BMW F16 X6 CKD launched in Malaysia, now cheaper by RM50k at RM667k



BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced the F16 X6 at their newly renovated headquarters in Cyberjaya. The X6 in question here is the M-Sport flavoured xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) that will be locally assembled at BMW’s Assembly Facilities plant in Kulim, Kedah.

The completely knocked down (CKD) F16 X6 represents the marques ninth model to join the portfolio of the company’s locally assembled vehicles. BMW Group Malaysia’s CEO, Mr Alan Harris said, “This is a testament indeed to the longstanding commitment that the German brand has here in Malaysia.”BMW-X6-CKD-3

QUICK FACTS

Name BMW X6 xDrive35 M Sport
Engine 2,979cc inline-6 twin-turbo
Transmission 8-speed StepTronic Sport automatic
Max Power 306hp @ 5,800 rpm
Max Torque 400 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
0 – 100 km/h 6.4 seconds
Top Speed 240 km/h
Price RM 666,888 OTR w/out Insurance

EXTERIOR

The F16 holds true to its predecessor’s aggressive and bold look-at-me presence that should get everyone’s attention as you drive on by. On the front, the SAC means business with its huge imposing signature kidney grille. Illuminating the path ahead is a job tasked to the Adaptive LED headlights coupled with a pair of oddly positioned LED fog lamps. Both lighting sources are standard here.BMW-X6-CKD-2

Having mentioned that, the F16 is kitted out with M Sport Pack which features a pair of gills on each side of the front fender – an aesthetic enhancement courtesy of the M Aerodynamics pack. Because you get the M Sport Pack, the X6 comes with Adaptive M Suspension as standard while riding on 20-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels.

At the back, you’ll notice subtle hints of the X6’s muse in the LED tail lamps, and not forgetting to mention the sleek, sloping lines of the vehicle. The exhausts pipes are capped with a pair of chromed-out tips on either side.

INTERIOR

The inside of the X6 is really the business end of things. The cockpit benefits from Bimmer’s hallmark driver centric orientation with features such as multi-function instrument display panel which, in essence, replaces traditional gauges. As part of keeping the driver’s focus etched on the road and not on the toys, the steering wheel incorporates controls for the voice command system, cruise control, mode selector and call pick up and drop. Not forgetting also the paddle shifters for when the roads get tricky, or interesting.

On the centre console, one will notice an array of buttons and switches that host a multitude of commands at your fingertips. Looking around and you will find a tastefully done interior finishing with the better part of it wrapped in fine Dakota leather upholstery. The hides on offer can be suited to all tastes and colours, so feel free, guys.

Keeping all occupants cool and comfy from the blistering heat is a quad-zone air-conditioning system. Ambient lighting really does set the mood as you enter the car. It lends to an organic feel with the positioning of the lights at roughly shoulder height.

PERFORMANCE

The beating heart of the sports activity coupe is a straight-six, 3.0-litre twin-turbo mill that benefits from BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology. This tech delivers better performance and considerably improves fuel consumption. The M Sport F16 here pumps out 306 hp from between 5,800 and 6,400 rpm, and thanks to the beauty of forced induction, optimal torque figures need not be attained at such high revs but rather the brunt of the 400 Nm is readily available from as low as 1,200 rpm.

The xDrive Bimmer puts its power onto the road via an eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission. With those figures in mind, the F16 X6 will hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill in just 6.4 seconds before maxing out at 240 km/h. Quite an impressive performance, considering that the X6 tips the scales at slightly over two tonnes.

Besides that, the SAC comes with something you’d normally find in high-end sports cars and hyper cars – Launch Control. Should you feel the need to catapult yourself from traffic lights, but at the same time want the space and presence of an ‘SUV’, then look no further. Having said that, the X6 does feature an ECO-PRO mode that enables the coasting function, which BMW claims will help yield a fuel economy figure of 8.6 litres per 100km.

SAFETY

Courtesy of the BMW ConnectedDrive pack, the X6 features a high-definition HUD (heads-up-display) which means you don’t have to avert your gaze away from the road. Another unique drive assistance system in the locally assembled X6 is Surround View 360; a feature granting all-round visibility when parking or manoeuvring in and around tight spaces.

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Two active safety features here are Lane Departure Warning (with Approach) and Pedestrian Warning with auto braking. Both systems work independently or in tandem that automatically applies braking force when necessary. With BMW Apps that’s readily available, one can get Facebook and Twitter updates on the fly as well. You can even hook up Spotify and enjoy your favourite playlists via the Harmon Kardon stereo system.

WHAT ELSE?

The new, locally-assembled BMW X6 xDrive35i M Sport comes in Alpine White, Flamenco Red, Carbon Black and Space Grey colours. The F16 retails for RM666,888 on-the-road without insurance. It comes bundled together with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and Free Scheduled Service Program.


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