The BMW X6 gets freshened styling, a new rear-wheel-drive model and a tweaked version of last year’s V-8 for 2015. (Skip to details on the: X6 M) ExteriorBMW says the new X6 wears “an even more extroverted design,” with a larger, beefed-up front bumper and more chiseled lines. BMW’s kidney grille, and the model’s circular headlights and LED fog lights, are again front and center. The SUV also retains its sweeping, coupelike profile but adds more contoured body side lines for a more athletic stance. Aluminum running boards are newly optional. InteriorInside, a subtle design update and richer materials add elegance for 2015. Interior updates include a large range of new wood and aluminum trim options. A 10.2-inch infotainment screen, controlled by BMW’s iDrive, is standard; a power moonroof that’s 5 inches longer than last year’s model is also standard. A foot-activated power tailgate is a new option. Under the HoodLike the updated X5, the 2015 X6 welcomes its first rear-wheel-drive model to the lineup. The X6 sDrive35i gets power from last year’s 300-horsepower, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder. It joins the carryover X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive50i. The latter uses what BMW says is a revised version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It makes 445-hp this year, up from 400-hp last year. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says the new X6 uses more lightweight aluminum and plastic components outside, which should equate to weight savings over the previous generation. SafetySeveral active safety systems are available this year: active blind spot detection; lane departure warning; the auto parallel parking assist system; pedestrian and collision warning system with braking; active cruise control with a stop-go function, which allows the driver to choose and maintain a safe following distance at speeds up to 130 mph; and the Driving Assistant Plus system, which will automatically brake the vehicle if a crash is imminent. The 2015 BMW X6 will again be made in Spartanburg, S.C.; prices will be announced closer to the vehicle’s late-2014 on-sale date. The 2014 X6 starts at $61,725, including destination, but that’s for the standard all-wheel-drive xDrive35i model; the new rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i model will likely come in lower. 2015 BMW X6 MAfter a one-model-year absence from the U.S., German luxury automaker BMW has unveiled the latest versions of its two ‘bahn-burning sport utility vehicles, the X5 M and X6 M. These are hotter versions of the standard X5 “sport activity vehicle” and X6 “sport activity coupe” that share common components. They are faster, more powerful and more expensive than the models they replace. What’s Special:
Restyled with bigger air scoops for cooling
Larger 21-inch wheels
Unique steering wheel, paddle shifter and gauges
567-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine and standard eight-speed automatic transmission
Adjustable air suspension
Upgraded brakes
Safety features include Cornering Brake Control, Dry Braking function, Fading Brake Compensation, hill start assist and hill descent control
