BMW was busy at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, launching a wave of production-ready vehicles. In addition to an entirely new product, the German automaker launched its first diesel-fuel vehicles for the United States market.
2008 BMW X6
 |
 |
The company debuted the 2008 X6 at Detroit. X6 is what BMW calls a "Sports Activity Coupe." Consider it an amalgamation of the company's 5-Series sedan, X5 SUV, and Z4 hatchback coupe. The all-wheel drive X6 will be available in two models with two twin-turbocharged engines. The xDrive35i will have a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with 300 horsepower while the top-end xDrive50i will have a 4.4-liter V8 with 400 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board, and it will come with steering wheel paddles to facilitate manual gear changes. X6 also will see the debut of BMW's Dynamic Performance Control, which is designed to fine tune power delivery, improve traction, and vary steering effort. It can also reduce interference from the antiskid system if drivers want to push the vehicle hard.
X6 has more than 25 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks raised for those who want at least a modicum of practicality. And it wouldn't be a BMW if it didn't feature the company's iDrive interface as standard equipment. BMW didn't announce prices at the show, but the 2008 X6 should arrive at dealers in late spring.
BMW Advanced Diesel
 |
 |
The other big news for BMW at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show was the introduction of its first diesel engines for the US market. "BMW Advanced Diesel" is scheduled to appear in the company's popular 3-Series premium compact car as well as the X5 premium midsize SUV. Both the 335d and X5 xDrive35d will have a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine. BMW's "SCR" technology is designed to reduce nitric oxide (NOX) emissions associated with diesel engines, allowing these vehicles to be sold in all 50 states. The engine will produce 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. BMW asserts the 335d will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, with the X5 xDrive35d doing the same in 7.2 seconds. Though official fuel economy numbers from the EPA have not been released, company estimates peg the 335d at 23 city/33 highway and the X5 at 19 city/25 highway. Pricing wasn't announced, but BMW says diesel models will hit showrooms this fall.
2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible
 |
 |
In addition to the 1-Series coupes that launched at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW saved the introduction of the companion convertible for Detroit. The soft-top version of this entry-level coupe will essentially have the same available powertrains and features as its hardtop sibling. Base 128i models will have a 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, and 135i versions will have a 300-horsepower twin-turbo six. Prices weren't announced, but count on a pretty hefty premium over the hardtop 1-Series models when the convertible goes on sale this spring.
New Car Quote
Acura