BMW » Australian Car Advice

2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i V8 twin turbo

September 8th, 2008 13 Comments

There are not many car companies that can legitimately claim to be the masters of engine development. BMW however, doesn’t even need to claim, we are happy to give away that title.

Whether its producing 309kW from the M3’s 4.0-litre N/A V8 or providing endless torque from the “engine-of-the-year” 3.0-litre twin turbo six, the German powerhouse knows what makes a great engine. With that in mind, say hello to the latest incarnation, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

To be used firstly in the new X6, xDrive50i, the BMW V8 twin turbo marks yet another stepping stone in engine development. Producing 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its 4.4-litres, the new engine sits at the very top of the BMW performance engine range. M cars excepted of course.

It would be an educated guess to say the twin-turbo V8 is capable of slightly more power, but to keep the M cars supreme (rightly so), it has been slightly detuned.

The two turbochargers are arranged one per cylinder bank, and located within the engine vee. Using direct petrol injection, BMW says there is no such thing as turbo lag, not to mention the low inertia turbines spool up (rather quickly) to 175,000 rpm peak, which in turn uses the waste gases as additional thrust.

0-100 km/h? 5.4 seconds. Impressive! No doubt this engine will soon find its way into the other models in the BMW range, perhaps even the 5-series.

The X6 xDrive50i comes with BMW’s intelligent xDrive which helps distribute all that power between the front and rear axle. The car also receives Dynamic Performance Control as standard. The system allows for variable distribution of drive forces between both rear wheels. We didn’t know what that meant either!

Essentially, as we understand, when cornering on a trailing throttle, the computer can work out the correct amount of traction and torque to feed each wheel. Plus it also helps stabilise the car in all sorts of demanding conditions.

With all that power comes responsibility. Responsibility to be able to stop in time! Hence the BMW X6 xDrive50i gets its own set of unique brakes. Lightweight brakes with discs measuring 385 millimetres (only 5 mm smaller than the Aston Martin DBS!).

Power and technology aside, standard equipment includes everything already available in the six-cylinder petrol and diesel X6 models plus: special 20-inch light alloy wheels, Adaptive Drive, Self-levelling Pneumatic Suspension, Comfort Access, electrically adjustable front Comfort Seats, Head-Up Display, four-zone Automatic Climate Control, 16-speaker Hi-Fi system, gear-shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel for the six-speed automatic gearbox and interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.

Out of the box a the interior is crafted in a premium “Nevada” leather upholstery with the option of a perforated finish in combination with seat heating and ventilation.

Four interior trim finishes are available as well, ash or bamboo dark grain fine-wood, Aluminium, finely brushed lengthwise, and Aluminium Flywheel Black.

Telling the twin-turbo V8 apart from its smaller brothers isn’t that hard. If the 20 inch wheels don’t grab your attention, maybe the satin-finish window surrounds, Titanium-coloured kidney grilles and a satin chrome side strip, while two rectangular form chrome tailpipes might do the trick?

Prices start from $145,000 plus dealer delivery and on road costs. The X6 xDrive50i will be available from December 2008 from BMW dealers Australia-wide.

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BMW cancels next-gen M3 CSL

August 27th, 2008 19 Comments

Ludwig Willisch, the new M Division boss has denied reports of a range of new performance M models, including the next generation CSL based on the current E92 M3.

This news comes after speculation surrouding a reincarnated flagship M1 supercar based on the Homage concept was also denied, along with any hope of a new addition to the M range based on the current 1 Series.

BMW launches next-gen Night Vision system

August 18th, 2008 7 Comments

BMW aims at improving pedestrian safety when it launches a world first Night Vision system which can automatically detect potential hazards with the arrival of the new 7 Series next year.

On Australian roads especially, the technology will play another vital role as an early detection system for would-be road kill.

Spied: Honda testing BMW X6 rival

August 15th, 2008 11 Comments

Well here’s something you don’t see every day - a tent towing a caravan.

In actual fact, this is a new sports crossover vehicle from Honda undergoing preliminary testing under the cover of darkness in California.

BMW Hydrogen 7 leads the 2008 Hydrogen Road Tour

August 13th, 2008 13 Comments

BMW is planning to embark on an unprecedented cross-country journey in its Hydrogen 7 - the world’s first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan.

It will join other hydrogen-powered cars from the world’s leading automakers in the 2008 Hydrogen Road Tour.

BMW Speed Limit Display a car that can read speed signs

August 4th, 2008 8 Comments

We suspect the first thing most would say is, why did it take so long? We’ve all seen the technology shown on numerous gadget shows and websites over the last 5 years, but finally, one manufacturer it actually putting it to use.

