BMW X6 Hybrid
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FUEL ECONOMY:
n/a MPG n/a L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
SUV
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TECHNOLOGY:
Hybrid
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BASE MSRP:
n/a
In 2005, when BMW joined General Motors and DaimlerChrysler in a collaboration to develop hybrid technology, it seemed like a strange partnership. The two American companies were working on hybrids for heavyweights—a technology that could provide better fuel efficiency on three-ton full-size SUVs designed to carry seven or eight passengers, extra cargo, and tons of extra weight towed in back.
BMW’s Burkhard Göschel promised, “The technologies will be adapted to the individual vehicle models.” He said, “The participating brands will retain their distinctive characters.” The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, gives shape to the company’s distinctive interpretation of the full-hybrid technology. It could be BMW’s first hybrid to hit the U.S. market, maybe sometime in 2009 or 2010. The conventional X6 is expected in 2009.
The BMW X6 is a cross-over SUV that has crossed over into sports car territory. The company calls the vehicle a “sport activity coupe.” Its chief characteristics are a sleek profile, sloping roof line, low-slung stance, short front overhang, long rear overhang, long wheelbase, muscular wheel arches, large wheels, four-wheel drive, stability control, and lots of performance. The X6 will probably get the 350-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 engine currently supplied in the X5. There’s no SUV pretense that the X6 will be taken off-road.
The two-mode full hybrid—which appear in American form as the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and the hemi-powered Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango—has been BMW-ized in the X6 hybrid. The two-mode’s motors, batteries, gearsets and sophisticated software should add up to a 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement over the conventional X6. Exact numbers are a few years away.
When we spoke with Tom Purves, chairman and CEO for BMW of North America, at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, he said “A BMW customer may not be desperately worried about paying his gasoline bill. But he would like to have bragging rights that his new 7 series doesn't just go fast, it actually uses a bit less fuel." The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is another example of how the company is keeping its focus on luxury and performance, while integrating slow steady fuel efficiency improvements which, by the way, come with the package. It’s a BMW first, and a hybrid second.
Yes, it's great that Toyota has pushed other car companies to increase their gas mileage without having to sacrifice performance and luxury. I find its Two-Mode hybrid system to be more complicated than the Hybrid Synergy Drive but I'll be interested to see how it works, as in the details. I do know there's the input-split mode for city driving and the compound-split mode for highway and heavy-load driving.
Anyway, if Al Gore can have that 20-room mansion with solar panels, energy efficient windows, fluorescent lights, and others, then somebody can drive that BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.
First off, I give props to BMW for pursuing the hybrid technology. A company of their caliber ought to be on the forefront anyway, IMHO. However, the preformentioned product seemily resembles the Lexus flagship hybrid, in the sense that those that can afford to pay six figures for a car, can do so, and coincidentally participate in the effort to reduce oil consumption. But here's where Toyota get its props more often and ahead of anyone else. They FIRST design a car that works and can be afforded by a greater percentage of the general public (PRIUS). If they choose to develop a luxury flagship afterwards, great! How much of a breakthrough does it become when you start with an expensive car, and make it more expensive with hybrid tech. Start from scratch Mr. Bavarian....... then you'll really impress us.
You guys are silly. First off when you think of BMW, do you think "for the masses"? No! Hello!?! It's BMW! So yes, it's going to be expensive.
Second, Toyota is not the greenest automaker. I believe that would be Honda. Toyota is just the media darling of greenness. BMW is probably like the other European automakers and has been making efficient diesel cars for years, but some duffus in the US/media decided that diesel's are bad, and hybrids are good. So to enhance their appearance of greenness, they need a hybrid, and then the media will give them kudos. Blame the media, and stop giving Toyota more credit than they're due. Thankfully, BMW will also be bringing a new clean diesel to the US.
You'd think that the BMW - Chrysler - GM partnership strange. But remember this ...
BMW autos use GM transmissions in
most of their vehicles!
Good that BMW is catching up. Actually 4 companies GM, Benz, BMW & Chrysler have pooled their resources for this 2-Mode Hybrid, hope it should be good.
But none of their vehicle can match the sales of Prius, since the vehicles they sell are either bigger or expensive.
BTW, Toyota is becoming less greener day by day as they are pushing Tundras with heavy discounts.
NICE RIDE
americans are attached to the personality a car communicates. both the prius and the insight look like crap. why are manufacturers taking so long to produce something that looks good enough to drive AND saves the environment??!! truth is they are capable... they are just dragging their feet because going green is inconvenient. sorry to get ugly about it, but spade=spade.
If a large hybrid was easy to make then everyone would have one.
Small hybrids have huge advantages since they are better aerodynamically (small cross-section). Also the power required to move them is less so efficient electrical components are easier/cheaper to come by.
Those dorky looking hybrids are the way they are to improve aerodynamics and mileage.
There will never be a 100 mpg carburetor, but a 100 mpg car will be affordable in a decade.
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