Autoblog

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Crossover, BMW

G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Line ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release after the jump.

Gallery: G-Power X6 M and X5 M

[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, BMW

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

For your hard-earned $89,725, you can have your pick of V8-powered BMW X6s. That substantial pile of dosh will secure you the keys to the Bavarian automaker's monster 555-horsepower X6 M or its new X6 ActiveHybrid. Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz which has opted to make its ML450 hybrid available exclusive by lease, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 outright to all comers, whoever they may be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although we suspect the folks at BMW Individual will be only too happy to customize one to your heart's content.

During our recent first drive of the gas-electric version of Bimmer's so-called "Sport Activity Coupe," we only saw 16 mpg in a test loop that consisted primarily of Miami traffic, a bit shy of official 17/19 mpg EPA estimates. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, and with its still-considerable appetite for fuel, we have hard time seeing the value in ponying up nearly $90k for this vehicle - especially when you can get the giggle-inducing lunacy that is the X6 M for equal coin.

Of course, a flawed value equation hasn't stopped many other vehicles we know from selling - especially ones sporting a green halo - but we'll find out if BMW has played their cards right when the X6 ActiveHybrid goes on sale beginning December 5. High-res gallery below, official press release with option pricing after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

[Source: BMW]
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725

BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, BMW, First Drive, Luxury

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption is reduced about 20 percent compared to a similar vehicle without a hybrid drivetrain, and no matter what speed you're going, the incredibly complicated powertrain is performing at the most efficient level possible. All of this power means that the X6 hybrid is no sluggish Toyota Prius, offering frugal but unexciting performance. On the other hand, the size and weight of BMW's luxury hybrid crossover means that, well, the X6 hybrid is no Prius in the mileage department, either.

Let's start by congratulating BMW for bringing its first batch of hybrids to market (the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is launching alongside the X6). In everyday traffic, the hybrid system helps keep fuel consumption down - to a still-lame 18 mpg combined (estimated) - and, since the engine can shut down at stops, the ultra-quiet interior made sitting in Miami traffic during our preview drive almost a pleasure. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of vehicle here that hampers any attempt at real fuel efficiency gains. The X6 ActiveHybrid weighs 5,688 pounds for crying out loud - 400 pounds more than the non-hybrid. This vehicle simply doesn't makes a lot of sense for anyone actually interested in fuel efficiency. Who does it make sense for? Follow us past the break as we try to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: BMW ActiveHybrid X6 throws down

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Europe, Crossover, BMW

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Your dilemma: you have a burning desire for a 5,000 pound, four-passenger truck that accelerates as fast as your Dodge Challenger, but you want to use as little gasoline as possible while doing so. BMW feels your pain, and they have a solution for you. Ladies and germs, meet the ActiveHybrid X6, BMW's first full-hybrid. Here's the great part: engine-wise you get both the 4.4-liter twin-turbo humdinger of a V8 and two electric motors for a total combined output of 485 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. Just to refresh your memory, the X6 M, which our own Lavrinc called a "highrider GT-R," makes just 500 lb-ft (though 550 psycho horsepower).

Ah, but it's a hybrid. So it gets almost 24 mpg. Unlike the X6 M, which... doesn't. Unlike the ActiveHybrid 7 Series, which uses a lightweight, hella-pricey lithium-ion battery, the X6 makes do with a plain old nickel metal hydride power pack. But hey, it's already 2.5 tons, what's a couple of hundred more pounds? BMW also employs a bit of electronic black wizardry, that let's one motor act as a generator to gather up kinetic energy from the brakes (or simply coming off the throttle) to feed into the battery while the other electric motor keeps the car moving. Nifty, no doubt. Also, the ActiveHybrid X6 can travel up to 37 miles per hour in pure electric mode before that dirty ICE kicks on.

