After months of teaser and spy photos, we finally had the opportunity to see live the new BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. Along with the 7 Series Hybrid, the X6 Active Hybrid plays an important role in BMW’s EfficientDynamics program, the main theme displayed by BMW at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
The visual differences between the regular X6 models and the ActiveHybrid one are very minimal and only a trained eye could really distinguish between them. The innovation and differences come from the hybrid technology developed by BMW.
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 X6 runs from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds and still increases efficiency by 20%. The X6 Hybrid uses a 7-Speed automatic transmission. Top speed of X6 Hybrid is electronically limited to 130 mph.
All the ActiveHybrid concepts displayed previously at other auto shows featured the same silver color seen on the final production models in Frankfurt, but in a conversation with a BMW person involved in the X6 ActiveHybrid project, we learned that other exterior colors will be available at a later date.
Even though not confirmed, we expect the base price of an X6 Hybrid to be set between $70,000-$80,000.
