BMW lifted the covers of not one but two concepts at today AIMS opening. Though the Concept CS four-door GT was extensively publicised in the lead up to the show (more here), the big surprise was the arrival of the marque's Frankfurt Show star, the X6.
Dubbed as the world's first Sports Activity Coupé, by BMW, the X6 Concept is based on the current generation X5. It was first displayed in concept and hybrid concept form at the German show just four weeks ago (more here).
The X6 blends a coupe-style silhouette and AWD SUV-style footprint and running gear. The production car will pioneer BMW's new Dynamic Performance Control system. The system apportions drive to each side of the rear axle to temper under or oversteer. Unlike similar systems it works under power and on the overrun (for instance when a driver lifts off the throttle in a panic situation).
According to BMW Australia chief, Guenther Seemann, the production version of the X6 will go on sale in Australia next year. This is earlier than first mooted for the local introduction of the model.
The Concept CS will also go into production -- a step confirmed recently by BMW's board. Just how closely the production car will follow the concept is unclear, but don't expect to see it Down Under until late 2009.
In terms of production cars, the star was the new V8-powered M3. The 309kW $157,000 super-coupe is sold out Down Under through 2008 already.
As the Carsales Network reported earlier this week, also released at AIMS was a high-performance turbodiesel variant of the new generation X5. Dubbed the X5 3.0sd, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre SUV boasts a power output of 200kW and an impressive 565Nm of torque. BMW says it accelerates to 100km/h in 7.2sec and its top speed is 230km/h.
No worries on the fuel front, however, according to the European test cycle the X5 3.0sd uses only 8.8lt/100km. This is almost identical to the current 165kW turbodiesel model.
The X5 3.0sd will be available in early 2008 at what BMW insiders say is a "modest" premium over the similarly-specced standard turbodiesel six.
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