Hartge has taken the wraps off its tuned BMW X6, and the 3.0-liter twin turbocharged I6 diesel bumped up to a monstrous 328HP and 498 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, they also did a body kit.
If we close our eyes and only read the spec sheet, the Hartge BMW X6 is a pretty epic proposition. A 3.0-liter twin turbocharged I6 diesel making an additional 93 HP and 115 lb-ft of torque over stock can make us forget about the questionable necessity of the X6 market segment. Add to that it gets better fuel economy than stock and is actually lighter, goes 0-60MPH in 6 seconds with a non-limited top speed of 159 MPH, we were ready to lay rose pedals at Hartge's feet. Then we looked at it.
Fender flairs! Fender vents! Grill inserts! Totally unnecessary rear diffuser! Side skirts! Giant wheels! Typical German tooner rubbish. So sad, so very, very sad. Maybe if you ask nicely they'll chop a big chunk out of the 29,353.94€ asking price and just supply the powertrain upgrades.
The X6 from HARTGE - the new crossover dimension
Two ton diesel sprinter with a top speed of 256 km/h
Herbert Hartge and his team have pushed the skilful stylistic blend of a four-wheel drive vehicle from the SAV segment (below the waistline) and a coupé (above it) into a new dimension. His X6 xDrive35d is more than an extraordinary symbiosis of a high-street thoroughbred and a crossover workhorse. Although the diesel engine with Twin turbocharger is already the most powerful in its class, the specialists from Germany's Saarland region have breathed on the power plant so it now generates no less than 241 kW (328 hp) at 4400 rpm and a mighty 675 Nm of torque low down at 2000 rpm. At the same time, the emissions remain well within limits for such a powerful vehicle at 220 g/km. Indeed, the X6 xDrive35d from HARTGE uses half a litre less diesel per 100 kilometres than its series counterpart under comparable conditions. Equally impressive are the performance figures. Despite a weight of 2,185 kg, the X6 takes only six seconds to reach 100 km/h and is thus significantly quicker off the mark than the standard xDrive35d (6.9 sec.). The maximum speed - there is no electronic limiter on the HARTGE model - has been measured at 256 km/h.
Visually underscoring the concentrated power hidden beneath the bonnet is the HARTGE aerodynamic kit in high quality PUR-RIM material. Wheel-arch extensions linked by side sills provide sufficient room for the HARTGE suspension, which includes a set of sports springs with or without level-control system for the rear axle and lowering by 30 mm, and the company's "CLASSIC 2" wheels (10.5 x 22" offset 33 at the front and 12 x 22" offset 23 at the back).
These attractive aluminium wheels are fitted with ultra-wide tyres (295 / 30 ZR 22 at the front and 335 / 25 ZR 22 at the rear). Rounding off the kit are a front spoiler and a rear skirt with an integrated diffuser while carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, stainless-steel tail pieces with quadrilateral tail pipes (large version) left and right for the exhaust system, HARTGE emblems and insignia emphasize the individual outfit of this X6.
The interior is dominated by a sporting atmosphere à la HARTGE. Via the HARTGE 3-spoke leather steering wheel with carbon inserts - alternatively, carbon steering-wheel covers are available - the driver's glance falls on a 300 km/h speedometer and rev counter with dials in silver metallic and red needles. Plenty of room for personal touches to the "interior architecture" of the X6 is given by a variety of accessories including decor and interior trim, carbon parts for the dashboard and consoles, aluminium foot rest and pedal set, as well as black velour foot and load-area mats.
A full HARTGE conversion for the X6 xDrive35d - including fitment and painting work - costs EUR 29,353.94 including 19% VAT. Naturally, all parts can also be retrofitted individually.