The all-new 2015 BMW X6 has been caught testing by Auto Express, and while the original remains an acquired taste, stronger than expected sales (?) have ensured that a replacement version will be built in the US from late 2014. One might wonder how strong expectations were, with only 3,796 out the door through September 2013, according to industry watchdog Automotive News. That's down from 4,226 last year...
As before, the new X6 uses the same underpinnings as the latest X5. However, the X5 uses a slightly tweaked version of the old car's platform anyway, so the new X6 is likely to have similar dimensions to the current X6, which measures 192 inches long, 78 inches wide and 66 inches tall.
That said, the car’s proportions are less dramatic than the first-generation car, including a longer front overhang and more upright kidney grille, although BMW has retained a bit of bling by adding the option of LED headlights you can see on this M Sport-spec test car.
You can also see that the X6 shares some of its design cues with the forthcoming X4, including big creases that run up and over the rear wheelarches, trapezoidal exhaust pipe outlets and a more aggressive front bumper design than the X5.
However, although the new model still prioritises interesting looks over practicality, the test mule reveals a more rounded roofline to boost rear headroom, while a more squared-off tail should boost trunk space from today’s 20 cubic feet.
The new X6 will share engines with the latest X5, although it’s likely to be offered with just the larger xDrive30d, xDrive40d and M50d six-cylinder diesel engines mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system.
BMW will also offer the xDrive50i 4.4-litre petrol V8, which will top the range until the all-new X6 M arrives.
A plug-in hybrid version may be offered as a more eco-minded tech showcase, but all cars are expected to lose weight when compared to their predecessor model. They'll also feature BMW’s EfficientDynamics tech, including Air Curtains to guide air around the front wheels more smoothly, and Air Breathers, which extract turbulent air from the front wheelarches and despatch it down the car’s sides through a vent in the front wing.
The original X6 arrived a couple of years after the second generation X5 was introduced. BMW is likely to follow that strategy again, with the new X6 set to be revealed later next year, with a debut at the 2015 Detroit Motor Showpossible.
It’ll be built at BMW’s Spartanburg factory in South Carolina alongside the X3, X4 and X5.––Paul Duchene
