BMW celebrates the second generation of the world’s first-ever Sports Activity Coupe. As you can see from the photos, the 2015 BMW X6 comes with the same styling cues as the all new 2014 BMW X5 codenamed F15. When the company took the bold step of combining the performance of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle with the emotional design character of a traditional coupe, BMW created a vehicle concept that the market had not yet even conceived of. With global sales of 250,000 X6s to date, it is clearly a concept that the marketplace has embraced. In additional to an updated and even more extroverted design, the new X6 introduces the first rear-wheel drive model in the line-up with the X6 sDrive35i, powered by BMW’s award-winning 300 horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline six. It joins models with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system – the BMW X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive50i featuring BMW’s updated 445 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8. All models are equipped with BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission. The new 2015 BMW X6 will again be produced exclusively at the company’s production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The design of the new BMW X6 body combines the robust presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle with the hallmark sporting elegance of the brand’s Coupes to create an unmistakably athletic appearance. The long hood, long wheelbase, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment are characteristic design features of a BMW. Its high window sill and large wheel arches highlight the Sports Activity Coupe’s ties to the BMW SAV family.
Dynamic proportions and flowing lines reflect its sporty, agile handling on the road. The muscular and robust aspects of the vehicle’s design point to its versatility and appetite for action off the beaten track. At the front of the vehicle, the X-shaped contour lines of the bumper, the matt-silver underbody protection, the particularly powerful design of the BMW kidney grille and the arrangement of the twin circular headlights along front LED foglights are the most prominent signature features of a BMW SAV. The large headlight units reach all the way to the BMW kidney grille and extend outwards well into the fenders. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the sophisticated character of the standard Xenon headlights. Optional Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified for the new BMW X6.
Among the other ingredients in the extroverted, athletic looks of the new BMW X6 are the clearly visible details designed to optimize the car’s aerodynamics. They include the air deflectors on the front wheel arches, the Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes of the front apron and the Air Breathers in the fenders, which team up to reduce turbulence in the front wheel arches.
The side view of the new BMW X6 is likewise defined by eye-catching lines and sharply- drawn contours. The wedge shape of the silhouette is accentuated by a model-specific interpretation of the double swage lines. Emerging from the front wheel arches, the first rises steadily up along the new BMW X6 to the rear door handles. A second swage line sets out on a lower path, extending in a dynamic sweep into the rear lights. The eye is therefore drawn immediately to both the strong presence of the new BMW X6, thanks not only to the coupe-style roofline but also a glasshouse whose light, intricate look contrasts with the powerful body.
At the rear, horizontal lines emphasize the width and solid stance of the new BMW X6, while the surface design in the area of the high-opening tailgate, a powerfully formed bumper and flat rear apron signal robust athleticism. The three-dimensional LED light strips of the two- section, L-shaped rear lights, meanwhile, create a striking night-time look. As with the front, a matt silver-colored underbody protection element completes the lower edge of the body.
Customers can choose from two non-metallic and nine metallic colors for the body paintwork of the new BMW X6, including the new-to-the-range Dark Olive and Flamenco Red Metallic. Available as an option for the new BMW X6 are aluminum running boards.
Interior: sporting elegance, modern luxury, advanced functionality.
Boasting generous levels of spaciousness, the high seating position typical of a BMW SAV and high-quality, beautifully finished materials, the interior of the new BMW X6 creates the perfect environment for a driving experience cloaked in an air of luxury. The three- dimensional design and horizontal structure of the layered surfaces underline the broad sweep of the instrument panel, which – along with the upper-arm trim panels – features a high-quality Softskin surface with black decorative stitching. The interior trim elements in Poplar Wood now sit atop a high-gloss black surface, which is bordered on its lower edge by an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome. Interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminum, Fineline Oak Wood, Fineline Striped Wood and Fineline Pure Wood can also be specified as a no-cost option.
The ambient lighting designs included in the standard lighting package lend extra emphasis to the visual unity between the instrument panel and door panels. LED units arranged in a wrap-around contour line, as well as in other areas of the interior, create an alluring effect. Blue, white and orange light can be selected, either in monochrome or in six pre-stored combinations via the iDrive system.
The instrument cluster and the displays for the climate control and ventilation in the new BMW X6 all feature black-panel technology. The content, presentation and color of the screens in the standard Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster vary according to the mode selected by means of the Driving Dynamics Control switch. The freestanding, 10.2-inch flatscreen Control Display comes as part of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system.
The distinctive style of the new BMW X6’s interior is captured in the sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, gearshift lever in sporty design and a rear seat bench whose two outer seats have a distinct individual seat character and which offers large storage compartments in the center armrest. Another model-specific equipment detail are the knee pads on the center console, which feature contrast stitching on their leather surface and an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome.
xLine, M Sport and options: Tailoring the BMW X6 to individual tastes
An extensive selection of options, the new xLine and M Sport all create additional scope for tailoring the new BMW X6 precisely to individual tastes in terms of luxury and dynamics.
Customers can choose from six colors for the standard Dakota leather trim, including the new variants Cognac and Coral Red. Seat heating for the driver and front passenger is standard, while heated rear seats are available in the Cold Weather Package. Driving pleasure and long-distance comfort can also be enhanced with features including the standard BMW Navigation System with touchpad Controller, the Bang & Olufsen surround- sound system and the new Rear Entertainment System. All model variants of the new BMW X6 feature standard 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Additional 19-inch as well as 20-inch light-alloys are also available.
Optimized functionality: variable-use load compartment, hands-free tailgate opening and closing.
The variability of the interior has also been raised another notch. The rear seat backrests can now be split/folded 40 : 20 : 40, allowing the capacity of the load compartment to be increased in stages from 20.5 cu.ft. to a maximum of 53.9 cu.ft. Numerous storage compartments, plus door pockets which can accommodate 1.5-liter bottles at the front and one-liter bottles in the rear, also contribute to impressive levels of functionality in everyday and touring use.
Power tailgate operation is also included for the new BMW X6. The tailgate can now be both opened and closed via remote control and from the driver’s seat at the touch of a button. Maximum convenience for loading and unloading the new BMW X6 is provided by the hands-free trunk opening and closing function, which comes as part of the Comfort Access feature (standard on X6 xDrive50i/optional on X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i). Sensors detect foot movements underneath the rear apron and send out signals which prompt the electric tailgate into action.
The tailgate comes with a standard Soft Close Automatic function, which is also available for the doors as an option. The new BMW X6 also comes standard with a power glass sunroof whose surface has the same width but is almost five inches longer than on the previous model.
The new X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine (internally known as N55). It develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. The N55 engine was the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a “twin-scroll” housing to boost performance and minimize response lag. Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to “inhale” air more efficiently for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. The X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in six seconds flat. That is 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous generation X6 xDrive35i. Thanks to a lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures it is also expected to be more efficient (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch).
BMW X6 xDrive 50i features the latest TwinPower Turbo V8
The 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63) that powers the outgoing X6 xDrive50i receives an upgrade from its successor. The unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver. This new version of the engine adds BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result, the new version of the engine (N63TÜ) develops a maximum 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb- ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lb-ft increase). This newest TwinPower Turbo V8 powers the new X6 xDrive50i from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Thanks to the addition of Valvetronic, lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures, the new X6 xDrive50i will also see significant efficiency gains (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch).
