BMW BLOG

The fellows over at Autogespot have spotted the gorgeous Lumma CLR X650 somewhere on the streets of Paris. While most of the models we have seen so far from Lumma were sporting a white or black coat, this latest CLR X650 comes in an eye-popping red color.

Back in 2008, the Winterlinger-based tuner, Lumma Design, unveiled for the first time their own version of the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The CLR X650 comes with some impressive 23-inch wheels, mounted on a sport widebody kit that also includes 2 inch fender extensions.

The front and rear spoilers received a new treatment as well, along with larger side skirts. Of course, carbon-fiber is being used all around, including the air ducted hood. Lowered sport suspensions designed by Lumma are completing the aggressive look and stand.

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Weeks after we posted exclusive information on the new BMW X6 xDrive40d model, BMW has officially confirmed the new model available in Europe starting this Spring. Along with the new 40d badge, the X6 family gets the new N55 Twin-Scroll engine that debuted in the 535i GT and more recently, in the new 5 Series and facelifted 3er Coupe and Convertible.

Also, starting in spring 2010, all versions of the BMW X6 come as standard with eight-speed automatic transmission.

This press release issued by BMW last week comes to confirm our previous assumptions.

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This is Jeremy Clarkson’s bashing week on BMW cars and following his “great” X5 M review, we have another one for you, or should we say, he does?! This time, another somewhat controversial vehicle back in the day, the BMW X6, the Sports Activity Coupe, and not SAV as he calls it. And not just any X6, but rather one of our favorite ones: xDrive35d.

As seen in the previous review, the iDrive system takes a beating and to be objective, we have to agree with him. The first generation iDrive “suffers” a bit when compared to the latest nav system. Moving down his complaints list, we have the shift paddles….and again, he has a point here. We have to admit that the old school paddles seen in the M3 are far more intuitive and appropriate: one shifts down, the other shifts up.

Next item…the suspension system. Not sure about you, but we certainly like its roughness and firmness, inspires more confidence and certainly handles better in corners without having the “boat effect”.

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Road and Track just published their own test drive of the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, a model that was recently unveiled at the L.A. Auto Show where our own Josh had a chance to drive it as well (the review will be coming up).

In the mean time, let’s have a look at R&T’s first impressions of BMW’s first production ready hybrid.

“During our quick drive, we achieved a consistent maximum speed of 34 mph with a fully charged battery on flat asphalt, but a light foot is needed to keep the car in electric mode. In normal driving, the electric motor will kick in when your foot is to the floor to provide additional boost.

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John Voelcker over at GreenCarReports had the opportunity to sat behind the wheel of the all-brand new 2010 BMW ActiveHbyrid X6. Here is an excerpt from his detailed and informative review:

“Our goal was to fundamentally change the view of hybrids,” said Peter Tünnermann, project manager for the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. “We wanted to make a ‘non-hybrid’ hybrid.”

In other words, a hybrid that didn’t drive like a hybrid. And in that goal, BMW has succeeded admirably.

Drivers at the international launch of BMW’s first hybrid-electric vehicle agreed that if the badges and instruments had been removed, they would have been hard-pressed to know that this latest X6 had electric motors and all sorts of software wizardry between its engine and the wheels.

Their only clue, in fact, would have been the fuel economy. No other X6 even comes close to achieving 20 miles per gallon in mixed use.

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The french fellows over at Sport-Cars.fr have just sent in their review of the beautiful, powerful and imposing AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon, a vehicle based on the BMW X6 xDrive35d model.

AC Schnitzer gives the X6 a power upgrade from 286 horsepower to 310 and 680Nm of torque. The dimensions of the X6 have also been increased, 70 mm wider at the front axle and 80 mm wider at the rear. AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon sits on ultra-thin 22″ tires.

The aerodynamics package includes a front skirt with diagonal air inlets and repositioned fog lamps. The Falcon rear features a solid skirt with edge frame. In contrast to the original, all components are painted in the body color, so that it appears drawn further down and hence more dominant. AC Schnitzer has opted for a rear diffuser and completed the effect with a new rear spoiler.

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AC Schnitzer and Hartge are two of the most famous car tuners and they need no introduction. Over the years, each one of these companies focused part of their efforts on the BMW brand and several “tuned-up” bimmers were released by the two of them.

Hartge was the first one to open doors with their own version of the BMW X6 xDrive35d. First changes were made to the powerplant, the twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel engine received an upgrade to 328 horsepower and 675 Nm of torque. To handle all that weight and power, Hartge X6 xDrive35d was placed on ultra-wide tires, 295 / 30 ZR 22 at the front and 335 / 25 ZR 22 at the rear.

Suspensions have been lowered as well by 30 mm. The Hartge X6 runs from 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 159 mph.

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Already for the eights time, HAMANN-Motorsport presents its exclusive refining program at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

In hall 5.0, exhibition stand B.32, the renowned BMW specialist and tuner of the most excellent luxury sports cars presents it latest developments. One of the displayed highlights of the 450 square meter large HAMANN stand is the world premiere of the TYCOON EVO which is based on the BMW X6.

The revolutionary difference to its predecessor is the newly designed fender extensions and the striking rear. The visual and sonorous highlights of the rear part are the earthy sports exhaust system with the remarkable center double end pipes.

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