BMW’s X6 Sports Activity Coupe is hardly the biggest seller for the company, moving out the showroom doors at something like half the rate of the regular 6 Series and about one-tenth the rate of the X5. But even lower-volume niche models need to stay ahead of the times, and so BMW has updated the X6 for the 2015 model year with an eye to upping its sports appeal while improving efficiency.

The second-generation 2015 X6 gets what BMW calls "an even more potent design presence," with a distinctly coupe-like wedge profile. Reading between the lines it would seem that BMW has put greater emphasis on that coupe-like profile for 2015, at the cost of some 165 litres of cargo space (cargo space drops from 1,691 litres to 1,526 litres).

To aid in aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the new X6 has air deflectors on the front wheel arches, combined with air curtains integrated into the outer air intakes of the front apron and air breathers in the side panels, which all work together to reduce turbulence and aerodynamic drag in the front wheel arches. Further aiding efficiency is the use of aluminum, high-strength steel and other lightweight materials to shed approximately 40 kg of weight compared to similarly equipped first-generation X6 models.

Continuing the pragmatic theme, the new X6 will effectively share many components with the new X5 including its hood, headlights, grille, and much of the interior, allowing BMW to realize economies of scale thanks to the X5’s higher-volume production.

Under the hood, the next-generation North American X6 will be available with a choice of BMW’s 445-horsepower 4.4-litre V8 driving all four wheels (the X6 xDrive50i) or the company’s 300-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine driving either the rear wheels (X6 sDrive35i) or all four wheels (X6 xDrive35i). In all cases, the X6 gets an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A pair of diesels will also be offered with the 2015 X6, though there was no word at press time whether these might be available in North America.

Of course, the new X6 will be available with a wide selection of technological features including dynamic adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights, BMW’s Comfort Access (including hands-free tailgate opening and closing), Bang & Olufsen high-end surround-sound, a rear entertainment system, head-up display, Driving Assistant Plus with Traffic Jam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Surround View, and BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot and Speed Limit Info.

The new 2015 BMW X6 will go on sale in December 2014.

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