BMW’s upcoming 7-series will have the ability to reads speed limit signposts and variable speed limit signs, informing the driver via the head-up display and the instrument cluster.

BMW F1 mechanic shocked by KERS

August 1st, 2008 8 Comments

In a bid to make Formula One a greener motorsport, some teams have been trialling a new experimental technology known as the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

This system stores electricity generated from braking allowing maximum boost power of up to 60kW - effectively creating a hybrid F1 - which officials plan to utilise as part of overtaking maneuvers.

BMW M3 Sedan facelifted already

July 30th, 2008 11 Comments

In what is quite possibly the quickest turnover of any car in history, BMW has released the first official images of the revised 2009 M3 Sedan.

The new version makes its debut even before the first Australian sales of the current model have begun - although to comfort prospective owners, perhaps you could consider the existing car a limited production model.

The Supercar Club - the coolest club in Australia

July 29th, 2008 11 Comments

The Supercar Club - the coolest club in Australia

- Paul Maric

Okay, so I was a member of a chess club when I was younger. No big deal, I just made sure I didn’t tell anybody about it - especially girls. This club on the other hand is one that all members aren’t afraid of boasting about.

The title says it all – the Supercar Club.

For those of us who don’t find the idea of owning and experiencing the depreciation of a supercar, there is hope at hand.

The team at the Supercar Club offer members a variety of cars to drive throughout the year, ranging from city runabouts like the HUMMER H2, right through to earth shaking supercars like the Ford GT. After paying a once off joining fee and an annual fee, members are entitled to a certain number of days behind the wheel of the exotics of their choice – the number of days varying with each membership level.

Sitting on the Supercar Club’s fleet at any given point are cars such as the Audi R8, Ferrari F430 and F430 Spider, one of only two right-hand drive Ford GTs in the world, Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DB9, Porsche 911 Turbo and GT2, Lotus Exige S and even an Aerial Atom - amongst others.

This unique program runs out of Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast. The Supercar Club has plans to expand to Perth by years end and Adelaide early next year (2009).

Members book their desired vehicles through an online portion of the Supercar Club’s website which gives priority to early birds. Members have the ability to book 30-days in advance and have the ability to use a limited number of wildcards to book cars up to 12-months in advance for special occasions.

Although you may have heard of many exotic car rental companies operating throughout Australia, but the Supercar Club is unique as it owns every car on its fleet. Those exotic car rental companies generally rent out privately owned cars and can’t guarantee availability as the actual owner of the vehicle has the final say.

The Supercar Club recently launched an initiative allowing Australian members to own a share of a truly exclusive hypercar – the Bugatti Veyron. This exclusive experience is still in the development stage and will finally depend on a minimum number of acceptances.

The idea behind the Bugatti deal is to allow Australian members time behind the wheel of the Veyron. Although the car can’t be driven on Australian roads, members will be given the opportunity to access about one month in total behind the wheel overseas. After driving the Bugatti Veyron myself earlier this year, there is simply nothing that compares in terms of the driving experience and pleasure.

Once the car is sold at the end of its use, members receive a return on their investment – certainly not too bad for a person with around $200,000 in expendable income.

After joining the Supercar Club, members are put through a driving course to help them cope with the size and driveability of a supercar. One of the club’s major repair costs comes from scratched wheels – no wrecked cars to speak of yet, touch wood!

Also on the cards are track days at major racing circuits with the club’s cars. These days will give members a unique opportunity to throw some exotic machinery around the race track in an environment where they can exploit the cars full potential. Instead of owning just the one vehicle and taking it to track days, members will be able to drive a whole range of supercars under controlled conditions.

Some manufacturers were initially threatened by the Supercar Club’s presence in Australia, but soon realised it was a benefit rather than a detriment. Members are able to sample a wide variety of cars and will likely purchase the car that really polarises them. After driving machinery like the Audi S5 and several Lamborghinis, it takes a proper drive to cement the decision to purchase such a car.

A cap of five members to one car means that new cars are added frequently to meet member demands. Prospective members will be happy to hear that it’s a democracy at the Supercar Club. Members are given the chance to vote at frequent meetings and share the decision about the next vehicles entering the fleet.

Members are the ones who ultimately choose the car they’re after, opposed to the big wigs and bean counters of the operation.

According to the Supercar Club, New South Wales members are around 39-years old, on average, and evenly split between business owners and employees. Victoria is somewhat different though with the average age lingering around 47-years old, while about 97 per cent run their own business, indicating entrepreneurial skills are directly related to hot cars … sort of!

Although the general income of members is in the vicinity of $300,000 a year, there is a high school teacher who has recently joined the exclusive club. It’s certainly not a bad way to con students into school work!

