2015 BMW X6 - Latest New Car Information and Car Exporting News

Before BMW started filling every possible gap between cars and SUVs, before nearly every model had spinoffs in the form of Gran Coupes and Gran Turismos and Active Tourers, there was the BMW X6. For 2015, the X6 is completely redesigned, marking the second-generation of what BMW calls its first Sports Activity Coupe.

The 2015 BMW X6 looks bolder, sexier and more athletic than the outgoing model, though to many, it's still an odd combination of car-meets-SUV. Highly sculptured lines give it a more aggressive look, and a new face brings it more in line with BMW's other X vehicles, including the smaller X4 and the roomier X5. The X6 grows in size for 2015; though it rides on the same wheelbase as the previous-generation model, the 2015 X6 is two inches longer and about a half-inch taller.

Built on the same bones as the utilitarian X5, the four-passenger BMW X6 challenges traditional notions of utility vehicles with its low, coupe-like roofline and refined driving dynamics, while retaining a high seating position and increased ground clearance of an SUV. But while the X6's sleeker shape certainly makes it more alluring than its more upright counterpart, it also makes it less practical, with reduced rear headroom and cargo space in comparison.

Entry-level models are powered by BMW's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, good for 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Choices include the rear-wheel-drive X6 sDrive35i, and the all-wheel-drive X6 xDrive 35i. The best performer is the X6 xDrive50i, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes a hearty 445 hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. All models utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

With much of its underpinnings shared with the X5, the X6 is a capable performer, considering its hefty weight. Though it can't handle a racetrack like a true sport coupe, the X6 performs better than most SUVs, staying surprisingly composed around demanding turns or down steep, rocky hills.

The BMW X6 is at its best when loaded with pricey options, such as the Dynamic Handling Package, which includes torque vectoring control, a technology that automatically varies the power sent to each wheel for maximum stability and traction. For a cushier ride, the optional air suspension has an automatic self-leveling system in the rear, while the adaptive M Sport suspension keeps the X6 firmly planted around twisty corners. Active steering varies the ratio according to vehicle speed. All of these greatly improve the X6s handling, but can add thousands to the sticker price.

Inside, the 2015 BMW X6 gets vast improvements in interior design and materials, as well as new standard features. Among them: a digital instrument cluster display, Bluetooth audio streaming and an automatic tailgate. Rear seats get increased headroom and two more inches of rear legroom, making the second-generation X6 a more realistic choice for carrying backseat passengers than previously. However, the 2015 X6 loses a substantial amount of cargo space, down to 20.5 cubic feet from the first generation's 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. Thus, despite its handling capabilities, the X6 remains more about style than utility.

A new suite of optional safety features makes its way to the 2015 BMW X6, including lane departure warning and a pedestrian and collision warning system; the Active Driving Assistant uses active cruise control and a front camera to automatically start and stop the car in slow-moving stop-and-go traffic. BMW's Night Vision can detect people and animals on dark roads and display their outlines on the center display screen.

Thanks to improved efficiency and aerodynamics, the 2015 BMW X6 achieves better fuel economy over the outgoing model. EPA fuel economy figures for the rear-wheel-drive X6 sDrive35i are 19/23 mpg City Highway. The AWD X6 xDrive35i is rated at 18/27 mpg City/Highway (up from 17/24). X6 xDrive50i models achieve 15/22 mpg City/Highway (up from 14/21).

Until now, competitors to the BMW X6 were virtually nonexistent, but that will soon change as more automakers throw their hats into the coupe-SUV ring. These include the forthcoming Range Rover Sport and the future Mercedes-Benz MLC-Class, which should are scheduled to launch for the 2016 model year.