BMW's ActiveHybrids Focus on Performance Rather Than Outright Fuel Economy

BMW has released the full scoop on its long anticipated pair of ActiveHybrids. As expected BMW has decided to not sacrifice performance in the name of fuel economy. The new ActiveHybrids will deliver equivalent if not better performance than their non-hybrid siblings, while delivering 15 to 20% better fuel economy. Both the X6 and 7 Series hybrids use the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 as the basis of the hybrid system. The X6 is a dual mode hybrid using technology developed with GM, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, used on vehicles such as the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. The X6 uses two electric motors which combined with the turbo V8 results in 480 total horsepower and a huge amount of torque, 575 lb-ft to be exact. The 7 series uses a simpler hybrid system that places a smaller 20 horsepower electric motor between the V8 and a new 8 speed automatic transmission.
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Bill - 8/13/2009 8:25:05 AM

+4 Boost

Really? Lexus seems to have taken the exact same route with their hybrids: performance over fuel economy.

M53R - 8/13/2009 9:02:40 AM

-2 Boost

Yet the lexus failed in both sides.

synx - 8/13/2009 9:13:23 AM

+1 Boost

-Mitchell

You are too narrow minded. Obviously the perfect car right now would be a hybrid with good performance figures. BMW is just sacrificing a little on the hybrid side to bring better performance. Wait and see, as hybrid technology advances, what BMW are now doing will become common. They are trying to make hybrid technology more mainstream.BMW are know for creating amazing but subtle hyper-cars, not silent tinpot hybrid cars who travel at 20 kph.

david999 - 8/13/2009 11:57:27 AM

+4 Boost

Good for BMW in following Lexus's lead with hybrids.

AgentOrange - 8/13/2009 9:34:13 AM

+3 Boost

BMW should continue to make performance and handling priority #1.
That's why I drive bimmers and will continue to do so, regardless of the source of power technology.

lock - 8/13/2009 5:59:49 PM

+1 Boost

I agree, but it doesn't seem necessary to create a hybrid to accomplish that.

JUGNU - 8/13/2009 10:23:05 AM

+2 Boost

M53R

"Yet the lexus failed in both sides", You know Lexus came first and the technology has improved in the last 3 years. Also seems like BMW just wanted to have better numbers than Lexus LS600h(440BHP), whether they make sense(improve fuel efficiency) or not. Also Lexus was the first with 8 Speed Transmission.

JUGNU

sstainba - 8/13/2009 11:39:11 AM

+2 Boost

What's your point? Mercedes/Benz/Dailmer INVENTED the engine. So I guess everyone else should just give up making their own variations, right ?

M53R - 8/13/2009 2:19:39 PM

-2 Boost

The problem is that Lexus put up numbers the car couldn't achieve.

ghosthunter - 8/13/2009 3:54:55 PM

+3 Boost

M53R, i have no idea you are the next EL34, speaking without facts.
Lexus does achieve the EPA number. that's how they get EPA number in the first place. now, can you achieve EPA number? hell ya. but will you? may be not. how to drive a car is just as important, if not more, than what you drive. I can tell you outright that i can achieve and exceed EPA rating in ANY CAR, and that include lexus.

M53R - 8/14/2009 5:27:49 AM

0 Boost

I really can't be bothered to copy and paste at least 3 articles from magazines proving my point. You search it up.

chewy - 8/14/2009 12:18:27 AM

+1 Boost

It won't be a leader if the BMW hybrids perform better.

synx - 8/14/2009 5:44:16 AM

+1 Boost

-huu76

Yeah, the Prius clearly sacrifices fuel economy for performance. What does it do, 0-60mph in more than 10 seconds? Whoah!!! Slow down...

XYZZ - 8/14/2009 6:55:11 AM

0 Boost

idiots.

what huu is saying is that toyota set the standard for implementing HYBRID TECHNOLOGY as the new frontier for powertrain advances. and it can be used for BOTH performance OR economy, or any mix of both.

toyota's hybrid celica race car RAN AWAY from all competitors. not only porsche, but even the FORMULA ONE honchos took notice and plan to incorporate hybrid tech soon.