BMW X6—The off-roading coupe

MANILA, Philippines – I first drove the first-generation BMW X6 in South Carolina, where BMW manufactures its big SUV’s, er, SAVs. That was way back in 2008. BMW officials were adamant to refer to their X series as Sports Activity Vehicles—and I can’t blame them.  The generic term for these vehicles may be sports utility vehicles, but who really uses them for sheer utility? Especially if the vehicles cost upwards of five million bucks. You don’t exactly load them with cement bags or go charging through thick brush in the forest in them. You drive to the golf course or country club in them and charge down to the marina with a jetski or speedboat in tow. That’s Sports Activity for you.

And now BMW continues the success story of the Sports Activity Vehicle with the introduction of the latest BMW X6. The newest member of BMW’s X family reflects the powerful X pedigree while bending the rules of design and performance.

The extrovert design of the new X6 blends the dynamism of a BMW X model with the sporting elegance typical of the brand’s iconic coupés. Available in Pure Extravagance design at launch, the vehicle features an athletic look with muscular aspects that point to its versatility and appetite for action around the metro and even off the beaten track.

From the front, sweeping chrome inserts join the redesigned front bumper’s X-shaped contours and bi-xenon headlights with corona rings that connect to the signature BMW kidney grille. The sharply drawn lines extend to the sides to further accentuate the sporty character and optimize the car’s aerodynamics.

At the rear, horizontal lines, a high-opening tailgate, a powerfully formed bumper, and flat rear apron come together to highlight the solid stance of the new X6. The three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights, meanwhile, create a striking nighttime look.

Also unique to the X6 Pure Extravagance line is a new exterior trim finish in Cerium Grey, which is featured on the mirror caps along the flanks and underbody guard at the vehicle’s front end, lending it an even more sophisticated appearance.

The interior offers generous space with model-specific sports features and a luxurious ambience for everyday functionality. The high seating position typical of BMW X models coupled with beautifully finished materials create the perfect environment for a supreme driving experience. This style flows through the cabin which includes a highly intuitive instrument panel, standard-fitted BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch Control Display screen operated by the new BMW iDrive system with touch controller, sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, and shift paddles.

Giving functionality an extra boost are the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests, which allow load compartment capacity to expand from 580 liters to as much as 1,525 liters (75 liters more than the preceding model).

At the heart of the new X6 is a BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that boasts increased output and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Its 3.0-liter diesel engine generates a maximum 258 hp and peak torque of 560 Newton meters (+20 Nm) between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. This increase in muscle paves the way for scintillating acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

An eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, the latest BMW EfficientDynamics technology, and the newest version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system further ensure that the all-new BMW X6 has what it takes to extend its lead in its class.

The all-new BMW X6 additionally comes with an exclusive roster of standard equipment that goes well beyond that of the previous model: 20-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation, two-zone climate control, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The ongoing evolution of the Sports Activity Coupé concept has enabled the all-new BMW X6 to offer an even broader variety of qualities than its predecessor. Which means even more sports activities for you.