out expertise in the field of powertrain development. Its M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology uses three turbochargers – which work together in a precision-adjusted multistage process – and common rail direct injection (with piezo injectors generating maximum pressure of 2,200 bar) to deliver maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft).
The engine powering the new BMW X6 M50d displays performance characteristics cast in the classical M mould – most tellingly in its ability to maintain maximum power output over a wide rev range. The key here is an innovative turbocharging system; two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo dovetail precisely to deliver the amount of power required. The low moment of inertia of the small turbochargers is exploited to the full to deliver razor-sharp responses and the link-up with the large turbo is maximised to generate as much charge pressure as possible – just as the driving situation demands. The new BMW X6 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds (0.1 seconds more quickly than its predecessor) and boasts impressive power reserves for sporty mid-range sprints, even at higher speeds.
At the same time, the average fuel consumption of the BMW M Performance Automobile has been reduced by 14 per cent and now stands at just 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres (42.8 mpg imp). CO2 emissions come in at 174 grams per kilometre. The new BMW X6 M50d thus displays a genuine commitment to delivering impressive efficiency at this extremely high level of performance.
In order to ensure optimum conversion of engine power into dynamic performance, both the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission and BMW xDrive have been tuned precisely to the power unit’s performance characteristics. The M-specific set-up of the all-wheel-drive system has been optimised to enhance the new BMW X6 M50d’s dynamics, helping it to retain a rear-wheel bias under dynamic cornering. Even when the car is stable through corners, a larger proportion of the engine’s power is channelled to the rear axle to enhance agility and stave off understeer.
M-specific chassis delivers precise handling properties.
The likewise model-specific chassis technology of the new BMW X6 M50d paves the way for hallmark M handling responses which allow precise car control even in dynamically exacting situations. The standard Adaptive M suspension of the new BMW X6 M50d comprises Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The spring and damper system, support mounts and elastokinematics of the front and rear axle, as well as Servotronic mapping of the Electric Power Steering, all have an M-specific configuration. And that’s a recipe for familiar M handling characteristics, headlined by reduced roll, extremely high precision on turn-in and a linear build-up of transverse forces through dynamically taken corners. The car’s rigid bodyshell mounting, firm spring and damper characteristics, and direct power steering responses are especially noticeable when SPORT or SPORT+ mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch. This ensures a particularly clear differentiation from the COMFORT setting in the new BMW X6 M50d.
The new BMW X6 M50d is available as an option with the Dynamic adaptive suspension package. This comprises Dynamic Performance Control – with variable distribution of power between the rear wheels (torque vectoring) – and active roll stabilisation. These systems imbue the new BMW X6 M50d with even sharper cornering dynamics and further reduce body roll during direction changes.
Large brakes – featuring 385-millimetre discs at the front and 345-millimetre discs at the rear – ensure powerful and fade-free deceleration even under heavy loads. The standard-fitted 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design are, like the two versions of the optional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design, fitted with mixed-size tyres.
Body design with optimised aerodynamic properties and crystalclear indicators of sporting intent.
The standalone character of the BMW X6 M50d is highlighted by bespoke exterior design accents and by the design and equipment of the interior. Aerodynamically optimised body components blend with prominently sporty features to create an exterior appearance fitting the template of a BMW M Performance Automobile. Large air intakes, bespoke contours for the front apron, muscular side skirts and a rear apron with diffuser insert perform various roles, including helping to improve the airflow to the engine and optimise the car’s aerodynamic balance at higher speeds.
Other signature features of the new BMW X6 M50d’s exterior design are horizontal Ferric Grey bars for the outer air intakes, cladding at the lower edge of the body (painted in body colour), BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey and trapezoidal, black chrome exhaust tailpipe embellishers like those on the eight-cylinder model.
Interior: an ideal ambience in which to enjoy sporty driving pleasure.
The cleverly thought-out design and selection of materials for the interior of the new BMW X6 M50d have created the perfect ambience for driving pleasure at the sportier end of the scale. The BMW M Performance Automobile is equipped as standard with leather/Alcantara sports seats, an M leather steering wheel and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips. The anthracite-coloured roof liner, M driver’s footrest, model-specific door sill strips, electronically generated “X6 M50d” lettering in the instrument cluster and gear selector bearing the M logo add further distinctive accents to the mix.