Like a lot of vehicles coming out of BMW these days, the X6 is a love it or hate it proposition. Admittedly, the Autoblog staff here at Frankfurt is split right down the middle. Forgetting about the haters, the pro-X6 side thinks that a torque-monster hybrid "Sports Activity Coupe" is just fine. Really, can you say no to 575 lb-ft of twist? All we really hate is the name.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Frankfurt 2009: BMW ActiveHybrid X6 throws down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

BMW invaded the South in 1993, and it's first U.S.-made product was popped out in September a year later. Fifteen years after that there have been five factory expansions, 5,000 jobs created, a methane gas pipeline installed, a center for automotive research created, a golf tournament started, and 1.5 million combined versions of the 318i, Z3, Z4, X5 and X6 run over the factory threshold. The 1.5 millionth vehicle was an Oyster Blue and Ivory X6 for a Hong Kong customer. Just goes to show those Confederates might have been right: the South is rising again... You can read all about it in the presser after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle

BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC produces 1.5 millionth vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Crossover, BMW

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid has arrived, and as previously covered, the new gas-electric X6 will be the most powerful hybrid in history, with 480 peak horsepower and diesel-like plateau of 575 lb-ft of torque.

That impressive powertrain consists of twin electric motors (delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively) and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. All those horses will be corralled through a seven-speed dual-mode transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The run to sixty will take just 5.4 seconds and the top speed will be limited to 130 miles per hour.

The EPA has yet to test the vehicle, but the German automaker is estimating its X6 Hybrid will return a 20-percent fuel mileage improvement average over the standard twin-turbo X6. That should mean about 18 miles per gallon combined in the States. The official public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and the sale date is slated for four-quarter 2009. Click past the break for the comically-detailed press release and check out our image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Officially Official: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, First Drive

2010 BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

M aficionados take note: The 2010 X6 M (and yet-to-be-tested X5 M) represents the most dramatic shift in BMW's Motorsport division since its inception - and it's not because they're the first crossovers branded with the tri-tone "M" badge. This high-riding duo are the first M machines ever to be equipped with all-wheel drive. The first fitted exclusively with an automatic transmission. And the first (and surely not the last) to pack a pair of turbochargers. M has evolved, but BMW hasn't lost the plot - it's completely rewritten the screenplay, added Michael Bay firepower and harnessed the electronic might of a supercomputer farm to tie it all together.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Drew Phillips — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, BMW

BMW X6 M MotoGP Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last eleven years, BMW has partnered with MotoGP to provide safety vehicles, although this year the car setting the pace is, well, not a car. Just days after BMW officially introduced the X6 M at the New York Auto Show, one had already hit the track at the MotoGP in Qatar.

Complete with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 555 horsepower, the X6 M can perform its duties essentially in stock form. The only changes apparent include a light bar on top and BMW Motorsport livery. With the racing series coming to Monterey for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, we got our first look at the X6 M safety vehicle and made sure to snap some pics alongside its M6 counterpart. Check out our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP Safety Car

MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bizarre Medical Wagon: BMW presents X6 ambulance at rescue vehicle show

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency

BMW X6 xDrive50i Ambulance - Click above for a high-res image gallery

You know you've always wanted to drive a four-hundred-horsepower BMW through city streets like a bat out of hell, and now the Bavarian automaker has the legal remedy. All you'll need to do is get certified as an ambulance driver and convince your local emergency response unit to invest in this X6 ambulance, which BMW is showcasing at the upcoming RETTmobil rescue vehicle show in Fulda, Germany. The ultimate ~~driving machine~~ question is, which will be more difficult? Considering on one hand that the certification process is takes longer than the ending of a Peter Jackson film, and on the other that ambulances tend to require a lot of space and that the X6 is among the least utile crossover vehicles on the market, we'd say it's about a draw.

