BMW rolls out a winner

Euro Motors executives are confident that the new BMW X6 will become a "regional best-seller" and have been overwhelmed by the response the vehicle has generated from car enthusiasts and buyers.

The all-new BMW X6, the world's first Sports Activity CoupŽ, has arrived in the Bahrain market through Euro Motors, exclusive importer of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, as revealed in last week's MotoringWeekly.

The latest addition to the BMW family will be available in two variants - the BMW X6 xDrive50i and the BMW X6 xDrive35i - representing the most sporting and dynamic rendition in the BMW X Series range yet.

The exterior design of the BMW X6 sports a striking front end, stretched side lines and expresses powerful presence through its wheels, classic coupŽ proportions and sweeping flow from roofline to rear end.

"BMW has been a worldwide leader in innovation, first introducing the Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the trendsetting BMW X5, and now redefining the sports activity segment with the BMW X6," said Phil Horton, managing director, BMW Group Middle East.

"This year will also see the introduction of several new vehicles, leading to a very exciting year for our customers in terms of product offerings. The BMW X6 is the culmination of design and technological advancements, both exterior and interior, which will drive this product to become a regional best seller."

The BMW X6 adds an innovative and highly attractive facet to the very special nature of a BMW CoupŽ, at the same time opening up a brand-new perspective in the BMW X family.

Featuring low side window areas and a roofline dropping smoothly to the rear, the BMW X6 clearly offers all the proportions of a genuine, fully-fledged coupŽ. Enhanced ground clearance, flared wheel arches in striking design, four doors, a large rear lid as well as the high waistline, all bear out a clear styling resemblance to other BMW X range models.

The new model's interiors - again in typical coupŽ style - provides ample space for the driver and front passengers and two further occupants at the rear, travelling on generously dimensioned rear seats in sporting design, with individual seat contours and integrated headrests.

The interior of the BMW X6 offers a unique synthesis of exclusive luxury, sporting dynamics and powerful style to the last detail. Tense surfaces swivelling into one another symbolise the active character of BMW's Sports Activity CoupŽ, sporting features such as kneepads on both sides of the centre console, paddles on the sports steering wheel featured as standard, an elevated seating position and the fine scale on the circular instruments creating an excitingly different driving experience in the new BMW X6.

"The demand we have received for the BMW X6 in Bahrain has been phenomenal, and we have extremely high expectations for this new offering," explained Zayed Zayani, managing director, Euro Motors.

"Our sales for 2007 surpassed expectations, keeping in line with our growth over the past several years. We expect, with the introduction of the BMW X6, this year will be equally promising.

"Two engines will be available on the new BMW X6, six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines for the BMW X6 xDrive35i and BMW X6 xDrive50i respectively, both engines featuring Twin Turbo technology.

"The design of the BMW X6, alongside its impressive performance, make the new offering the most sporty and dynamic member of the BMW X family to date."

A powerful 4.4-litre V8 power unit with Twin Turbo technology and direct high precision fuel injection powers the BMW X6 xDrive50i. The new engine is the world's first eight-cylinder petrol engine with the turbo-charger and catalytic converters housed in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders, resulting in a maximum output of 407 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 5.4 seconds, up to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Alternatively, a 3.0-litre R6 engine with Twin Turbo technology powers the equally impressive BMW X6 xDrive35i, resulting in a maximum output of 306 hp and 295 lb-foot of torque, that propels the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, up to an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology and is the first vehicle in the world to offer Dynamic Performance Control for unique agility, tracking stability, precision and traction in every situation.

A key part of any BMW design is safety, the BMW X6 being no different. The new model boasts a body structure conceived and designed for maximum occupant safety. In combination with the car's passive safety systems, this fulfils all prerequisites for excellent results in all crash-tests.

"Agility is a key characteristic of the new BMW X6. The world's first car to feature Dynamic Performance Control, the X6 provides drivers unmatched confidence on the road," added Mr Zayani.

A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment options are offered across the range of the BMW X6, including BMW iDrive with personalised favourite buttons, CD-player compatible with an MP3, AUX-in bush featured as standard, USB socket, multi-channel audio system, DVD system at the rear, four-zone automatic air-conditioning, active seat ventilation, back-up camera, navigation systems and BMW Assist.