2011 BMW X6 Preview

2011 BMW X6
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.

2011 BMW X6
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.

2011 BMW X6

Beyond the new engine for the base model, both the 2011 X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i models will receive a new, ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an energy regeneration system that uses a special alternator that charges only when the engine isn’t under load. The changes are being touted as improving efficiency—a hilarious statement given the X6’s inefficient packaging and thirst for fuel. In any event, expect the X6’s engines and transmissions to be available in the refreshed 2011 X5, which begins production in April.