Following the X6 M safety car which BMW rolled out for MotoGP, in actuality this specially-equipped X6 xDrive50i, (complete with 407hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 and more lighting than Kevin Costner's corn field) is being presented as a first-responder vehicle, carrying a doctor or paramedic to the scene of an emergency before an ambulance can get there. Few details are available, but then again, there are few cities with the kind of budget to acquire one of these bad boys. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: BMW X6 xDrive50i Ambulance

[Source: BMW]

Bizarre Medical Wagon: BMW presents X6 ambulance at rescue vehicle show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossover, Acura

Acura Crossover Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

The crew at Acura have released a single teaser of a new concept due to arrive at next month's New York Auto Show. The darkened overhead image doesn't show much, but the angular front and rear fenders, single set of door handles and sloping roofline gives us a glimpse of the BMW X6-fighting crossover spied in the past. Acura has confirmed plans to add an all new niche model into its line-up for 2010 as it continues to strive for Tier 1 status. If it's a four-door coupe-like CUV, some might question the logic, but with two crossover architectures already available, it might be a low-cost way of matching BMW model-for-model.

UPDATE: Four more images added to the gallery thanks to AcuraZine.

Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Acura crossover concept teased ahead of New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW finally green-lights 5-Series "Progressive Activity Sedan"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rendered Speculation

Call it V5, 5-Series GT, 5-Series Fastback, Progressive Activity Sedan... call it what you will. Whatever moniker you give it, BMW has evidently crossed the Rubicon and there's no turning back. As expected based upon BMW's previously leaked roster of 2009 reveals, the 5-Series -based hatchback has been approved. Called "one of the bravest designs ever signed off by BMW," it is BMW's take on everything-all-the-time: a flexible, luxury GT.

Although it is being referred to as a 5-Series family member, the car is actually expected to arrive on the same platform as the 7 Series. As such, the PAS is coming off as the ultimate tweener car: longer than a 5-Series sedan, yet shorter than a 7-Series; taller than a 5-Series, yet shorter than an X6. Cost is expected to straddle the gap, too: it should cost more than a 5 Series but less than a 7-Series. One description offered was "more of a 'tall 7-Series hatchback than a low-rise X6."

At the very front, the PAS is said to take cues from the CS Concept. That nose treatment flows into a sedan-like lower body topped by an X6 greenhouse, rear hatch, and rear end treatment. Interior design cues will come from the new Z4, and a roomy, semi-raised cabin is promised. Possible engines for the car in Europe include the 3.0-liter turbo diesel, while a 3.0-liter gas could would come to the States.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: BMW finally green-lights 5-Series "Progressive Activity Sedan" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

Chris Paukert — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, BMW

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

Click on the jump for BMW's official press release and full-line model pricing for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i

Dan Roth — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Crossover, BMW

BMW X6 XDrive 35i - Click above for high-res image gallery

You know things have gone awry when BMW now offers three different flavors of non-cars, all of them antithetical to the Bavarian brand's classical claim to fame. The X6 is the latest addition to the range, joining the X3 and X5, and BMW is calling it a Sports Activity Coupe, creating an acronym that's oddly prescient for a vehicle that's essentially a post-bris X5. Beyond the looks that are an acquired taste, we wanted to know if there's BMW goodness baked into the X6, so we swiped the keys to an X6 XDrive 35i for a week with the SAC to find out.

Gallery: Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i

Continue reading Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i

Review: BMW X6 XDrive 35i originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Acura, Rendered Speculation

UPDATE: Image removed at request of owner.

At first we couldn't understand why the BMW X6 was birthed, and then we couldn't figure out why Acura of all companies needed to create something to compete with it. Top Speed has rendered unto us what such an enigma might look like, and, well, it ain't all bad. That's probably because it looks like an MDX with a descending roofline out back. Of course, it's impossible to know how much of any rendering is pure fiction, but The Majestic Shield of Acura matched with those lights and a proper amount of real estate could be the ideal pairing of design features and suitable canvas. Porsche's floating LEDs in the front bumper don't go astray, either. We still can't say it makes sense, but Acura, if you're really going to do this, have a look here first.

[Source: Top Speed]

Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossover, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Idle hands are the devil's playthings, and apparently AC Schnitzer has a lot of time on its hands. You're only required to read the first two lines of the company's press release to realize that the crew formerly known for creating rolling automotive masterworkz have officially donned their collective bouffants, made like the Fonz and jumped the shark. Here's proof: The BMW X6 Falcon.

