SPIED: BMW Preparing Subtle Updates for X6 Crossover

The BMW X6 has entered its fourth year of production, which means the Bavarian company will proceed to at least some changes to keep its successful crossover model fresh and ensure that it remains on the priority list of its desired target market.

Our man with the long lens caught up with a very early and hardly disguised prototype of the X6 in Germany. The only parts of the car covered, were the headlamps and the tail lamps, both of which will likely be revised to match the rest of the BMW line-up like the new 1-Series.

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Posted on 12.30 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Drops X6 ActiveHybrid from U.S. Lineup after Poor Sales

At a time when automakers are presenting one hybrid after the other, BMW has is doing the exact opposite: the Bavarian company is killing the ActiveHybrid X6 SUV from its U.S. line-up. Dave Buchko, a spokesperson for BMW North America confirmed the news to enthusiast website Bimmerfile.

The full-hybrid variant of the X6 crossover was only just launched in 2009 as a 2010MY primarily targeting U.S. buyers, but sales on this side of the Atlantic proved to be poor.

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Posted on 15.06 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW CEO Confirms X4 Crossover, will Slot Between X3 and X5

[BMW X6 M pictured above]

For over a year now, we suspected that BMW was contemplating a smaller version of the X6, or if you prefer, a sportier, fastback variant of the X3.

Considering that the X5’s sportier but less practical and for some, more awkward looking, sister has proved to be a huge sales success, it would be a logical move to expand the lineup to include a similar model.

As it turns out, BMW officials have the same mindset. The Munich-based company's CEO, Norbert Reithofer, has confirmed in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport that the X4 will indeed be built.

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Posted on 10.31 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Releases New Power Kits for 135i and 335i that Boost Output to 320HP

BMW's North American division has set its eyes on the lucrative aftermarket business with the releases of two performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i models.

The stage 1 and 2 Power Kits for the aforementioned models are fully covered under BMW of North America’s limited warranty and can be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program.

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Posted on 08.38 / 0 comments / Read More

SPIED: New Diesel-Powered BMW X6 M Spotted on the 'Ring?

There has been a lot of talk lately about BMW's plans to introduce its first-ever diesel-powered 'M' model. Just last week, the Detroit-Bureau spoke to BMW M Manager Brian Watts who confirmed the German company's interest in an M-badged diesel model.

The news site also cited inside sources to say that the plans calls for the development of a highly modified version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six oil-burner fitted with three-turbochargers developing around 500-horsepower and well over 600 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine would be fitted on M-badged versions of the 5-Series and the X6 crossover.

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Posted on 08.29 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Spices up 2012MY X5 and X6 Crossovers with New Special Editions, Colors and Options

This autumn will see BMW launching the 2012 model year versions of its popular X5 and X6 crossovers.

Highlights include the introduction of new special edition models, additional equipment options, new exterior colors and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels. Furthermore, the 2012MY X5 xDrive30d will be available with BMW's BluePerformance technology helping it fully meet the requirements of Europe's even stricter EU6 exhaust emissions standards.

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Posted on 13.52 / 0 comments / Read More

Mercedes-Benz to Build BMW X6 Rival at US Plant

Things at Mercedes-Benz seem to be moving fast. Just this past weekend, the German automaker launched its C63 AMG Coupe Black Series, while a few days ago we reported on the firm's plans to invest $2 billion in its US factory to build the next generation of the C-Class.

However, Mercedes has even bigger plans for the Tuscaloosa plant. According to Autonews Europe, sources within the company revealed that it aims to add a fifth model (after the M-, R-, GL- and C-Class) to its Alabama factory production line in 2015.

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Posted on 08.25 / 0 comments / Read More

Lumma Design Unleashes BMW X6 xDrive40d

The German tuners over at Lumma Design are taking yet another stab on the BMW X6, this time, on the most powerful diesel model, the xDrive40d that is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 306-horses and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of peak torque in factory tune.

After Lumma Design’s people get their way with the diesel unit by updating the software and adding a custom exhaust system, output is increased to a more hearty 340-horses and 670Nm (494 lb-ft).

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Posted on 08.58 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Showcases Fleet of Emergency Vehicles at RETTmobil 2011

Following in the footsteps of Mercedes that dressed up the SLS AMG as an emergency medical vehicle, BMW unveiled its very own proposals at the RETTmobil, the leading European trade for emergency services and mobility, held in Fulda, Germany (May 11-13).

BMW has a more down-to-earth approach to the show as its emergency models are based on mainstream vehicles that are more suitable for this line of work than the fast, but unpractical, SLS AMG. We're talking about the BMW 3-Series/5-Series Touring models and the X3/X6 SUVs, although the latter is not new, having premiered at the same show in 2008.

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Posted on 12.21 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Adds Three-Seat Rear Bench Option for the X6 and New Equipment Goodies for X5

Starting from April 2011, BMW X6 customers will be able to specify the crossover model with a three-seat rear bench. Up until now, the X6 was offered exclusively with a four-seat layout. The extra accommodation is available for all X6 models with the exception of the X6 ActiveHybrid, and can also be ordered for the X6 M. Besides the third seat that replaces the previous storage unit between the two rear passengers, the five-seat model also gets new leather options.

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Posted on 15.57 / 0 comments / Read More

Vorsteiner Releases VRS Aero Package for the BMW X6 M [with VIDEO]

Following a teaser announcement back in March, German tuning specialist Vorsteiner has launched its new VRS Aero Package for the BMW X6 M crossover. Trying to improve the X6 M's appereance ain't an easy task, though Vorsteiner seems to have pulled this one off with its new kit.

