Active torque distribution AWD + semi active suspensions = goodness.

Another first drive ...

This time by MotorTrend:

BMW X6 Drive: We preview the automaker's new "SAC", test its Dynamic Performance Control system - Vehicle news and review - Motor Trend

Not sure if this has been posted, but this if from Car and Driver:


























First Drive: 2009 BMW X6


BMW rarely wastes time creating concept vehicles with no production future, and that applies to the X6. Unveiled at last September’s Frankfurt auto show, this swoopy four-door was a no-kidding portent of a vehicle that will actually show up in BMW showrooms. And soon.

We can say this with absolute certainty, having just come from the Michelin proving grounds near Laurens, South Carolina, where we drove several X6 development mules.

Details—engine specs, curb weights, dimensions, pricing—were extremely sketchy. But here’s what we know:

1. Essentially a hefty car with lots of ground clearance, the X6 is conceived to be a sexier version of the X5, compromising utility (four passengers rather than five, less rear headroom, less cargo space) in favor of style and sportier dynamics. BMW plans to emphasize the distinction by referring to the X6 as a coupe, ignoring the semantic inconvenience of four doors.

2. Though the basic architecture is X5—the X5 and X6 will both be built in South Carolina—and the wheelbase (115.5 inches) is unchanged, the X6 will have a slightly wider track, slightly greater length overall, and dedicated sheetmetal. About the only cosmetic element that seems to be shared is the twin-kidney grille.

3. The X6 will serve as the introductory vehicle for a new all-wheel-drive system that BMW calls X-Drive. Similar in concept to the Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, X-Drive apportions engagement of the rear wheels from side to side, based on need, and like the Acura system it can rotate the outside wheel faster than the inside wheel in hard cornering, thus improving cornering speed.

Unlike the Acura system, need is determined on a basis of yaw instead of wheelspin, and X-Drive operates by clutches, so engagement is constant rather than throttle-dependent. Together with BMW’s various stability and traction control systems, X-Drive seems to make the X6 exceptionally stable on low adhesion surfaces, and also seems to give the vehicle near-neutral handling, although understeer will prevail at the limit.

BMW development engineers say they could have programmed the system to be more aggressive (read: oversteer) but settled on mild understeer to help keep their customers from running out of talent (read: avoidance of product liability lawsuits).

As noted, X-Drive will debut with the X6 next summer, but BMW plans to make it available on other all-wheel-drive models, including sedans, beginning with the 2009 model year.

4. Engines: The development vehicles on hand in South Carolina were propelled by mystery powerplants—BMW refrained from any information on this score—though one of them was identifiable as a diesel. Although the development team was talking about incremental power upgrades versus X5 models, all-new engines are unlikely. We forecast mildly tweaked versions of the X5’s 260-hp, 3.0-liter straight six and 350-hp, 4.8-liter V-8, with a turbo-diesel—already offered on European X5s—expected for 2009.

In addition to modest power increases, BMW says the X6 will also be lighter than corresponding X5 models by about 150 pounds, which should add up to curb weights ranging from 4850 to about 5200 pounds. A little more power and a little less mass should yield a slight edge in acceleration versus the X5, although this may be essentially subliminal. Also expected for 2009 is a two-mode hybrid edition, using similar hardware as the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and other full-size utes from both GM (Tahoe and Escalade Hybrids) and Chrysler (Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids).

5. Pricing: Information on this topic rivaled public information concerning CIA activities, i.e., zero, zip, nada. However, it does seem clear that the X6 will roll at the top of BMW’s SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) lineup, currently composed of the X3 and X5. Accordingly, we expect X6 pricing to overlap that of the X5, based on engine choice, etc. X5 pricing currently starts at $46,575 for the basic 3.0-liter model. An X5 with V-8 power ranges up from $55,175.

We have little in the way of hard info regarding equipment distinctions between the six-cylinder and V-8 editions, aside from tires. The basic X6 will come with 255/50-19 all-season tires, while the uplevel edition will wear performance rubber: 275/40-20 front, 315/35R-20 rear. A number of tire-makers—Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, and Michelin—will be called on as suppliers.

Look for the X6 to appear in BMW showrooms by next July, with the hybrid to follow later.


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M

Man, just look how mighty it looks:



Now, imagine it in blue color and some crazy 21"s...

Kinda looks like a lion cub, cute but aggressive and potentially deadly.

M

Hehe, something like that.

The car looks much better without the roofrails. Ground clearance seems quite good. What is it Eni? 200 mm?

Also, notice the size and width of the tyres. With a contact patch like that even a Land Rover Defender will handle well! Just kidding...

All in all - it's shaping up quite nicely. Though I have to say it'd still be the last car on the planet that I'd buy with practical purposes in mind. But then, to balance that statement out, I reckon the looks and presence alone will make it a highly desirable, prestige purchase. And hey, how many people will buy a car these days just because it looks good?

I'm not one of them...

If this car continue getting praises like these, it'll definitely be my next car...

Martin, my X5 will have 315 rear and 275 front tires, 20"...

Wider and bigger than a Porsche 911 Turbo's... Ludicrous! That's so OTT Tyc. Shame on you. A man of your stature and family responsibilities.

I told you to go for the Grand Espace. But would you listen? Noooo...

LOL

Lol, i didn't choose that width myself, it's the M style 227 wheels that come in that size...

No, not over the top if you ask me...().........

I do remember your signature (3rd class ride is better than a 1st class walk ), but sorry, i'd rather walk or drive my wife's Golf than buy this: