Interior
systems supplier Faurecia has contributed to the interior of the BMW X6 that
premiered at this year's Geneva Motor Show
The
BMW X6, which was recently introduced at Geneva, blends the qualities and
design keys of other BMW coupe models with the sporty lines of the X-line
vehicle range. Faurecia, Europe's second largest equipment supplier, has
provided this BMW with its considerable expertise in "premium"
interiors for the production of the front seats, instrument panel, centre
console and door panels. Designed to form a perfect alliance of comfort and
driving pleasure, the BMW X6 features an interior that is functional,
elegant and refined in an atmosphere that is at once sporty and luxurious.
The attention to detail in the vehicle interior, with its quality materials
and harmonious design, provides a luxurious driving experience fit for the
most discerning drivers. The
premium (complete front) seats Faurecia supplies to the X6 are produced at
the group's Fountain Inn plant in South Carolina. They are equipped in
series with powered settings that enable occupants to adjust the seat height
and seat-back angle. Among the different options available, the 20-way seat
that offers backrest contour adjustments, active warming or cooling
ventilation and massage functions. The 10-way sport model includes manual
adjustment for the thighs and a driver-side memory function. Up to nine
motors power these ultra-functional seats, which are offered in various
high-end leather or fabric options including a new Alcantara/leather seat
trim developed exclusively for the BMW X6. To protect occupants from neck
injuries in the case of a rear-end collision, the front seats of the BMW X6
feature active head restraints as standard.
A
robust and practical design, the instrument panel has been designed to
provide maximum user comfort, while at the same time optimizing weight. The
glass fibre reinforced polypropylene material used for the structure
provides an instrument panel that is both lightweight and robust. Particular
care has also gone into the storage facilities. These include a
double-opening glove compartment, situated high on the instrument panel,
comprising a highly innovative power-operated magnetic opening and closing
system. Locking automatically with the doors, the glove compartment does not
require a separate lock, the two-piece lid opening upwards and downwards to
provide convenient access to the fully-illuminated storage space inside. Its
discrete design blends effortlessly with the surrounding surfaces. The
centre console, with its cunningly-placed kneepads and spacious storage
compartments, is an extra element of comfort in the vehicle interior. The
storage area opens and closes in the same way as the glove compartment by
means of a so called butterfly lid. Further features include the two
extra-large cupholders complete with a lid on top that can even hold bottles
firmly in position. The
Faurecia door panels complete the interior harmony of the new BMW X6 thanks
to the extremely high level of perceived quality. They are based on a
structural framework made of injected styrene plastic, which provides
excellent dimensional stability, and the spacious pockets in the front and
rear doors round off the wide range of storage facilities. Faurecia
has built-up considerable experience with the German automaker in North
America from its Fountain Inn (South Carolina) plant, which is located close
to BMW's Spartanburg facility. This plant already supplies parts for the BMW
X5. With the start of production of the BMW X6 in late 2007, the Group
continues to develop this long-standing relationship. |