2015 BMW X6 Saunters Into Paris Motor Show

BMW’s second-generation X6 just made its official debut here at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

The German luxury brand’s newest “Sports Activity Coupe,” as they call it, comes with an important change for the 2015 model year: rear wheel drive. Just like the X5 it’s based on, BMW’s crunched-down coupe-like SUV is now available in “sDrive35i” form, powering the rear wheels via a twin-turbo straight six making 300 hp.

That powertrain will serve beside the all-wheel drive xDrive35i model that uses the same engine along with the xDrive50i, which sources power from an updated version of BMW’s 4.4-liter V8 pumping out 445 hp. In every case, that power runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Starting with the 2009 model year, BMW introduced something that would become a new trend in the market: taking one of its more conventionally shaped utility vehicles and compressing the body into a curvier form. Obviously it went well because the company says it sold more than a quarter million of them so far.

Aside from offering the normal models, which start at $60,550 for the rear-wheel drive turbo six and up to a starting price of $73,850 for the all-wheel drive V8 model, BMW is also offering xLine and M Sport variants. The xLine trim includes nicer leather upholstery and cosmetic enhancements to the exterior including stainless steel inserts at the front and rear aprons.

The M Sport package is also available on all models adding an aero kit with larger front intakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser to name a few. With that package, you can also get an optional M suspension that, like the available air ride suspension, can adjust its stiffness. Of course if you opt for the “M” branded gear it comes with sportier states of tune geared more toward handling.

2014 Paris Motor Show Coverage

The typical BMW interior accouterments are at play in the car like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a variety of colored leathers, but the cabin is also more practical for the second generation because the rear seats also include a 40/20/40 split.

Speaking of splits, the company also says the new X6 boasts close to perfect 50:50 weight distribution thanks in part to a revised chassis that also saves weight over the previous model while adding torsional stiffness.

Finally, the X6 also comes with updated convenience and safety technology including a head-up display that shows more information including call contact and music information. There’s a parallel parking assistant, which will probably be useful considering the impossible rear sight lines associated with the X6.

As was the case in the past, X6 production will continue at the company’s recently-expanded Spartanburg assembly plant and is expected to begin arriving at dealers late this year.

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