BMW X6

The BMW X6 is a mid-size luxury crossover released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 for the 2009 model year by German automaker BMW. The X6 was marketed as a Sports Activity Coupé by BMW. It combines the attributes of an SUV with the stance of a coupé.
The concept model debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show and the production X6 officially debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and Montreal International Auto Show. While slightly longer and wider than the X5, it is significantly lower and seated initially only four, and since 2011, optionally five.

It is built in BMW's North American plant in Greer, South Carolina alongside the BMW X5, whose platform it shares. It is dubbed a "Sports Activity Coupé" by BMW. A hybrid version, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, which is the first such vehicle from BMW, was also announced. Later, in April 2009, the sporty X6 M version was announced, with a 547 hp  4.4-liter turbocharged V8.

At launch, the X6 was available in many markets with two diesel variants: the xDrive30d and xDrive 35d, respectively. They are powered by BMW's 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, and produces 235 PS in the xDrive30d and 286 PS in the xDrive 35d version. The second of these power units formed the basis of BMW's diesel launch in all 50 states in late 2008.

By 2010, a new 40d was added to the range, replacing the 35d, and in 2012 a new high-performance M50d was added, but despite its nomenclature, is still powered by a 3.0-litre engine.

The BMW X6 M and X5 M are the first vehicles from BMW M GmbH to have xDrive all-wheel-drive system and automatic transmissions, and are also crossovers as opposed to passenger cars. The X6 M was unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show and first went on sale in the 2010 model year.

The high-performance M derivative features a twin scroll twin turbo version of the 4.4-liter V8 BMW N63 engine with the Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold.The engine is rated 555 PS at 6000 rpm and 680 N·m at 1500-5650 rpm.

Other features include 6-speed M Sports automatic transmission with aluminum pull-style paddles on steering wheel, M Dynamic Mode feature, 10 mm lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston fixed calipers with 15.6" rotor at front and single piston floating calipers with 15.2" rotor at rear, 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 run flat tires, hill descent control, dynamic stability control, special gills in the front fenders, 20-inch light-alloy wheels.

The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mphin 4.5 seconds and 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds.

The X6 marks BMW's first use of its new Dynamic Performance Control system, which works in unison with xDrive all-wheel drive, both being standard on the X6. DPC is a drivetrain and chassis control system that works to regulate traction and especially correct over- and understeer by actively spreading out drive forces across the rear axle. Torque is distributed not only between the front and rear wheels but also from side to side at the rear, for improved agility and added stability. This lateral distribution of torque is commonly known as torque vectoring.

The DPC differential features clutch packs on both output sides that are actuated by an electric motor. The clutch pack activates a planetary gearset which causes one wheel to be overdriven. A conventional control system will use the brakes to reduce the speed of the faster moving wheel and reduce engine power. This leads to increased brake wear and slower than optimal progress. The DPC system speeds up the slower moving wheel in order to maintain stability when needed. For example; while turning, the outer wheel is overdriven to provide greater acceleration using the traction advantage through the dynamic loading of the outboard wheel in cornering. In an oversteer situation, the inner wheel is overdriven to regain traction balance.

BMW X6 M was used in MotoGP 2009 as safety car. The vehicle was unveiled in Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

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