Today, BMW unveiled the second generation of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The F16 BMW X6 is due in U.S. showrooms in late 2014.
The first coupe-SUV mashup created a segment that other automakers are aiming for as well. A rumored Mercedes-Benz MLC is said to launch in the future as well.
Despite going through some design changes, the 2015 X6 is still recognizable as an X6, and now comes with a larger fascia and lots of dynamic lines running across the sides, or from the rear to the front. A chrome twin-kidney grille, the X-shaped intersecting elements on the front bumper, and a rear haunch now accentuated by a curved crease, show the X6 is just as interesting as the first generation E71.
The new X6 will share its hood, grille, and headlights with the F15 X5, and the short rear-end with the new, smaller X4. From far away, some people may have a hard time telling the two apart.
The front-end is dominated by the “Air Curtains” incorporated in the outboard intakes, and the fender-located “Air Breathers,” both functional and aesthetic.
Inside, the new X6 also takes some design cues from the X5, but with a more sporty angle. The cargo capacity is smaller than before, however, swallowing 53.9 cubic feet of stuff versus the previous model’s 59.7. The second row now folds in 40/20/40 sections.
New exterior color choices include Dark Olive and Flamenco Red Metallic. Options include aluminum running boards and adaptive LED headlights. All models feature standard 19-inch light-alloy wheels, while 20-inch alloy wheels are optional.
For the U.S. market, BMW will offer the X6 with the sDrive35i(rear-wheel drive), xDrive35i and xDrive50i configuration. The 2015 BMW X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i are equipped with the 300-horsepower 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine.
The V8-powered X6 xDrive50i gets improved performance for the new model year. The 4.4-liter V8 engine churns out 445 hp, a boost of 50 hp.
It is expected that the lineup may start under $60,000, for the rear-wheel drive sDrive35i.The base 2014 X6 with all-wheel drive starts at $61,725, including a $925 destination charge.
