BMW X6 (2015): first photos of the X6 Mk2

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

05 June 2014 23:00

BMW has shown its new 2014 X6 crossover - the second-generation of the SUV that puts style over space. The low-slung BMW X6 again uses X5 mechanicals, but wrapped in a squashed, coupe-influenced silhouette.

The X6 is a niche product in the UK, selling some 1700 in 2013, around a third of X5 volumes in a good year.

But on the more diverse global stage, the X6 was a surprise hit for BMW, proving the naysayers wrong; it has sold nearly quarter of a million since launch in 2008.

The second-gen X6 lands in BMW showrooms here in early 2015, priced from £51,150 for an xDrive30d SE. The range-topping X6 M50d (the red car pictured) costs a whopping £66,920.

BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe - one of those throwaway marketing lines beloved of product marketing types. But on this occasion it neatly summarises the X6's intent.

The sporting bit is taken care of by a new suite of engines and those agile X5 underpinnings. And the coupe bit? Well, just look at that fastback roofline. Bad for headroom, good for posing power for those active, outdoorsy types.

BMW claims the new X6 manages the holy grail of being more powerful and quicker, as well as cleaner and more frugal.

Most X6s will be diesel-powered and both derv models use the venerable 3.0-litre straight six. Choose between regular 255bhp and M50d-spec 376bhp versions - the latter capable of a startling 5.2sec sprint to 62mph. Key stats look like this:

BMW X6 xDrive30d SE 255bhp, 0-62mph in 6.7sec, 143mph, 47.1mpg, 157g/km,
£51,150
BMW X6 M50d 376bhp, 0-62mph in 5.2sec, 155mph, 42.8mpg, 174g/km, £66,920
BMW X6 xDrive50i SE 449bhp, 0-62mph in 4.8sec, 155mph, 29.1mpg, 225g/km,
£63,065

All models are four-wheel drive and have eight-speed automatic gearboxes as standard.

Later in 2015, a 309bhp BMW xDrive40d will join the range.

A large, cinematic 10.2in touchscreen comes with the Professional Navigation package; funnily enough, all the publicity photos show cars with this expensive option. Be warned poverty-spec models might not look quite so glam inside.

Aluminium trim is standard, though, and leather upholstery is fitted across the board too. And if you pick that top-grade nav unit, the car will even change gear with advice from the maps on board. This autonomous driving lark is closer than you may think...

Luggage space in the new BMW X6 jumps by 75 litres, up to a maximum of 1525. But despite this, we can't help thinking that buyers wanting practicality would be better served by picking the regular X5.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, however, then the new 2015 X6 won't disappoint one iota.

By Tim Pollard