New for 2015
The X6 gets a thorough updating for 2015, with revised styling, new technology features, and a first-ever rear-wheel drive model.
An SUV that Thinks Like a Sports Car
What do you do if you need a practical SUvV, but want a decidedly impractical sports coupe? Simple: you buy a 2015 BMW X6.
The X6 comes with the high seating position, spacious interior, and all-wheel drive of a traditional mid-size luxury SUV, but with radically different styling that literally goes outside the box. That’s why BMW doesn’t call the X6 an SUV, but rather an SAC, a Sports Activity Coupe.
Powertrains and Performance
To back up the 2015 X6’s sporty looks, BMW equipped it with some muscular powertrains.
Both the rear-wheel drive X6 sDrive35i and all-wheel drive X6 xDrive35i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. All X6 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Whether driven by two or four wheels, the six-cylinder X6 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive version is 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway)*; the all-wheel drive version gets the same combined and highway ratings, but loses 1 mpg in the city category.
Available only with all-wheel drive, the X5 xDrive50i packs a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. All of that extra power allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the top speed remains the same 130 mph as the six-cylinder models because of an electronic limiter fitted to all of them. The V8 returns fuel economy of 17 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).*
Finally, BMW offers a full-on hot rod in the form of the X6 M. This model features numerous performance upgrades, including a tuned version of the V8 engine that produces 567 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
That gets the X6 M to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.0 seconds, while the top speed is 156 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2015 BMW X6 is a five-door, five-seat SUV. It’s identical to BMW’s X5 in most respects except for the lower, coupe-like roofline. Prices start at $60,550.*
Standard equipment include 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, chrome exhaust tips, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, power tailgate, a three-spoke power tilt/telescoping sport steering wheel, 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and a fully-finished cargo area with velour carpet.
BMW also offers two styling trim “lines”—M Sport and xLine—that put different spins on the X6’s unique styling. The xLine includes Y-spoke alloy wheels and aluminum running boards, while the M Sport gets light double-spoke wheels, an M steering wheel, aerodynamic body kit, an Anthracite headliner, and Shadowline exterior trim.
There are also several option packages, including a Cold Weather package with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and retractable windshield-washer nozzles, and a Lighting Package with adaptive full LED lights and automatic hi-beams. Two Bi-Color Design interior-trim packages add some extra style to the cabin.
Notable individual options include multi-contour seats, Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio systems, Dynamic Damper Control adjustable suspension, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Exterior/Interior
With the X6, BMW sought to create a vehicle that was part SUV, part sporty coupe. The result is a vehicle that’s like nothing else on the road, with a tall ride height, bold front end, and muscular wheel-arch flares shared with the more straightedge X5, but also a sleek roofline that slopes back to the tailgate, fastback style.
The exterior may be a mix of SUV and coupe, but the X6’s interior is all luxury car. With standard leather seats, a thick-rimmed sport steering wheel, and BMW’s iDrive rotary controller for infotainment functions, it’s a great place to be.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 BMW X6 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. In addition, a rearview camera and head-up display are available with the Driver Assistance package, while the Driver Assistance Plus package adds blind-spot monitoring, the Active Driving Assistant feature, and speed limit information. Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection is available as a standalone option.
Bottom Line
The 2015 BMW X6 is a modern luxury SUV that just happens to look like a sporty coupe. It's got all the practicality of an SUV but places a greather emphasis on driving pleasure. It truly operates in a class of its own.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: BMW (European model shown)
