Skip to main content

2015 BMW X6 gets new tech options, retains ‘coupe’ styling

With the unveiling of the redesigned 2014 BMW X5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, it was only a matter of time before the X5’s “Sports Activity Coupe” sibling got a similar makeover.

The 2015 BMW X6 gets many of the same features as the redesigned X5, as the German carmaker takes an evolutionary approach to this chimeric SUV.

At first glance, it’s hard to tell a 2015 X6 apart from its predecessor. it gets the same front fascia as the X5, which manages to be significantly different from the previous version, yet look exactly the same.

Other changes include the addition of the front-intake Air Curtains and front-fender Air Breathers already seen on other BMW models. They improve the X6’s aerodynamic efficiency while adding a little visual flair.

However, the standout feature is still that roof, which looks like it’s endured an impact with a falling piano.

Base X6 models are once again powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission option, but for 2015 BMW will add a rear-wheel drive sDrive35i model to the lineup, alongside the existing all-wheel drive xDrive35i.

Despite the unchanged power output, BMW says both six-cylinder X6 models will do 0 to 60 mph in six seconds flat, 0.3 second faster than before.

Buyers can also choose the X6 xDrive50i and its 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. Only available with all-wheel drive, the V8 is good for 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2014 model’s 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. BMW quotes a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than last year.

For 2015, drivers don’t have to rely solely on their right feet to control that performance. On the one hand, BMW’s Eco Pro driving mode encourages efficient driving, while a Dynamic Performance Control system finely controls the distribution of power, for better handling.

That’s not all. An available Active Driving Assistant bundles safety features like lane-departure warning and automated braking, and the active cruise control includes a “Stop & Go” feature for slowing moving traffic.

Throw in the Parking Assistant feature, and the X6 can become a real backseat driver.

Like other BMW models, the 2015 X6 will be available in trim “lines” (xLine and M Sport, in this case) that combine option packages with model-specific design features.

The 2015 BMW X6 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in late 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?
jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii  4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Read more
Tesla just scrapped the Cybertruck range extender
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

The writing was pretty much on the wall for the Cybertruck range extender last month when Tesla removed the option from its website. Now, it’s officially scrapped it and is refunding the $2,000 deposits that customers put down for the $16,000 battery pack. 

“We are no longer planning to sell the range extender for Cybertruck," Tesla said in a message to customers on Wednesday, adding, "As a result, we will be refunding your deposit in full.”

Read more
Zoox recalls robotaxis after Las Vegas crash, citing software fix
zoox recall crash 1739252352 robotaxi side profile in dark mode

Amazon's self-driving vehicle unit, Zoox, has issued a voluntary safety recall after one of its autonomous vehicles was involved in a minor collision in Las Vegas. The incident, which occurred in April 2025, led the company to investigate and identify a software issue affecting how the robotaxi anticipates another vehicle’s path.
The recall, affecting 270 Zoox-built vehicles, was formally filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Zoox said the issue has already been addressed through a software update that was remotely deployed to its fleet.
Zoox’s robotaxis, which operate without driving controls like a steering wheel or pedals, are part of Amazon’s entry into the autonomous driving space. According to Zoox’s safety recall report, the vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic while making an unprotected left turn, leading to a low-speed collision with a regular passenger car. While damage was minor, the event raised flags about the system’s behavior in complex urban scenarios.
Establishing safety and reliability remain key factors in the deployment of the relatively new autonomous ride-hailing technology. Alphabet-owned Waymo continues to lead the sector in both safety and operational scale, with services active in multiple cities including Phoenix and San Francisco. But GM’s Cruise and Ford/VW-backed Argo AI were forced to abandon operations over the past few years.
Tesla is also expected to enter the robotaxi race with the launch of its own service in June 2025, leveraging its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. While FSD has faced heavy regulatory scrutiny through last year, safety regulations are expected to loosen under the Trump administration.
Zoox, which Amazon acquired in 2020, says it issued the recall voluntarily as part of its commitment to safety. “It’s essential that we remain transparent about our processes and the collective decisions we make,” the company said in a statement.

Read more