BMW ActiveHybrid X6 Delivers 20% Fuel Economy Improvement

BMW's 480 horsepower X6 ActiveHybrid has been rated by the EPA and the results are in, 17 city and 19 highway for a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg. The X6 ActiveHybrid combines the xdrive50i's twin-turbo V8 with electric motors to improve fuel economy. The nonhybrid X6 xdrive50i has EPA ratings of 13 city and 18 highway, and 15 combined. This means that the hybrid powertrain increases city fuel economy by nearly 31% while only giving a 5% boost on the highway. Overall drivers should expect a 20% improvement in fuel economy compared to the regular V8. A better example of the fuel economy improvement is the fact that the ActiveHybrid X6 has a higher combined fuel economy rating than the six cylinder X6 xdrive30i. However, BMW's focus on performance is evident as the ActiveHybrid's improvement in fuel economy is smaller than that seen by General Motor's SUVs which feature similar hybrid technology. Both companies took part in the Global Hybrid Cooperation. Only time will tell if BMW's focus on extra performance will pay off.
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bmwdrvr - 10/18/2009 1:32:07 PM

+3 Boost

I still dont understand why the first hybrids that they did were vehicles that still drink alot of gas. Why not a 328i hybrid, or hybrid version of the 6cylinder turbo, those epa ratings are still pretty low and for the extra money Im sure it will cost over the regular V8 model what advantage is their to purchasing it from a cost stand point......

chewy - 10/19/2009 12:19:46 AM

+2 Boost

A hybrid version of the 6 cylinder would make more sense if it had power comparable to the V8 version with more additional mpgs. Mercedes Benz was another partner in the dual mode hybrid partnership, they are supposed to come out with an ML hybrid that has a V6 in addition to the dual mode system.

dumpsty - 10/19/2009 10:58:43 AM

+2 Boost

I think the initial intent of hybrids were to provide additional power to what the ICE already output. The combination wasn't geared toward saving fuel. Honda did that with its Accord V6 Hybrid.

Now that so many advancements have been made with power/torque output of V6 engines (outputs matching typical V8s), doing it in a more efficient way made sense.

dumpsty - 10/19/2009 11:43:06 AM

+2 Boost

...and I think BMW's focus on performance is commendable. The jointly developed the 2-mode hybrid transmission with the intent to gear it in a way that compliments the basic characteristics of the brand. The X6 ActiveHybrid is the flagship model/trim that explicitly displays that particular focus.

The release of the ActiveHybrid shows how versatile the hybrid transmission system can be. I can't wait to see it applied to large sedans & wagons.

rxh8me9000 - 10/18/2009 4:28:55 PM

+1 Boost

Ya that's exactly how I feel. I can understand if they turned a X6 into a high twenty or lower thirty mpg hybrid. Why spend the money and make the customer pay more for an increase in gas mileage that really doesnt make sense. I totally agree with making a 328 hybrid. Car companies just want to throw hybrid on the back of anything,even if it only gives a 2mpg increase. Its becoming a fashion statement.

nvme - 10/19/2009 12:51:29 PM

0 Boost

Sadly it's mostly about making money
they can spread out the cost of developing their system much sooner by selling it with the high-end version rather than the smaller or more efficient engines.