2011 X6 Preview

[LeMansX5]

BMW's 2011 model updates are well underway, with the X1, Z4, 1-Series, 3-Series, and 5-Series already revealed in one form or another. Now it's time for the 2011 BMW X6 (2010 model pictured), which gets the new N55 twin-scroll single-turbo and an eight speed transmission among other updates.

The new eight-speed automatic is found throughout the range, replacing the six-speed unit previously found in the vehicle, though the monstrous 555-horsepower X6 M isn't part of the update. Europeans will still get the xDrive30d, a smaller diesel than what we'll see here in the U.S., though the xDrive40d looks to up the output a bit over the current X5 xDrive35d. Both the 30d and 40d use the same 2,993 cc displacement, but the 30d adds a single turbo, while the 40d runs two turbos and more boost pressure for a 306-horsepower and 442-pound-foot rating. No word on U.S. availability of the X6 xDrive40d has been released yet.

Gasoline-powered 2011 X6s include the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The 35i gets the updated N55 single-turbo, twin-scroll engine, while the 50i uses the same 4.4-liter direction-injection turbo V-8 found in the current vehicle. The addition of the eight-speed auto ought to help improve fuel efficiency for both. Acceleration in either model is brisk, with claimed 0-62 mph times of 6.7 seconds for the xDrive35i and 5.4 seconds for the xDrive50i.

EPA ratings for the updated lineup aren't out yet, but EU combined ratings for the xDrive35i are 23.3 US mpg, and the xDrive50i rates 18.8 mpg. Those numbers don't compare directly with EPA figures due to different testing methodology, but they do give a feel for the vehicle's basic yield. The diesel models rate even better in EU testing, at 31.8 mpg combined for the 30d, and 31.3 mpg combined for the 40d.

Other features and options largely carry over from the 2010 BMW X6, and U.S. market-specific options are likely to vary, so we'll have to hold for word of final details. The 2011 BMW X6 will be available in Europe from April, with U.S. dealers expected to take inventory soon after.

[LeMansX5]

Press Release here

X6 Sports Activity Coupe
The BMW X6 enters MY2011 with both increased efficiency and performance facilitated by the addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission and Brake Energy Regeneration. The result is that X6 xDrive35i accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds (reduced by 0.2 seconds) while the X6 xDrive50i gets to 60mph in 5.2 seconds (reduced by 0.1 seconds).

Option changes include the addition of Lane Departure Warning and Active Cruise Control as stand-alone options for $950 and $2,400 respectively. Side View Cameras were added to Technology Package of the X6 xDrive35i making the new package price $2,500 and increasing functionality. The new Camera package for the X6 xDrive50i now offers both Side View and Top View for a retail price of $1,200. Finally, the Cold Weather Package is now $900 (reduced by $350) due to the deletion of the ski bag and heated rear seats.

The MY2011 X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i MSRP remain unchanged at $57,375 and $68,075, respectively, including $875 Destination & Handling.

[Rac10000]

Thanks again for the info! It all sounds great! Do you think the new white angel eyes are going to make it for the MY 2011 as well?

I am trying to figure out what could possibly be changed (or added) when the MY 2012 X6 LCI is released next year. It seems like half of the LCI is lready happening this year. For the MY 2012 am assuming they are going to do the standard LCI things ... slightly modified font/rear bumpers, headlights/taillights, wheel/color options and possibly some small interior revisions. But other than cosmetics I really can't see them changing much mechanically. Any ideas or predictions?

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Rac10000

Thanks again for the info! It all sounds great! Do you think the new white angel eyes are going to make it for the MY 2011 as well?

I am trying to figure out what could possibly be changed (or added) when the MY 2012 X6 LCI is released next year. It seems like half of the LCI is already happening this year. For the MY 2012 am assuming they are going to do the standard LCI things ... slightly modified font/rear bumpers, headlights/taillights, wheel/color options and possibly some small interior revisions. But other than cosmetics I really can't see them changing much mechanically. Any ideas or predictions?

I am not sure about white angel eyes and I doubt they will do this year.
2012 is getting the tri-turbo diesel and some other gas engine enhancements.
BMW will make sure there is enough stuff to attract people to LCI.

[Rac10000]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I am not sure about white angel eyes and I doubt they will do this year.
2012 is getting the tri-turbo diesel and some other gas engine enhancements.
BMW will make sure there is enough stuff to attract people to LCI.

I guess we'll find out soon enough. The white angel eyes would be nice but they are not too big of a deal. I saw the servotronic steering listed on the MY 2011 spec sheet that you posted appeared bolded ... Is that new/updated as well?

I am excited to see any interior changes that the X5 LCI gets (assuming the X6 would get similar ones) ... I would like to see the new shift paddles (left-shift down, right-shift up) this year, but I guess you can't have everything ...

I doubt there are going to be any substantial changes to the N55 (maybe a few more hp if anything). It would be great if we got a diesel in the states though ...

If all goes well I think I am going to pull the trigger this summer.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by Rac10000

I guess we'll find out soon enough. The white angel eyes would be nice but they are not too big of a deal. I saw the servotronic steering listed on the MY 2011 spec sheet that you posted appeared bolded ... Is that new/updated as well?

I am excited to see any interior changes that the X5 LCI gets (assuming the X6 would get similar ones) ... I would like to see the new shift paddles (left-shift down, right-shift up) this year, but I guess you can't have everything ...

I doubt there are going to be any substantial changes to the N55 (maybe a few more hp if anything). It would be great if we got a diesel in the states though ...

If all goes well I think I am going to pull the trigger this summer.

You can find more information on servotronic and N55 in my posts in "Other BMWs" forum.