Press Release: New Engines and 8-speed Transmission for 2011 BMW X6

[LeMansX5]

BMW X6 with even more efficient six-cylinder power units.

As of spring 2010, the BMW X6 stands out more than ever before not only through its fascinating design and unique rendition of driving pleasure so typical of the brand, but also with a level of efficiency quite unparalleled in its segment. A new generation of straight-six diesels featured in the BMW X6 xDrive40d and the BMW X6 xDrive30d, as well as the first straight-six petrol engines with

BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW X6 xDrive35i, following the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, give also these models an even better balance of performance and fuel economy.

The newly developed 3.0-litre diesel engines now featuring an all-aluminium crankcase raise engine output by 7 kW to 180 kW/245 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive30d and, respectively, 15 kW to 225 kW/306 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive40d – together with a reduction in average fuel consumption in each case by approximately 10 per cent versus the former models. Both power units come with common-rail direct injection with piezo-injectors operating in the new top-end diesel version of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupé at maximum pressure of 2,000 bar and in the second diesel at a pressure of up to 1,800 bar.

The power unit featured in the BMW X6 xDrive40d comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology following the Variable Twin Turbo principle where the small turbocharger cuts in just above idle speed and the larger turbocharger is activated under higher load. This superior power unit delivers its maximum torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and reaches its peak output at 4,400 rpm. Extra power of this kind accelerates the BMW X6 xDrive40d to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and the higher level of efficiency is reflected by average fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 37.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle.

The BMW X6 xDrive30d stands out in particular through its truly impressive torque and traction. The engine comes with a turbocharger featuring variable turbine geometry and reaches its maximum output at just 4,000 rpm, with peak torque of no less than 540 Newton-metres/398 lb-ft maintained all the way between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. This kind of power accelerate the BMW X6 xDrive30d from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 7.4 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 38.2 mpg imp.

Offering average fuel consumption down by 7 per cent versus its predecessor, together with supreme power remaining at 225 kW/306 hp, the new straight-six petrol engine in the BMW X6 xDrive35i bears clear testimony to all the benefits of BMW EfficientDynamics. Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft comes all the way from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm, accelerating the new BMW X6 xDrive35i from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 10.3 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 27.4 mpg imp.

Again starting in spring 2010, all versions of the BMW X6 come as standard with eight-speed automatic transmission highlighting the sporting character of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupé through its dynamic gearshift and making a significant contribution to the car’s all-round economy through its optimised efficiency.

At the same time the wide range of standard features is further enhanced by speed-related Servotronic steering assistance. The range of driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive available as an option on the BMW X6 is being supplemented by Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning, as well as the Side View and Speed Limit Info

[rosmoss]

This is great information, thanks! Is this essentially the X5 LCI but without new lights and bumpers?

[Rac10000]

Thanks, LeMans! I'm excited for the N55 + 8 speed transmission!

And just to reiterate, these will be 2011 models, correct?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Rac10000

Thanks, LeMans! I'm excited for the N55 + 8 speed transmission!

And just to reiterate, these will be 2011 models, correct?

Yes. You are welcome.

Originally Posted by rosmoss

This is great information, thanks! Is this essentially the X5 LCI but without new lights and bumpers?

New features on X6 with 2011 model year. X6 LCI is due end of 2011 as 2012 model.

[Rac10000]

Are the new white angel eyes going to make it for the 2011?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Rac10000

Are the new white angel eyes going to make it for the 2011?

That will be at X6 facelift time. Hope it available to US buyers.

[X5Sport]

No white angel eyes on the 2011 models so far - even in Europe. I now have my X6 Xdrive40d and can safely say it's a seriously impressive piece of machinery. Quiet, very quick, very comfortable with the new Comfort Seats, spacious and the 8 speed transmission is the smoothest I have ever driven. The economy is better than my 2005 E53 3.0d even though the X6 is nearly 100kgs heavier and almost 80bhp up on power, plus emissions are lower so moving it down a couple of annual car tax bands. It's even cheaper to insure too .

The 35d was impressive, but the 40d is a surprisingly fast car. With the same engine (though slightly de-tuned and single turbo) and transmission due to come into the new X3 in Europe in April 2011, BMW now have a family of really useable and very 'driveable' for enthusiasts SUV/SAV cars.