2015 BMW X6: Nicher Than Ever

The 2015 BMW X6 is a bit of a puzzler.

The rear bench and cargo are far too small for more than occasional use.

In a straight line the xDrive50i pins you back, but dynamically there's no real way to disguise its bulk once the road turns twisty.

The 2015 BMW X6 has been refreshed without losing much of the unique personality that has confounded reason and lined the brand's coffers with the gold of SUV shoppers.

BMW X6 owners won't likely be engaging in too many off-road shenanigans.

And then there's the styling: if you like it, you love it, but if you don’t, well, it's not something you'll warm to with time.

Ground clearance and all-wheel drive are there should you choose to get adventurous behind the wheel of the X6.

Dakota leather makes an appearance on most of the interior panels and also on the X6's seats, and it's as soft as you'd want it to be in a flagship SUV.

The X6 exploits its niche and faces few competitors amongst not-quite-practical luxury SUVs.

Technology is a watchword with the X6.

Mechanically, there aren't many differences between the latest BMW X6 and the one that came before it.

Although BMW claims a better than 20 percent improvement in fuel efficiency for the SUV, power numbers remain flat from the entry-level 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder.

For the range-topping xDrive50i and its carryover 4.4-litre V8, however, BMW has turned up to boost to produce an additional 45 ponies compared to the 2014 edition.

Coupe fever has taken over at BMW, especially of the four-door variety.

All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission remain standard with each engine.

The dashboard layout is more interesting to the eye than what you would find in lesser BMW offerings.

It's big, it's brash, and it's back for 2015 with revised styling, a nicer interior, and more of the same attitude that has garnered it a cult following amongst wealthy buyers.

It's only natural that BMW would want to be careful when updating the X6 for 2015, given that it's the sloped-roof original that set the tone for the German brand.

All-wheel drive combines with a chorus of electronic suspension systems and safety nannies to keep the BMW pointed straight and true through the corners.