Using the X5 Falcon as unfortunate inspiration, the X6 variant gets the same stretched out body work, giving the 'ute a 70mm wider track in the front and an additional 80mm in the rear. According to AC, extensive testing was done on the Nurburgring to hone the Falcon's high-speed prowess, aided by a new front lip, air intakes, repositioned fog lamps, side skirts and rear wing. Black or silver 22-inch Type VII wheels fill the massive arches and although it's not clear in the release, we suspect that some lowering springs were used to keep the ride-height in check.

As for power, the only models to benefit from engine tweaks are the X6 3.0d and 3.5d, boosting power to 272 hp (from 235 hp) and 310 hp (from 286 hp), respectively. And naturally, AC will sell you a set of chrome tailpipes, aluminum interior trim, pedals and floor mats emblazoned with its logo.

Hit the jump to read AC's comically overwrought press release.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Continue reading Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon

Idle hands: AC Schnitzer BMW X6 Falcon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW, Rumormill

BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6, and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings.

If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like an even worse proposition, but then again, we didn't think the X6 was a bright idea either.

UPDATE: A BMW spokesperson told 4Car that the automaker has no plans to produce an X4.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

X2 might be out, but BMW could be planning an X4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X6 5.0iS puts the "sport" in "sports activity coupe"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW

BMW has its own grammar rules. For instance, M and X cannot appear in the same car name. So while a BMW sport-ute/crossover (or whatever they want to call it) can for all intents and purposes be an M vehicle - that is, top-of-the-line sport model with all the go-fast components and power to spare - it can never wear the vaunted M badge. That is, for the most part, just semantics. BMW's solution for the 'Ring-running versions of its taller vehicles is to slap an S on there instead.

With those rules laid down, we bring you these spy shots of a BMW X6 M 5.0iS. While the name might have you thinking that BMW has shoehorned in the M division's highly praised 5-liter V10 to the X6, sources suggest otherwise: the same twin-turbo version of Munich's 4.4-liter V8 producing in excess of 500 hp is expected to feature in the next M5. Information indicates a release in about a year from now, complete with all the extra dressings you've come to expect from a performance-oriented Bimmer. You didn't think Bavaria would pass up the opportunity to create a high-performance version of the strangest segment-buster yet, did you? Certainly not when the opportunity to further confuse us with its nomenclature is just so tempting.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW X6 5.0iS puts the "sport" in "sports activity coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lumma releases teaser of CLR X650 BMW X6

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Crossover, BMW

Opinions about the BMW X6 are split around the Autoblog virtual water cooler and this teaser from Lumma Design hasn't helped. The German tuning haus will be unveiling a production model of its CLR X 650 at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and much like the standard X6, you'll either love it or loathe it.

What isn't up for debate is the CLR X 650's aggressive demeanor. If the nuclear mishap hue isn't enough to catch your attention, then the new fascia equipped with super-sized air dams, the side skirts, rear fender vents and revised mirrors will keep your wandering eyes in check. The whole package is slammed by 40mm over a set of 23-inch bespoke black rolling stock, while the interior is expected to get a color-matched instrument panel, aluminum pedals and a new steering wheel.

Even those of us partial to the X6's proportions aren't convinced that Lumma is doing the SAV concept right. But we have to admit that its revised stance compliments a few of the pseudo-'utes characteristics, even if it does remove the minimal amount of utility that was there to begin with.

[Source: Lumma via Autofiends]

Lumma releases teaser of CLR X650 BMW X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X6.

BMW is marketing the X6 as an entirely new class of vehicle. As such, it's trying to catch people's attention in a revolutionary way. Utilizing hologram technology developed by the Dutch advertising firm, viZoo, a ten-foot long light-controlled area, the system will display a three-dimensional, interactive image of the X6 at four different locations in New York between April 21st and May 16th. The system is manipulated through a touch-screen mounted outside the display and allows participants to view the X6 from a variety of angles, check out the interior and get a run-down on the vehicle's stats. Unfortunately, BMW hasn't released any images or video of the X6 hologram in action, but you can read up on all the details in the press release posted below the fold.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW X6

Gallery: BMW X6

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours

BMW X6 ad campaign pitches to Wall Street with hologram tours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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