KEY POINTS:
BMW's new SUV-cum-coupe, the X6, will be the platform for a new 300kW twin turbo V8 petrol engine.
The high-tech engine, with a 4.4-litre capacity, produces 600Nm of torque and the model will be known as the X6 xDrive 50i. It accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, yet uses only 12.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the European Combined cycle.
A less powerful version, the X6 xDrive35i, will carry the marque's current 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder petrol engine. The six-cylinder diesel version will be called the xDrive35d.
The jury might be out on the X6's styling, but no one can argue with BMW's claim that the new car has "extravagant and individual" looks. The X6 blends off-roader dimensions and ride height with classic coup proportions.
The X6 comes with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel- drive technology and will be the first to offer the carmaker's new Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) system.
While xDrive ensures the variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, DPC varies the torque split between the two rear wheels. This maintains a stabilising function, even if there is a sudden load change caused by a swerve or if the driver lifts off mid-corner.
