Kuala Lumpur, 21 August 2008 - BMW Malaysia today introduced the BMW X6, the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé which offers a brand new, innovative interpretation of the features and design qualities typical of a large BMW Coupé while incorporating the versatility and dynamic personality of a BMW X model.

Combining the best of two exclusive automotive worlds, the BMW X6 exemplifies superior driving dynamics, all wrapped in the svelte lines of a Coupé. BMW Malaysia is offering the BMW X6 xDrive35i with other variants to follow 2009.

Presenting the BMW X6, Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd said, “The BMW X6 makes history as the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé. It is an innovative interpretation of the features and design qualities, uniting Coupé agility and BMW X’s supremacy on all terrain.”

Briscoe added that BMW has already sold 6,082 units of their new X6 worldwide despite having launched the car only 3 months ago in Spartanburg, United States. “Accounting for global sales of more than 1.1 million vehicles sold since the market launch of the first BMW X5 in 1999, the BMW X models have given BMW a strong and successful position in the SAV/SUV segment.” said Briscoe. “BMW X6 is expected to up the ante by meeting the demand of a different niche.”

The BMW X6 comes with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology and is the first vehicle in the world to offer Dynamic Performance Control for unique agility, tracking stability, precision and traction in every situation. Variable distribution of drive power is ensured not just between the front and rear axle via xDrive, but also by means of Dynamic Performance Control between the two rear wheels. This maintains a superior stabilising function even under sudden load change.

The term "Dynamic Performance Control" defines a mechatronic system serving to distribute drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output. To provide this effect the final drive is combined with two superimposed gearsets and two electronically controlled multiple-plate brakes serving to infinitely vary the otherwise symmetrical distribution of drive forces when driving in a straight line.

The special highlight of this unique development by BMW is that for the first time this system is able to actively distribute drive forces even in the overrun mode and with the clutch disengaged.

The X6 xDrive35i offers a six-cylinder petrol engine with Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection with 225 kW/306 bhp, combining high power output and exemplary fuel efficiency (only 10.9 l/100km). All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with gearshifts via the electronic gear selector lever or via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The interior of the BMX X6 offers a unique combination of exclusive luxury, sporting dynamics and powerful design to the very last detail. Sophisticated, high-quality surfaces make the interior an outstanding experience in touch and looks. As with all BMW X models, the new Sports Activity Coupé offers an elevated, commanding seating position giving the driver an even better feeling of security and superiority in his BMW X6. The four-door coupé also comes with highly adjustable luggage compartment (570–1,450 litres/20.0–50.8 cu ft).

Defined by a considerable enhancement of agility and unique stability, the BMW X6 comes with standard performance offerings such as BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology, Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering and Dynamic Performance Control.

The body structure of the BMW X6 was conceived and designed for maximum occupant safety. In combination with the car’s passive safety systems, this fulfils all prerequisites for excellent results in all known crash-tests. Occupant safety is ensured by three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, and crash-activated headrests at the front. Other safety measures include bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime light function, fog lamps, two-stage brake lights, and runflat tyres.

Standard equipment include BMW’s iDrive with personalised favourite buttons, CD-player compatible with an MP3, AUX-in socket featured as standard, multichannel Hi-Fi audio system, 4-zone automatic air conditioning, back-up camera, navigation systems, Head-up Display (HUD), Adaptive Headlights, Bluetooth, Comfort access, Electric glass roof, Automatic tailgate operation, and sports seats and sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles. 

The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW X6 xDrive35i is RM698,800.

The BMW X6 is manufactured exclusively for the world market at the BMW Spartanburg plant in South Carolina/USA. Currently, the BMW X6, BMW X5 and BMW Z4 are built on a shared assembly line at the Spartanburg plant. The BMW X6 goes on sale in select BMW dealerships from 22 August 2008.