BMW BLOG

Not really a surprise anymore, the upcoming 2010 BMW X6 Hybrid continues its testing sessions on U.S. soil. This time, the X6 Hybrid was spotted near Santa Maria, California. The first Sports Activity Hybrid is moving fast through the FEP(Final Evaluation Stages) and it’s preparing for the official launch this fall.

A production-ready vehicle will be showcased at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, along with the 755ih…..yes, “h” for hybrid. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid uses a two-mode hybrid system which has discrete modes for high-torque, low speed driving as well as for high-speed cruises.

The hybrid design technology has been developed in a partnership with Daimler and General Motors, called the “Global Hybrid Cooperation”.

BMWs Active Hybrid drive technology provides an efficiency savings of 20% over the regular X6 models. BMW may enhance the efficiency of the X6 Hybrid with plug-in charging capability or could offer this as a dealer installed option at a later date. Plug-in charging would require doubling the size of the X6’s conventional hybrid battery pack, or designing an optional location for the addition of a second battery pack (called a Battery Range Extender Module or BREM).

BMW is using a nickel metal hydride battery for the initial applications and unlike the other car manufacturers, the BMW hybrid engine will not be using cylinder deactivation.

The overall exterior design is almost identical with the regular X6 models, one element that stands out is a bulge on the hood. Even though not confirmed, we expect the base price of an X6 Hybrid to be set between $70,000-$80,000.

Thanks for the photo Samuel!