As diesel-powered cars are foreseen to be the largest selling variants in the UK, BMW has set the XP Sports Activity Coupé to win the sales race with its unique selling point: the combination of sports-car performance and command driving position safety and convenience, all in the svelte body of a coupe.

With the enthusiastic driver as its target market, the BMW X6 features a number of powerful and innovative features that elevate it from other diesel passenger vehicles. Beyond being powered by a single-turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine that showcases third-generation common-rail fuel injection and is capable of producing 235hp at 4,000rpm, the BMW X6 has a feature that ensures maximum fuel economy.

Called Brake Energy Regeneration, it enables the X6 to reuse what would have been energy lost by the alternator. A regular alternator drains power from the engine constantly; and under-braking and going downhill also waste energy since the engine goes on over-run.

However, with the Alternator Control and Absorbent Glass Mat battery of the Brake Energy Regeneration system, the X6’s alternator dissipates engine drag by only engaging when required to charge the battery. The alternator therefore is able to divert the lost energy and use it to charge the battery.

Additionally, the Sports Activity Coupé achieves lower emissions and higher fuel economy by having tires that have minimized rolling resistance as well as special heat resistant and anti-distortion materials in the sidewalls and tread. Moreover, it also uses low friction transmission fluids and active aerodynamics for the engine. The former ensures efficient running, while the latter regulates air flow to the engine and thus enables it to constantly perform at its peak efficiency.

The BMW X6 will be launched in May, 2008, and will also be available as a petrol-powered model. It will be launched together with the X6 xDrive30d, xDrive35d and xDrive35i; whereas the X6 xDrive50i will only be on sale later this year. Prices for the X6 are yet to be announced.