(June 9, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — With the introduction of the all-2015 BMW X6, the company celebrates the second generation of the world’s first-ever Sports Activity Coupe, which was introduced as a unique take on BMW design in 2009.

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. With global sales of 250,000 X6s to date, it is clearly a concept that the marketplace has embraced.

In additional to an updated and even more extroverted design, the new X6 introduces the first rear-wheel drive model in the line-up with the X6 sDrive35i, powered by BMW’s award-winning 300 horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline six. It joins models with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system — the BMW X6 xDrive35i and the X6 xDrive50i featuring BMW’s updated 445 horsepower TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8.

All models are equipped with BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission. The new 2015 BMW X6 will again be produced exclusively at the company’s production facility in Spartanburg, S.C., and will arrive in US showrooms late this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The design of the new BMW X6 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. Its high window sill and large wheel arches highlight the Sports Activity Coupe’s ties to the BMW SAV family.

BMW says dynamic proportions and flowing lines reflect its sporty, agile handling on the road. The muscular and robust aspects of the vehicle’s design point to its versatility and appetite for action off the beaten track. 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 foglights are the most prominent signature features of a BMW SAV.

The large headlight units reach all the way to the BMW kidney grille and extend outwards well into the fenders. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the sophisticated character of the standard Xenon headlights. Optional Adaptive LED Headlights can be specified for the new BMW X6.

Among the other ingredients in the extroverted, athletic looks of the new BMW X6 are the clearly visible details designed to optimize the car’s aerodynamics. They include the air deflectors on the front wheel arches, the Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes of the front apron and the Air Breathers in the fenders, which team up to reduce turbulence in the front wheel arches.

The new X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i will be powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine developing a maximum output of 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. The engine was the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology.

The X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in six seconds flat. That is 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous generation X6 xDrive35i. Thanks to a lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures it is also expected to be more efficient (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch).

The optional 4.4-liter V-8 engine that powers the outgoing X6 xDrive50i receives an upgrade from its successor. The unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver.

This new version of the engine adds BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result, the new version of the engine develops a maximum 445 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lb-ft increase).

The V8 takes the X6 from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Thanks to the addition of Valvetronic, lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures, the new X6 xDrive50i will also see significant efficiency gains (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch).

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.