BMW BLOG

AutoWeek reports that BMW is aiming to sell 1,000 of its new 7 and X6 hybrids in their first year in the United States.

Both hybrid were revealed last month and are heading for Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features a two-mode hybrid system which allows the X6 to run either on its electric motors alone at low speeds, internal combustion or a combination of both. Compared to the 7 Hybrid, the X6 makes use of not one, but two electric motors which deliver 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively, with peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft. Top speed in the electric mode is 37 mph, maximum range is 1.6 miles. The maximum output is 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, enough to be crowned as the most powerful hybrid vehicle ever offered for sale.

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The X6 hybrid comes to the U.S. market in December, followed by the 7-series in April 2010.

BMW’s plans are certainly ambitious, but the base price of these two hybrids will play a large role in the final sales numbers.

On another note, Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW North America, confirmed the rumors we have heard recently: more diesel could be added to U.S. lineup, including the new 5 Series and X models.

[Source: AutoWeek ]