New BMW X6 2015, presentation and test drive in Madrid

In 2008 the BMW X6 appeared on the market, a crossover oriented more towards the road and its most dynamic side, which undoubtedly set a precedent in the segment, standing alone until now (Mercedes has just unveiled the GLE).

Currently, one in three BMW vehicles sold is from the X range (X1, X3, X4, X5 or X6), and practically all of them are manufactured in the USA (except the BMW X1, which is made in Germany). The Bavarian brand continues to bet on a rara avis within the SUV world and has presented the renewed BMW X6 2015.

The exterior changes are subtle, but inside it undergoes a revolution in design and in the new materials used, in addition to debuting new engines, all to update an icon of SUV design that, after many years, now has competition from the star brand.

New exterior design: An BMW X6 with few changes but updated

The robust and aggressive exterior appearance remains present in the X6’s main lines. Now a new front end can be seen, with a taller bonnet, new LED headlights also appear, and the lines have been softened, becoming more fluid.

In profile, it stands out for its distinctive coupé line and its ground clearance. As standard it also has 19-inch wheels, and on the front wheel arches there is a gill that contributes to greater aerodynamics.

At the rear, the exhaust outlets stand out, as does the tailgate (electric as standard), which sits in an elevated position, in addition to the protections painted in a contrasting colour. Two optional equipment lines can be added that completely change the design: on one hand the “Pure Extravagance” line adds a series of chrome trim and more striking 20-inch wheels, and on the other, the “M Sport kit” accentuates the sportiness.

Interior design: better quality, more space and more modern

The first generation of the X6 already showed the passage of time; inside it was a rather sober car that needed an update. Well, in this second generation of the BMW X6, the dashboard design adopts materials used in the BMW 6 Series, a more personal and functional design, and improved quality and details.Inside, new design and more quality

When I refer to more space, it’s true that the sloping rear line doesn’t help create much room in the rear seats, but now the central transmission tunnel has been eliminated, which gains more width in the central rear seat, and optionally rear passengers can be fitted with multimedia equipment.

The boot grows by 20 litres to 580 litres. The only drawback we can point out (which the previous generation also had) is its height, especially when loading bulky objects.

Improvements are also incorporated into the equipment already available on the brand’s latest models, such as an improved Head-Up Display, the Driving Assistant Plus system with traffic jam information on motorways, the BMW Park Assistant parking assistant, the Surround View panoramic camera system, the night vision system, or traffic speed limit information, among other features.

Engines and dynamics: An SUV that likes bends

Although it looks like an off-roader, the BMW X6 performs best on tarmac and that is undoubtedly where its best quality lies: its dynamism. And in this new generation, the Bavarian brand has improved this aspect even further.

Several different chassis setups, for sublime dynamic behaviourThe new BMW X6 2015 offers several different chassis setups: the standard one, Comfort, M Sport, Adaptive Dynamic (DPC) and Professional. In Comfort mode, the dynamic damping control function is included, combined with air suspension with automatic rear axle level regulation. Meanwhile, the M sport chassis adapts the suspension to deliver maximum firmness in Sport or Sport+ mode.

Then two more optional settings appear: on one hand, Dynamic, which includes Dynamic Performance Control and the Dynamic Drive system, which reduce body roll when cornering by distributing torque between the rear wheels. Finally, for those who want to enjoy the Comfort or Dynamic settings depending on the moment and the road, there is the Professional setting, which includes both.

The engine range consists of two petrol and three diesel units. The petrol versions are: the X6 35i with 306 CV and the X6 50i V8 with 450 CV (both with an eight-speed automatic gearbox). Meanwhile, the diesel range consists of: the X6 30d with 258 CV, the X6 40d with 313 CV and the X6 M50d with 381 CV (all with an eight-speed automatic gearbox).

In April the sportiest of them all will arrive, the BMW X6 M with a 575 CV twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

At the wheel: first contact with the BMW X6 M50d with 381 CV

During the press presentation of the BMW X6, we were able to test the new BMW X6 M50d. It is the most powerful diesel version and comes equipped, among other things, with the M chassis, which is noticeable at the wheel, especially in Sport mode. We tested the X6 M50d with 381 CV and 740 Nm of torque

Its six-cylinder diesel engine, capable of delivering 381 CV, stands out for its powerful torque of 740 Nm, which literally pins you to the seat. The sound also accompanies it and feels sporty, without us missing the sound of a petrol engine.

Inside, the improvement in quality and the new design are evident. It is more pleasant to use and has new equipment elements that were previously unusual in the X6 range. The greater space in the rear is also noticeable, although headroom remains limited due to the coupé-style rear design.

We were able to test it for 50 km on a road with plenty of bends, and the X6 showed behaviour closer to a saloon than an SUV. Our unit in particular allowed the suspension firmness to be changed according to the selected mode, stiffening up in Sport or Sport+ mode and being very agile and dynamic when cornering.

We also liked the suspension, which is firm but never harsh, and provides comfort inside the vehicle, which is, moreover, very well soundproofed. The icing on the cake is the eight-speed gearbox, which shifts quickly and very smoothly.

The difference between the different driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+) is noticeable: they affect the steering, the accelerator and the suspension. In particular, when accelerating in Sport mode, the immediacy of response and those 381 CV are clearly felt.

Prices of the BMW X6 2015 and standard equipment

• BMW X6 xDrive35i 306 CV 74,800 euros
• BMW X6 xDrive50i 450 CV 99,600 euros
• BMW X6 xDrive30d 258 CV 75,300 euros
• BMW X6 xDrive40d 313 CV 79,000 euros
• BMW X6 xDrive M50d 381 CV 106,000 euros

From 74,800 euros
Among the standard equipment we can highlight: sport automatic gearbox (paddle shifters and sport gear lever), Surround View reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, electric tailgate, exterior and interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth interface with USB connection and cruise control with braking function, 19-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights, among other features.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira and BMW Spain