BMW BLOG

TopGear brings us on their off-road expedition aboard the BMW X6, the same very controversial and little appreciated Sports Activity Coupe by Jeremy Clarkson.

The X6 was never meant to be a true off-road vehicle, that job remains partially for the X5, or ….for a vehicle like the Range Rover, but can the X6 still do the job?

We shall find out. Read the rest of this entry »

Our friends over at TheDieselDriver have recently published their review of the first BMW production ready hybrid: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.

Here is an excerpt from their review:

“One of the most remarkable things about the new BMW ActiveHybrid X6, besides its performance (0-60 in 5.4 seconds) and fuel economy (20% better than the standard X6), is that the driver might never know he’s behind the wheel of a hybrid if it weren’t for the discreet ActiveHybrid badges and an electric drive display below the tachometer.

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In less than two weeks, BMW will unveil their X6 with Performance Parts at the Geneva Motor Show. Featuring similar upgrades as seen in some of the 1 or 3 Series models, the Performance Parts are not only looking to extend the already aggressive look of the Sports Activity Coupe, but to also to increase the power output.

You can read about all the upgrades brought to the X6, in the press release below.

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.

The wide range of products from BMW Performance offers numerous options for this purpose, ensuring an even more intense experience of driving dynamics and the fascinating, aesthetic design of the BMW X6. The range of retrofittable options specially developed for BMW’s unique Sports Activity Coupé for the drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit is included in the broad selection of BMW Original Accessories. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »