Best Cars Spy

Luxury German marque BMW went through the effort of shipping over the X6 Concept for the Australian International Motor Show in October.

Billed as a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), the X6 Concept is based on the popular X5 SUV with which it shares the same wheelbase amongst other things. In the metal, the X6 looks somewhat like a moon buggy and is unlike anything else you see on the roads today.

The overall shape and styling of the front-end is a cross between the X3 and X5 while the sloping roof is similar in profile to the Z4 coupe!

If the X6 Concept makes it into production - which seems very likely at this stage - expect it to create a niche market for itself.

BMW x6 on the road

BMW x6 hq photos

BMW x6 aggressive design

Excellent engine and package prove that diesel GTs can work.


Driving
The 635d has a straight-six twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbodiesel that’s hard to fault. It offers even more torque than the V10 M6, and there’s no arguing with 0-60mph in a mighty 5.7 seconds. On the road, it feels extremely fast, especially in kickdown. However, it’s the effortless nature with which it gains speed that really impresses, while the engine remains unruffled even when pushed hard. Through corners, the BMW continues to impress. There’s lots of grip, the steering has good feedback and it remains composed. However, this involvement does lead to a firm ride and a surprising amount of road noise. It’s not comfortable enough to be a true GT.


Marketplace
The diesel 6-Series is a take on the two-door, 2+2 luxury coupe that BMW expects to account for three-quarters of UK sales. It’s a significant car alright. It was launched in 2007, along with a facelift for the entire 6-Series range. Now the controversy over the car’s styling has worn off, it’s easy to appreciate what an aggressive, distinctive-looking machine it is. This visual impact is likely to appeal to younger buyers. The 635d is available in both coupe and convertible guise, with a choice of two trims – standard and Sport, the latter offering more focused suspension, larger wheels and delectable sports seats. There currently isn’t a premium two-door diesel rival, but Mercedes offers the four-door coupe CLS in diesel guise, and there are also oil-burning versions of the cheaper Audi A5. No Jaguar XK diesel yet, though.


Owning
Like all BMW models, build quality is immaculate, but there are grips. There’s a lack of stowage, and the iDrive control system is fiddly – though eight programmable buttons do make things easier. The 635d is well suited to accommodating two people as well – the cabin is spacious up front and the electrically adjustable, figure-hugging seats of the Sport model offer excellent support and comfort. However, the two-door body means access to the rear is tricky, and the seats themselves are cramped. The BMW is also expensive, as are options – so it’s a good job retained values are rated at well over 50 per cent. It’s also economical, as you would expect from a diesel. Even during testing, it averaged over 30mpg, with 37mpg potential on a cruise.

A new front bumper, revised taillights and a tiny spoiler lip at the rear edge of the boot lid – that’s what distances the facelifted BMW 6-series from today’s model. We gather that the interior will be refined, too! Engines, on the other hand, will not change, and so customers will still have the choice between the 258-bhp 630i, the 367-bhp 4.8-litre V8 called 650i and the M6. We expect the facelifted model to debut at the Frankfurt Show later this year.

The Sinister Six is the latest project car from Team Alpine, the electronics and entertainment wizard.

Developed to showcase the firm's high-volume capabilities, it's based on a 645Ci, but none of the standard bodywork is left and the one-off model is 22cm wider than the showroom version. Unique 24-inch alloy wheels on the front, massive 26-inch rims on the back and airbrushed bodywork complete the comic book looks.


Despite its increased width, the big coupé has room for only one person. However, climbing inside is like boarding a sci-fi spaceship, thanks to the circular cockpit which rotates automatically as the rear bodywork slides backwards to aid entry. Once inside there's no steering wheel, so changes of direction are made using a computer-inspired joystick. Five LCD monitors replace the conventional instrumentation. Music fans will welcome the powerful 8,000-watt sound system, which ensures that you will certainly hear the Sinister Six coming before you see it!

BMW has slotted its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged oil-burning engine into the 6-Series - and revised the entire range at the same time.

On sale in September, the face­lifted coupé and convertible models will be available with the 286bhp straight-six unit for the first time, making the 6-Series the only car in its class to run on diesel power.

The newcomers are badged 635d, and promise impressive performance. The coupé covers 0-62mph in 6.3 sec­onds and achieves 40.9mpg combined economy, while the cabrio completes the sprint in 6.6 seconds and returns 39.2mpg. Both are electronically limited to maximum speeds of 155mph.


The diesels get a revised six-speed automatic box, which also appears in the fresh petrol models: the 272bhp 3.0-litre petrol-engined 630i and the 367bhp 4.8-litre V8-powered 650i. The latter are more economical by 15 per cent and five per cent respectively, thanks to the addition of a new brake energy regeneration system. All variants get a revised look with tweaked headlamps incorporating LED running lights, a smoother lower bumper with restyled air intakes and new kidney grilles. At the rear, the boot shape has been softened and now features an integral central brake light. LED tail-lamps complete the changes.

Inside, there are new materials and colours for the dashboard and upholstery, while the iDrive cabin control system has been updated to include a row of eight 'favourite' buttons on the centre console. Prices have yet to be revealed, but the revised 6-Series range is expected to rise slightly from the current starting point of £47,975.


Meanwhile, BMW has introduced its Efficient Dynamics systems across the 3-Series line-up to improve economy. That means all petrol models are now fitted with fuel saving direct-injection technology. Brake energy regeneration - which recovers heat energy during braking - is also added, while an automatic stop-start feature is available on all four-cylinder cars.

A new front bumper, revised taillights and a tiny spoiler lip at the rear edge of the boot lid – that’s what distances the facelifted BMW 6-series from today’s model. We gather interior will be refined, too! Engines, on the other hand, will not change, and so customers will still have the choice between the 258-bhp 630i, the 367-bhp 4.8-litre V8 called 650i and the M6. We expect the facelifted model to debut at the Frankfurt Show later this year.

BMW X6 Picture Gallery of best photos from famous fav. blogs:

The 2009 BMW X6 which was recently unveiled in Frankfurt Germany made its US debut at the New York Auto Show on March 21,2008. We were in attendance and took some photos of this great looking Sports Activity Coupe.

The car will be in our showroom this summer and we expect delivery sometime in June. If you would like additional information on the 2009 BMW X6, please give us a call.

For additional information on the BMW X6, you can view photos, specifications and videos on this dedicated BMW X6 website.