FUTURE BMWs – The 2015 X6

The X6 is a popular BMW model worldwide, and, last refreshed in 2012, a second-generation version is well along the pipeline, being developed under the code name X16 and already being tested at the Nurburgring.

Expected to appear in the Braman BMW showrooms in West Palm Beach and Jupiter during the summer of 2014 as a 2015 model, the new X6 will be a re-interpretation of the – why mess with a good thing? – though is expected to be more aggressive and aerodynamic, slightly longer and perhaps a bit wider, with a taller hood and revised headlights… all taking their cues from the popular and stylish X5, with which the X6 shares a platform.

Inside, the interior will become much more sophisticated, with higher-grade materials and the full complement of BMW technology either standard or offered as part of various option packages.

The new X6 will be the target of an extensive weight reduction program, weighing in more than 300 pounds less than the current version, with a resulting increase in fuel economy.  Under the hood are likely to be turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines powered by both gasoline and diesel, as well as some turbocharged V-8s. The base X6 sDrive35i should come with 300 horsepower and standard rear-wheel drive, with xDrive all-wheel drive available as an option.

At the other end of the powertrain spectrum, the X6 M should have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 under the hood, and there are even rumors of a plug-in hybrid model based on the powerplant developed for last year’s concept X5 eDrive.  All engines will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.  Suspension will remain conventional in base models, while higher-end version will get a self-leveling pneumatic suspension with adjustable ride control.

Projected pricing for the 2015 BMW X6 is expected to be up slightly from the current base price of approximately $61,725.