Boys, if you have access to your Dad’s black Amex, pop it back in his wallet. The minimum joining age is 30 – although the Supercar Club is willing to make exceptions after prior approval from their insurers.

The most popular cars on the fleet are the Ferrari F430, Ferrari 360, Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Victoria is also hung on Aston Martins, with the V8 Vantage and DB9 Volante striking a chord with southern state members. With the recent addition of a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, this could soon change!

The general feel of the place is that members are key and are treated with the utmost respect. In the Supercar Club it doesn’t matter how much you earn or who you are, or even whether you are part of a chess club. Everyone is on the same level and shares the one passion – fast cars.

To find out more information about the Supercar Club, please visit http://www.supercarclub.com.au. You can also call the club on 1300 798 900. If you are interested in Bugatti Veyron ownership, follow this link.

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2008 BMW X6 pricing & specifications

July 21st, 2008 3 Comments

If there is one car that has excited us recently, it’s the new BMW X6. Already launched in Europe, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé is the first of the next-generation cars from BMW.

The four-seater is designed to be in a class of its own. Mixing great ground clearance and all-wheel drive, with a luxury interior and car-like driving dynamics and interior comfort. Essentially the Germans have created a car for those who want the driving position a BMW X Series provides, but at the same time aspire to own a Coupé.

“The BMW X6 caters for a more discerning sector of the market which wants a specific product and won’t compromise. The X6 is a blend of the strengths of the BMW X5 and the BMW 6 Series Coupé served up in an eye-catching form.” says Tom Noble, BMW Group Australia General Manager, Marketing.

Australian delivered models will be powered by two engines, both of which are twin turbocharged straight-sixes, one petrol, one diesel.

BMW first introduced the world to Luxury 4WDs in 1999 with the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle, a market which has now grown exponentially and is strongly contested. With that in mind BMW is wondering how long the X6 will remain alone in this class.

If you’re interested in the X6, now would be a good time to stop reading and head straight into your closest BMW dealership because supply for the next 18 months is extremely limited, with only a few hundred available given the enormous demand worldwide. The X6 will be available for delivery from the 11th of August.

“Since we previewed the Concept X6 at the Australian International Motor Show in October 2007, the level of interest from BMW owners and conquest customers has been incredible. We have only a limited supply of BMW X6 vehicles to deliver this year, and even before the cars went on sale, a large proportion already had names against them.” says Tom Noble

The company anticipates the X6 will potentially cannibalise sales of the X5, whilst also taking sales away from other rival premium brand all-wheel drive vehicles and premium coupés.

There will be two variants in the X6 range. The BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive35d.

The petrol variant, xDrive35i, is powered by the same engine in the BMW 335i and i35i, better known as the twin-turbocharged 2007 and 2008 International Engine of the Year winner. The 3.0-litre puts out 225 kW and 400Nm of torque. All that power leads to a brisk 0-100km/h acceleration in just 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 240 km/h (on the Autobahn, of course).

It does all of that whilst using only 12.1-litres of fuel per 100 km on the combined test cycle (city/highway), The xDrive35i emits 286 g/km of CO2.

The crowd favourite however, will be the diesel powered X6 xDrive35d. Sitting under its bonnet is a 3.0-litre Twin Turbo diesel that manages 210 kW and a massive 580 Nm of torque. It doesn’t lose out by much in terms of 0-100km/h times, coming in at 6.9 seconds. Top speed is also suspiciously just below the petrol at 236 km/h. However the main victory comes in fuel consumption, with the diesel using only 9.0 l/100km (237 g/km of CO2).

BMW has also utilised the X6 with its new multi clutch differential which, by all reports, effectively helps drive the vehicle around a bend.

Although BMW says its complex in its operation, the explanation is relatively simple. Whilst many American cars are still coming to grips with a Limited Slip Differential, BMW has already improved on the idea. The new system allows the inside wheel to still deliver power and provide drive, while at the same time sending more drive to the outside wheel that has more grip.

If you’re getting confused with the BMW naming convention, you’re not alone! As BMW has launched so many variants across its model range, most of which tend to utilise the same list of engines, the company has had to come up with a new solution.

The company says new models will now adopt ‘performance output’. For example a 325d, 330d and the 335d models (not all available in AU) may all sound different, but are all powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine.

“xDrive” means four-wheel-drive capability while the 35 represent performance, “i” being petrol, “d” being diesel.

BMW X6 Pricing

BMW X6 xDrive35i, 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles $114,705
BMW X6 xDrive35d, 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and shift paddles $120,530

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Click through to read our 2008 BMW X6 review & road test.
Click through to see the 2008 BMW X6 photo gallery.

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