The BMW X6 has been blurring the lines of SUV and sports car since its introduction in 2008. Things got even more strange when BMW threw a diesel->ke1917 engine under its hood and slapped an M badge on the side. Yes, BMW->ke178 makes a diesel-powered M product.->ke546 Unfortunately for those in the United States, the X6 M50d has been unobtainable. That trend sadly continues as the X6 rolls into its second generation for 2015.

The X6->ke2396 can thank its second-generation upgrade to the X5, the SUV->ke145 on which it’s based and shares much of its platform. For 2014, the X5 received a healthy makeover, including slightly larger dimensions for increased interior volume, a revised exterior, and a fresh interior.

The standard 2015 X6 is destined to arrive on U.S. shores likely sometime in the fourth quarter of 2014. While the M50d will be missing from our BMW lineup, our friends overseas will get to enjoy its torque-rich oil-burner. The M50d sports a straight-six construction displacing 3.0-liters and spooled up by two turbochargers. With an output of 381 horsepower and a tire-shredding 546 pound-feet of torque, the X6 M50d sprints to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Even with all that power, the 3.0-liter, I-6 diesel still sips fuel like a Prius. On the European->ke139 test cycle, the SUV returns a highly-respectable 42.8 mpg! Let that soak in while you click past the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 BMW X6 M50d.

2015 BMW X6 M50d

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW X6 M50d
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 381
  • Torque: 546
  • Transmission: eight-speed auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

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The new bodywork adoring the X6’s new exterior is much more angular and aggressive than before. The front grille has no less than six gaping openings that feed cool air to the diesel’s intercoolers. The narrow headlights look as if they’re squinting dirty looks at the competition, and the sharply edged hood is more crisp than line-dried linens.

The X6’s side profile is no less dramatic. Below its beltline are angular edges formed nicely in with swooping lines while the profile of the roof is one large curved line. Nearly every inch of the X6’s body has some sort of character line or interesting trait.

Around back, is a tiny rear window dwarfed by a massive trunk and bumper. The large lower fascia houses twin chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, while the trunk’s main feature is the large LED taillights.

Interior

Pictured is the standard 2015 BMW X6 interior

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The revised interior of the X6 is still distinctly BMW but carries a new look of refinement. The infotainment screen is still perched atop the dash and plenty of physical buttons inhabit the center stack. The gear selector remains familiar as does the rotary iDrive dial. The thin-spoke steering wheel has a beefy leather-wrapped ring for sure gripping and the large dead pedal on the floor ensure a steady stance.

Especially interesting are the double air vents on either side of the dashboard. The designers took what could have been an ugly hole and make it into a beautiful feature that works well in directing air in multiple directions.

Drivetrain

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Motivating the X6 M50d is BMW’s most powerful diesel engine. Its six cylinders displace 3.0-liters and is force-fed by twin turbochargers. A common-rail fuel system with piezo injectors delivers fuel at an amazing 31,908 psi. The recipe produces 381 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission that delivers power through BMW’s xDrive to all four wheels.

BMW says the X6 M50d will hit 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Its top speed will likely be limited to 155 mph.

Type

3.0-liter Inline Six-Cylinder Diesel

Horsepower

381 horsepower

Torque

546 pound-feet

0 to 62 mph

5.2 seconds

Fuel consumption

6.6 liters per 100 kilometers (42.8 mpg imp).


Prices

BMW has yet to release pricing information on the new SUV, but in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. The X6 M50d won’t find its way to the U.S. in the foreseeable future. In other parts of the world, expect the M50d version of the X6 to cost somewhere between $80,000 and $90,000.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG

Almost equally ridiculous as the X6 M50d is the G65 AMG. Sure, the Mercedes runs on gasoline rather than diesel, but where else are you going to find a go-fast version of a German SUV?

Unlike the fuel-sipping X6 diesel, the G65 AMG is powered by a massive, twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter, V-12 engine. It makes 536 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque sent to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Will all that power on board, the G65 AMG rockets to 60 in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 142 mph.

Audi Q7 V-12 TDI

Link and pictured is the U.S.-spec Q7 V-6 TDI

A little more on the conservative side lies the Audi Q7 TDI. Its larger size, three-row seating, and less look-at-me styling has it coming in last on the wow-factor chart. However, what the Q7 lacks in outlandish looks, it makes up for in utilitarian usefulness and a massive powerplant

Under the hood lies a 6.0-liter, V-12 turbo diesel making an outlandish 493 horsepower and an unbelievable 738 pound-feet of torque. The V-12 comes mated with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

Unfortunately, the Audi Q7 V-12 TDI falls into the same you-can’t-have-it category as the Euro-only BMW. Then again, only achieving a combined 20.8 miles per gallon, the Audi would be rather expensive to fuel.

Conclusion

The X6 M50d is one heck of a performer with its diesel powerplant, sport-tuned suspension, and wallet-friendly mpg numbers. Though the SUV is a great performer, it has several marks against it. Obviously, with it not coming to the U.S., it’s hard to get excited about it. Secondly, the X6 has always been a very odd vehicle -- caught between an SUV and a sedan. However, if you don’t mind the looks, you live in Europe, and you’ve got $90,000 to blow on a crossover, the X6 M50d is a darn good choice to go with.