BMW->ke178 released the X6 in 2008 and revealed a revised version in the middle of 2012. These changes were the last the first-gen SUV would receive because, starting 2015, BMW begins selling the second-generation X6. The BMW X6->ke2396 has quickly become a successful model mostly due to the fact that it doesn't have much competition. That won't change too soon, but Mercedes-Benz is prepping coupe->ke141 SUVs->ke145 of its own.

With that in mind, BMW->ke178 focused on improving the X6 in just about every area, including a 20-pound diet. Sure, that's not much considering the X6 tips the scales at over 4,600 pounds, but it's a worthy achievement for a vehicle that's longer and wider than the one it replaces. Besides gaining a crisper appearance that blends many cues already seen on 2014 model year BMWs, the coupe SUV also boasts updated technology and a slightly roomier interior.

Engine-wise, only one engine available in the United States has been uprated. Unfortunately, BMW is still stubborn enough not to send a diesel mill over the Pond, so you'll have to settle for the 3.0-liter gasoline version if you're looking for something more efficient.

Updated 08/13/2014: BMW announced prices for the revised X6 set to go on sale in the fall of 2014. Prices start from $61,900 for the xDrive35i version and from $72,900 for the xDrive50i version. Prices go way up from these starting points, thanks to the impressive list of options offered by the company. Details after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW X6.

2015 BMW X6

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW X6
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 5800
  • Torque: 300 @ 1200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Updated 06/11/2013: Today we have created a new rendering for the next BMW X6 based on the new generation X5 launched the other days. We hope you like it.

Updated 11/01/2013: Today we have a new rendering for you based on the latest spy shots of the upcoming X6 SUV.

Updated 06/05/2014: The first images of the revised BMW X6 have leaked online meaning of course that the official debut is getting closer. Check them out after the jump. (WCF)

Updated 06/06/2014: BMW released today the official details on the revised X6 SUV which will be put on sale on the North American market in late 2014.

First leaked images

Rendering

In creating the new rendering for the second generation BMW X6 we took our inspiration from the recently announced X5. However, we added a coupe-style roof and redesigned the rear- end with new rear lights and a smaller trunk door.

Our second rendering uses the new X5 as a base, but adds a coupe-style roof and a shoulder line similar to the one revealed by the X4 Concept.

Exterior

Although the new iteration remains recognizable as an X6, the update brings many changes to the crossover's skin. Up front, the trademark twin kidney grille is flatter and wider, and the headlamps are narrower and less rounded around the edges. The aggressively sculpted bumper is actually brand-new, with a huge, X-shaped crease embracing the side intakes and the fog lamps.

Around back, there's a new set of redesigned taillights protruding more into the trunk lid, a reshaped bumper with sportier accents and a pair revised exhaust pipes. All told, both the front and rear fascias have been updated to BMW's current design language. When viewed from the side, the X6 is again characterized by sharper cues, as well as a new crease that runs right above the rear wheel arch, a body detail borrowed from the smaller X4. In fact, the new X6 is essentially a larger X4 in all aspects.

Naturally, the new X6 is not just about updated visuals. The vehicle is also about 20 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, which is a big deal when you consider its increased overall length and width. Awkwardly enough though, the wheelbase is now shorter at 76.1 inches.

Interior

Interior upgrades are pretty much in line with those received by the X5 and include a restyled dashboard, revised front seats that benefit from a sportier design and an updated instrument cluster. Speaking of technology and display systems, the standard iDrive operating system comes with a freestanding, 10.2-inch flat screen. Emphasizing the vehicle's sporty character is a revised, leather-wrapped steering wheel with revised button configuration and new paddle shifters.

The rear cabin compartment got a few nips and tucks as well. The outer seats have a distinct individual seat appearance and seem more comfortable than before, while the center armrest offers larger storage compartments. The contrast stitching and the Pearl Gloss Chrome accent strip on the knee pads is another cool and unique addition to the X6. Once the rear seat backrest, which comes in a 40:20:40 configuration, is folded flat, the vehicle's storage capacity increases from 20.5 cubic feet to up to 53.9 cubic feet, a slight improvement over the previous model.

As with most BMWs, the second-generation X6 is highly customizable, with no less than six color options available for the standard leather trim. Customers looking to make their long trips more enchanting can opt for a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system or the updated rear entertainment system.

