By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
With the introduction of the all-new 2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i, the company celebrates the second generation of the world’s first-ever Sports Activity Coupe. When the company took the bold step of combining the performance of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle with the emotional design character of a traditional coupe, BMW created a vehicle concept that the market had not yet even conceived of.
Exterior
The design of the new BMW X6 xDrive35i body combines the robust presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle with the hallmark sporting elegance of the brand’s Coupes to create an unmistakably athletic appearance. The long hood, long wheelbase, short front overhang and set-back passenger compartment are characteristic design features of a BMW.
Dynamic proportions and flowing lines reflect its sporty, agile handling on the road. At the front of the vehicle, the X-shaped contour lines of the bumper, the matt-silver underbody protection, the particularly powerful design of the BMW kidney grille and the arrangement of the twin circular headlights along front LED fog lights are the most prominent signature features of a BMW SAV.
At the rear, horizontal lines emphasize the width and solid stance, while the surface design in the area of the high-opening tailgate, a powerfully formed bumper and flat rear apron signal robust athleticism. The three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L shaped rear lights, meanwhile, create a striking night-time look. As with the front, a matt silver-colored underbody protection element completes the lower edge of the body.
Interior
Boasting generous levels of spaciousness, the high seating position typical of a BMW SAV and high-quality, beautifully finished materials, the interior creates the perfect environment for a driving experience cloaked in an air of luxury. The three-dimensional design and horizontal structure of the layered surfaces underline the broad sweep of the instrument panel, which along with the upper-arm trim panels features a high-quality Softskin surface with black decorative stitching. The interior trim elements in Poplar Wood now sit atop a high-gloss black surface, which is bordered on its lower edge by an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome. Interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminum, Fineline Oak Wood, Fineline Striped Wood and Fineline Pure Wood can also be specified as a no-cost option.
The instrument cluster and the displays for the climate control and ventilation all feature black-panel technology. The content, presentation and color of the screens in the standard Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster vary according to the mode selected by means of the Driving Dynamics Control switch. The freestanding, 10.2-inch flatscreen Control Display comes as part of the standard-fitted iDrive operating system.
Customers can choose from six colors for the standard Dakota leather trim, including the new variants Cognac and Coral Red. Seat heating for the driver and front passenger is standard, while heated rear seats are available in the Cold Weather Package. Driving pleasure and long-distance comfort can also be enhanced with features including the standard BMW Navigation System with touchpad Controller, the Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system and the new Rear Entertainment System.
The tailgate can now be both opened and closed via remote control and from the driver’s seat at the touch of a button. Maximum convenience for loading and unloading is provided by the hands-free trunk opening and closing function, which comes as part of the Comfort Access feature. Sensors detect foot movements underneath the rear apron and send out signals which prompt the electric tailgate into action.
The tailgate comes with a standard Soft Close Automatic function, which is also available for the doors as an option. The new BMW X6 xDrive35i also comes standard with a power glass sunroof whose surface has the same width but is almost five inches longer than on the previous model.
Engine
The new X6 xDrive35i will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine (internally known as N55). It develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. The N55 engine was the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. The X6 sDrive35i will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in six seconds flat. That is 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous generation X6 xDrive35i.
All models in the new BMW X6 lineup feature a standard eight-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, whose high internal efficiency, precision and short shift times help to improve both efficiency and responsiveness. The transmission offers a launch control function, a high-precision traction control system which allows engine power to be translated as efficiently as possible into road speed when accelerating from a standstill.
Connectivity
BMW Assist in the new X6 xDrive35i includes Remote Services such as vehicle unlocking and stolen vehicle recovery. Also available is the optional Concierge Service, a telephone information service which BMW ConnectedDrive customers can use, say, to make hotel or restaurant reservations, look for addresses and telephone numbers or check opening times.
BMW ConnectedDrive Office functions supported either by the customer’s Smartphone or by the built-in SIM card, allow the Sports Activity Coupe to be used as a mobile office. Emails, appointments, contact lists, calendar entries and notes can be shown on the Control Display. A dictating function converts spoken notes into text, which can be stored and forwarded as an SMS or email message.
Summary
With the introduction of the all-new BMW X6 xDrive35i Sport Activity Coupe. This ultimate driving machine will continue the decades-long tradition to offer impeccable driving dynamics and an impressive list of performance enhancing features. The 2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $61,900.00, the one I drove included the M Sport, Cold Weather, Driver Assistance and Premium Packages, and it came in at $73,700 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 27 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
