BMW POWER KIT BREATHES FIRE INTO EXISTING DRAGONS

Even before a facelift has started selling, BMW is already upping power and performance on two of its X6 models. The X6 xDrive50i and the straight-six in the X6 xDrive35i are set to be offered with extra go and aero kits to improve both performance and fuel efficiency.

Old buyers of these models (I’m no ageist, just talking about those who bought their cars before this announcement) should not fear, for all the parts are individually retrofittable. What I mean is that as a current owner you’d be able to take your petrol X6 and have it installed with the Aerodynamic as well as the Power Kits at an approved dealership near you.

With that said, let’s get down to the specifics. First on the menu is the Aerodynamic Kit consisting of pieces such as a special front bumper, side-sills, an insert for the rear bumper, rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint. A sports exhaust system with light chrome pipes will be offered later along with its accompanying booming sound. High-performance lightweight alloy wheels measuring 10J x 21 at the front run on 285/35 R21 tyres and 11.5J x 21 are wrapped in 325/30 R21 tyres at the rear.

As I said earlier a Power Kit is also available as an official aftermarket strap on. It gives more power and torque to cars that swallow up both at alarming rates. The smaller X6 xDrive35i gets a power increase going to 240kW as torque rises to 450Nm. Its claimed 0 – 100km/h time is slashed to 6.5 seconds, which translates to about 7 seconds or so in Gauteng (IN4RIDE has not tested this model). The X6 xDrive50i’s twin turbo V8 goes from 300kW to 330kW and its torque reaches 650Nm. Sprint times have also gone down to 5.2 seconds, according to its very confident maker.

Listed among others are interior appointments like the “performance sports steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom and alcantara coating for optimum grip and a pleasant touch in all temperatures.”

Is BMW South Africa making these two kits available to the local drooling public? We are still waiting for confirmation but don’t bet against it.