2014 BMW X6 vs. 2015 BMW X6

Drivetrain

The redesign BMW X6 will hit U.S. dealerships later this year with a choice of two engines. The base X6 sDrive35i and the xDrive35i are powered by the familiar turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and it will take you from 0 to 60 mph in only six seconds -- 0.3 seconds faster than the first-gen 35i models. The sportier X6 xDrive50i, on the other hand, carries a brawnier twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 that enables the vehicle to accelerate from naught to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds, 0.8 seconds quicker than its predecessor. That's because the revised unit is now good for 445 ponies and 480 pound-feet of torque, a strong 45-horsepower and 30-pound-feet improvement over the previous generation.

All vehicles, no matter the trim or drivetrain configuration, come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic as standard.

Check the options lists and the available packages and you'll find a host of ride-improving updates ranging from adaptive dampers to a torque-vectoring rear differential. A stop-start options is also on the table if you're looking to save some gas while driving in heavy traffic.

Model

xDrive35i/sDrive35i

xDrive50i

Type

3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine (N55)

4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63)

Horsepower (HP @ RPM)

300 @ 5,800

445 @ 5,500 - 6,000

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

300 @ 1,200 - 5,000

480 @ 2,000 - 4,500

0 to 60 mph

6 seconds

4.8 seconds


Prices

Model

Price

X6 xDrive35i

$61,900

X6 xDrive50i

$72,900


Options

M Sport

$3,500

xLine

$2,500

Cognac/Black Bi-Color Interior Design Package

$1,950

Cold Weather Package

$550

Multi-contour seats

$1,300

Luxury Seating Package

$1,350

Driver Assistance Package

$1,400

Driver Assistance Plus

$1,900

Dynamic Handling Package

$4,500

Ivory White/Black Bi-Color Interior Design Package

$1,950

Luxury Seating Package

$1,350

Lighting Package

$1,900

Premium Package

$1,300

Active Steering

$1,550

Dynamic Damper Control + rear axle air suspension

$1,500

Ceramic Controls

$650

Concierge Services

$250

Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration

$500

Leather Dashboard

$1,200

Multi-contour seats

$1,300

Rear manual side window shades

$250

Parking Assistant

$500

Soft-close automatic doors

$600

Aluminum running boards

$400

Bang & Olufsen Sound System

$4,500

Harman Kardon surround sound system

$875

Rear-seat entertainment Professional

$2,200

ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant

$1,900

Rear view camera

$400

Space-saver spare

$150

Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection

$2,300

Side and Top View Cameras

$750


Competition

Porsche Cayenne

The second-generation BMW X6 arrives just in time for the facelifted, second-gen Cayenne. And interestingly enough, both vehicle are borrowing styling cues from their smaller cousins. While the new X6 is pretty much a swollen X4, the revised Cayenne gets Macan-like front grille and headlamps slapped to its face.

The really big news with the Cayenne is that the S model will have its 4.8-liter V-8 unit replaced by a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at around 420 horsepower. No need to be disappointed though, as the Turbo and the Turbo S get to keep their monstrous units and the spectacular power figures that blow past the 500-horsepower mark. The current Cayenne starts from $49,600 in its base, 300-horsepower trim, but fetches in excess of $110,400 when fitted with a Turbo badge.

Range Rover Sport

Unlike the X6 and the Cayenne, the Range Rover Sport is already available in the United States, where it can be seen roaming the streets with either a V-6 or a V-8 under the hood, both with superchargers on top. The smallest of the two cranks out 340 horsepower and enables the SUV to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, while the 5.0-liter V-8 has 510 ponies at its disposal. As expected, the latter is a lot faster on the 0-to-60 sprint and needs only five seconds to complete it. Both engines are paired to ZF-developed eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Range Rover is also offering two diesel mills on the Sport model, but none aer available in the U.S. Customers can, however, choose between four different trim levels. The base V-6 SE starts from $63,495, the V-6 HSE is priced from $68,495, while the V-8 Supercharged retails from $79,995. Lastly, the range-topping Autobiography model, also coming with V-8 power, fetches at least $93,295.

Conclusion

I never really liked the BMW X6. I admit I'm not that much into SUVs, but I'd take any other utility vehicle over the X6. Sure, I appreciate that BMW's had enough guts to slaughter the X5 and start a whole new niche, but the X6 still looks like a butchered SUV to me. It's even worse now that BMW decided to turn it into a bloated X4. It's main advantage though, besides the huge amount of tech and power that comes with it, is its unique position in the market. I mean, how many luxury, coupe-like SUVs can you buy nowadays? None! At least not in this size. Hopefully, the Porsche Cayenne will come to the rescue with a sloping roof and a Superman t-shirt.