At the front, the Germans opted for a carbon fiber front spoiler, which increases downforce on the front axle while also channeling more air towards the engine and brakes. The new hood is also made from the same lightweight material and features vents that extract the heat produced by the stock 555 hp twin-turbocharged V8.

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Posted on 06.23 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Recalling 151,000 Vehicles in the U.S. to Repair Fuel Pumps

BMW's North American division has issued two separate voluntary recalls of some 151,000 vehicles sold in the USA to fix fuel-pump defects that may reduce engine performance and in some models, even a loss of power assist for the steering and brakes.

The first recall concerns certain model year BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, including the MY2007-2010MY 335i, MY2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes, and MY2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i. The Bavarian company said approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected from this recall with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump.

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Posted on 06.45 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Announces Snow and Ice Training Courses, Celebrates 25 Years of AWD Models

Driving in the snow can be a lot of fun if you know what you're doing. But not everyone is an ace behind the wheel and even if they are, there's always room for improvement. Enter BMW's Winter Driving Experience event that offers special training courses all over Europe, in a variety of road conditions.

For starters there's the BMW Snow Intensive Training course in Sölden (Austria), where you can fine tune your braking and steering technique driving the new BMW X3, 5-Series and the M3, on both uphill and downhill routes.

After mastering the basics, you can switch to the BMW Snow Drift Training, also held in Sölden, where you can drift for a half a day in a 420 hp M3, yodeling all the way.

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Posted on 11.29 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW Announces Performance Accessories for North American X6 Models

Starting from late October, BMW will begin offering to North American buyers a suite of parts from its 'Performance Accessories' division for the X6 crossover. The range includes a power kit, styling package, unique alloys and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The power kit will be available for xDrive35i and xDrive50i models built between 2008 and 2010. New engine software is claimed to increase engine output and responsiveness without increasing fuel consumption or exhaust emissions.

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Posted on 18.36 / 0 comments / Read More

The Met-R BMW X6 Interceptor is Alive

A little while back we showed you some renderings of Met-R's BMW X6-based Interceptor. Now the kit is alive and kicking, having braved the transition from computer screen to garage. A Mr. Gomelchuk has been kind enough to throw us a bone and drop some live images, showing the Interceptor wearing a more tii-themed paint scheme.

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Posted on 20.32 / 0 comments / Read More

Russian Tuner Proposes BMW X6 Coupe Conversion

If you liked Merdad's idea of a two-door Porsche Cayenne SUV, then you'll be happy to know that another tuning firm has came up with a similar conversion for the BMW X6 crossover. This time, the culprit is a Russian company called ArmorTech that specializes on custom and armored vehicles.

Starting with the standard X6, Ameritech chops off the rear doors and moves the B-Column further back to fit larger front doors (+250mm or 9.8-in.). The conversion also includes a new rear window and bespoke front seats that tilt and slide forward to allow for convenient access to the rear seats.

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Posted on 08.51 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW X6 Performance Unlimited: Japan-Only Special Edition Version

A bespoke version of the BMW X6 tweaked with bits and pieces from the shelves of the Bavarian firm's Performance and Individual divisions has been revealed in Japan. The BMW X6 Performance Unlimited is based off a X6 xDrive35i and will be offered in a strictly limited edition of 20 examples.

The Japanese-market-only X6 special is coated in a silver-pearl body color from the automaker's Individual program and comes with a BMW Performance aero-kit that includes a new front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser and blacked-out kidney grilles. The unique 21-inch alloy wheels shod in chunkier sport tires and darkened windows round off the exterior package.

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Posted on 09.10 / 0 comments / Read More

Russian Tuner 'Status Design' Does the BMW X6 SAV

In case the BMW X6 just doesn't make the cut for you, Status Design, a Moscow-based tuning shop, has launched a new kit package for the Bavarian crossover that bundles aero mods with performance upgrades.

The exterior aero package includes a body kit with side skirts, carbon fiber roof spoiler, front bumper with LED daytime running lights, carbon trim on the window surrounds, mirror covers and dual-kidney grille, and a new rear bumper that makes room for a pair of dual tail pipes and a carbon fiber diffuser. A set of 22-inch alloy wheels from Hartge complete the crossover's looks.

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Posted on 10.44 / 0 comments / Read More

Russia's Met-R Creates the BMW X6 Interceptor

Here are some photos of a BMW X6 wide-body kit designed by Zaur Khalilov of Zaoor Design. Created for Met-R, a Moscow-based tuning shop, it's called the Interceptor. As with any X6-based work, the actual work has to be evaluated (not the car). The Interceptor's nose is nice and aggressive, and those vertical driving lights just add to it. Even the matte black helps, but that's about as far as it goes.

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Posted on 13.09 / 0 comments / Read More

BMW X6M Receives the AC Schnitzer Treatment

Well-known BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer has set its eyes on the M version of the X6 sport crossover. The company said it is still working on a performance upgrade for the X6M's twin-turbocharged V8 engine that churns out 555HP in standard form, but buyers can choose from a variety of options that revamp the crossover's look.

The aero bodywork includes a front spoiler, roof spoiler, bonnet air-vents, rear wing, rear diffuser and design elements for the front skirt and chromed front grille. There's also a new carbon piece for the bonnet with a Plexiglas window through which the engine is visible.

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Posted on 07.26 / 0 comments / Read More