In 2005, when BMW joined General Motors and DaimlerChrysler in a collaboration to develop hybrid technology, it seemed like a strange partnership. The two American companies were working on hybrids for heavyweights—a technology that could provide better fuel efficiency on three-ton full-size SUVs designed to carry seven or eight passengers, extra cargo, and tons of extra weight towed in back.
BMW’s Burkhard Göschel promised, “The technologies will be adapted to the individual vehicle models.” He said, “The participating brands will retain their distinctive characters.” The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, gives shape to the company’s distinctive interpretation of the full-hybrid technology.
The BMW X6 is a cross-over SUV that has crossed over into sports car territory. The company calls the vehicle a “sport activity coupe.” Its chief characteristics are a sleek profile, sloping roof line, low-slung stance, short front overhang, long rear overhang, long wheelbase, muscular wheel arches, large wheels, four-wheel drive, stability control, and lots of performance. The X6 will probably get the 350-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 engine currently supplied in the X5. There’s no SUV pretense that the X6 will be taken off-road.
The two-mode full hybrid—which appears in American form as the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and the discontinued hemi-powered Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango—has been BMW-ized in the X6 hybrid. The two-mode’s motors, batteries, gearsets and sophisticated software add up to a 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement over the conventional X6.
When we spoke with Tom Purves, chairman and CEO for BMW of North America, at the Detroit Auto Show, he said “A BMW customer may not be desperately worried about paying his gasoline bill. But he would like to have bragging rights that his new 7 series doesn't just go fast, it actually uses a bit less fuel." The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is another example of how the company is keeping its focus on luxury and performance, while integrating slow steady fuel efficiency improvements which, by the way, come with the package. It’s a BMW first, and a hybrid second.
Breathtaking sports car performance combined with the savings potential offered by the latest in hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is designed for everyday use, delivers outstanding performance in every driving situation and can be operated fully electrically. This is BMW ActiveHybrid, an additional pillar of BMW EfficientDynamics.
The key to increased efficiency at all speeds lies in the perfect interaction of combustion engine and Two-Mode Active Transmission with two powerful electric motors. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 can be driven electrically and silently up to a speed of 65 km/h. The boost function supplies additional power when overtaking when the electric motors lend short-term support to the BMW TwinPower Turbo V8. They also charge the high-performance battery during every braking manoeuvre.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 combines the sporting appearance of a Sports Activity Coupé with distinctive and aerodynamic finesse. Exclusive BMW ActiveHybrid characteristics include model logos on the front doors and boot as well as the 20-inch Aero wheels Streamline. When seen from the front and rear, the horizontal lines and prominent wheel arches emphasise the vehicle's power, breadth and presence. The side view shows the elegant coupé proportions while the roofline flows down to the rear end cutoff in a gentle curve. Two character lines underscore the dynamic wedge shape.
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