The new model, dubbed the X6 sDrive35i in BMW-speak, offers rear-wheel drive, the familiar 300-horseepower turbocharged TwinPower 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder, and BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive xDrive35i and xDrive50i models will also return for the 2015 model year, both mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 is updated to 450 horsepower, a gain of 50 horsepower from last year’s model.
It’s the exterior that will be most readily noticeable with the 2015 updates, however. BMW calls it an “updated and even more extroverted design.” That’s a fair assessment.
2015 BMW X6
Other new features for the 2015 X6 include “air curtains” along the outer air intakes of the front end, air deflectors on the wheel arches, and “air breathers” in the fenders, all designed to improve the flow of air over and around the X6’s shape.
From behind, the X6’s rear is intended to show a low, broad athletic look, with LED light strips protruding from the L-shaped tail lights, and the matte-finish underbody element reappearing at the rear.
Two new custom colors are available to the 2015 BMW X6 range: Dark Olive and Flamenco Red Metallic.
2015 BMW X6
For those with a taste for the individual, xLine and M Sport customization options offer an array of appearance features from sporty to refined, including Dakota leather trim in Cognac and Coral Red hues; Bang & Olufsen sound; and a new Rear Entertainment System option.
On the high-tech end of the spectrum, the 2015 BMW X6 offers a head-up display, BMW Selective Beam headlights, and BMW Night Vision. The night vision system can detect both pedestrians and animals, offering a real-time display showing people, animals, and any heat-radiating obstacles on the central display panel, while detecting and alerting of any collision risk.
The 2015 BMW X6 will arrive at dealers in late 2014.