2015 BMW X6 Ushers in a New Generation
The 2015 BMW X6 has been officially revealed with quicker acceleration and a rear-wheel drive model.
Entering its second generation, the 2015 BMW X6 will introduce the first rear-wheel drive model in the lineup with the X6 sDrive35i, powered by the company’s popular 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Making their return is the X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive50i, which features a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, which is 45 hp and 30 lb-ft more than the 2014 X6. Every X6 model will be equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and will be arriving U.S. showrooms in late 2014.
According to the German automaker, the X6 equipped with the 3.0-liter engine will accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds flat, which is 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. The more enhanced V8 model will go 0-60 in just 4.8 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds quicker than the first-generation X6.
As for the design, it might not appear that BMW overhauled the X6 a whole lot, but it definitely updated the styling to match the new-generation of BMW models. More importantly however, the X6 is now more aerodynamic thanks to 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. Customers will be able to choose from two non-metallic and nine metallic colors when it launches later this year while available as an option for the new BMW X6 are aluminum running boards.
Numerous packages will also be available for the 2015 BMW X6 including xLine, M Sport, Cold Weather and the new Rear Entertainment System. All model variants of the BMW X6 will come standard with 19-inch wheels though 20-inch wheels will be available as an option.
Changes to the interior include the rear seat backrests that can now be split/folded 40:20:40 increasing the capacity from 20.5 cubic feet to a maximum of 53.9 cubic feet. A power tailgate operation is also included in the new BMW X6 that can now be opened and closed via remote control. A hands-free trunk opening and closing function will be available as part of the Comfort Access Package.
Pricing on the 2015 BMW X6 will be announced closer to its arrival.
GALLERY: 2015 BMW X6
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I grew to weirdly admire the last gen x6. Too much side sculpturing on the new one JMO
And yet they laughed at the Accord Crosstour.