Abu Dhabi Motors celebrates the all new BMW X6 in UAE's capital

Attended by HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamid, of Al Hamid Group, VIP's and over 500 valued customers at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel, guests were treated to a special preview of the latest addition to the BMW family, the BMW X6.

The new model range 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.

'BMW is a worldwide leader in innovation, whether through the introduction of defining in-car technology, or the creation of new engineering standards, reflected in the spectacular design of models such as the BMW X6,'

said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

'Our customers can look ahead to an exciting year that will feature several new product introductions in the market. The BMW X6 is the first of these new models, defining design and technology advancements in its exterior and interior design, which will drive this product to be the regional best seller'.

Offering a brand new design approach and interpretation, the highly-anticipated BMW X6 visualises superior driving dynamics and outstanding supremacy.

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

The BMW X6 adds an innovative and highly attractive facet to the very special nature of a BMW Coupé, 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 coupé.

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 resem¬blance to other BMW X range models.

The new model's interiors - again in typical coupé 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 Coupé, 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.

'Abu Dhabi Motors' performance in 2007 was phenomenal, recording the highest growth in the Middle East amongst all BMW importers, keeping in line with our growth over the past several years. The first three months of 2008 also saw a 62% sales increase over the same period in 2007, a testament to our strong performance and brand value in the nation's capital,' explained Arno Husselmann, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Motors. 'We anticipate this year to be equally promising in growth with the introduction of the BMW X6, which has received exceptional demand as expected.

'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,' continued Husselmann.

A powerful 4.4-litre V8 power unit with Twin Turbo technology and direct high precision gasoline injection powers the BMW X6 xDrive50i.

The new engine is the world's first eight-cylinder gasoline 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.

Variable distribution of drive power is ensured not just between the front and rear axle - by xDrive - but also, through Dynamic Performance Control, between the two left and right rear wheels.

This maintains a superior stabilising function even under sudden load change and in overrun.

Also standard is an advanced six-speed automatic transmission with optimised gearshift dynamics, extremely fast gearshift, supreme shift comfort, optimisation of fuel economy by converter lock-up clutch operating largely free of slip, electronic gear selector lever and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel featured as standard.

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 relevant the world over.

'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,' said Husselmann.

A myriad of safety features ensure the driver and all three occupants are always protected in case of an accident.

A revolutionary body design and structure, alongside interior safety features are employed to guarantee the highest levels of safety.

Occupant safety is ensured through a three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, and crash-activated headrests at the front.

Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime light function, foglamps, two-stage brake lights, and runflat tyres all come as standard.

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.