BMW X6 Wins Prestigious 'Off Road' Magazine Award

MULGRAVE, Australia – February 10, 2009: The new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé is the new ‘Four by Four of the Year 2009’ in the ‘Crossover’ category, as voted by the readers of the long-established and highly prestigious German magazine “Off Road”.

The win reflects the high degree of enthusiasm in the German market for the innovative BMW model. In addition, the BMW X5 achieved a podium position in the “Luxury SUV” category results.

“The outstanding driving dynamics and unique design of the BMW X6 are obviously the driving forces behind its popularity,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Guenther Seemann.

“We have seen a similar level of enthusiasm and passion for the BMW X6 in Australia. Since launch in the latter part of 2008 we have delivered close to 350 examples. Australian luxury vehicle buyers are voting with their wallets,” Guenther said.

Specialist title “Off Road” surveys its readers each year and the BMW X6 was selected a winner by a clear margin. The first ever Sports Activity Coupé has been praised and admired for its unique and highly stimulating driving experience, combined with its coupé-like styling.

The latest BMW Dynamic Performance Control was introduced with the BMW X6. DPC splits available torque between the rear wheels, working in concert with the BMW xDrive traction system, which divides torque seamlessly between the front and rear axles.

The result is enhanced grip especially in fast, tight corners, enhancing safety and driving pleasure.

“The BMW X6 raises agility, steering precision, stability and traction to new dimensions in a vehicle of this size,” Guenther said. “So it is not surprising Australian drivers love it.”

The application of BMW EfficientDynamics technology to the X6 also results in low fuel consumption and reduced emissions of CO2. The range comprises petrol and diesel six-cylinder engines (BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive35d), as well as the just-arrived twin turbo 300 kW V8 petrol powered BMW X6 xDrive50i.

BMW EfficientDynamics permits the BMW X6 to achieve efficiency that until recently would have been regarded as inconceivable for its category and performance class.

BMW has been the pioneer of luxury market unitary design Sport Activity Vehicles for more than a decade, with more than 1.3 million BMW X Series vehicles built to date, 243,000 of which were delivered in 2008 alone. Last year, 27 percent of all BMW vehicles sold around the world were fitted with BMW xDrive, also available on 3 and 5 Series derivatives in Europe and the United States, in addition to the X Series.

BMW will soon introduce a further innovative X Series member, in the form of the production version of the recently unveiled BMW Concept X1. This vehicle will create a new premium all-wheel drive compact category.