BMW has launched two high-end hybrid models in the GCC, based on the X6 and the 7-Series, and both with equally long names. One is the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the other is the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. After a few false starts by Chevrolet, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, these are likely the first true hybrid vehicles to be commercially available in the UAE. And we are assuming they are expensive.
AC Schnitzer, the German tuning firm specialising in BMW models for decades now, debuted their ‘styling’ package for the BMW X6 M at the Automodex tuner show in Dubai. This came alongside news that AC Schnitzer packages will be offered with full warranties through BMW’s Dubai dealership.
The CLR X 650 M is LUMMA Design’s latest creation. Sporting an upgraded engine and some aggressive styling, this modified beamer looks simply awesome.
A new equipment package for the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M from tuners G-Power. It consists of a widebody kit, suspension upgrade and a power increase to the tune of 600 hp.
The exclusive dealer for BMW in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain is now offering a HAMANN body kit for the BMW X6, with a complete factory warranty.
BMW has debuted the production hybrid versions of the BMW 7-Series and the BMW X6. To be shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will go on sale in early 2010, and it is expected that at least the X6 version will make it to the UAE and a few other GCC markets.
BMW is going to display a customised X6 ambulance at the upcoming RETTmobil rescue vehicle show in Germany. It is the xDrive50i version, and BMW goes to great lengths to describe the purpose of such a cramped ambulance.
The BMW dealer in Abu Dhabi is offering AC Schnitzer body kits for the BMW X5 and the BMW X6, calling it The Falcon. Incidentally, BMW’s GCC office recently reported that the 7-Series is their top-selling model in this region, followed by the BMW X6 and then the BMW X5. Considering the abundance of BMW’s soft-roading clientele, they should have no problem selling these kits.
After ages spent on the waiting list, we finally got our hands on a BMW X6. The version home-delivered to us also happened to be the xDrive50i version, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, if we remember correctly. BMW’s new naming convention is too confusing. Either way, we managed to park it right next to some random X5, so the differences between the two models became all the more clearer. And thus began our test of the loved/hated X6, both on-road and off-road.