2009 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Images, Specifications and Information

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the world's first Sports Activity Coupé with full hybrid drive offering a driving experience quite unique both in the segment of BMW X models and in the hybrid segment as a whole. Through its combination of a V8 gasoline engine and electric drive, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 offers a significant increase in dynamic performance together with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 20 per cent. This joint enhancement of driving pleasure and efficiency clearly proves that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a typical BMW in the hybrid segment.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers the driver three significant options: to drive under electric power alone, to use the power of the combustion engine, or to benefit form the combination of both drive modes. Driving completely free of CO2 in the electric mode is possible up to a speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph. The combustion engine then cuts in as required (as a function of load conditions) and is automatically switched off when driving in overrun at a speed of less than 65 km/h or 40 mph.

The drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 300 kW/407 hp V8 power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and two electric motors developing 67 kW/91 hp and, respectively, 63 kW/86 hp. Maximum system output is 357 kW/485 hp, peak torque is 780 Newton-metres/575 lb-ft. This makes the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the world.

Through its unique balance of performance and fuel economy the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 sets new standards both in the hybrid vehicle segment and in the overall market of BMW X models. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h comes in 5.6 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU5 test cycle is 9.9 litres/100 km (equivalent to 28.5 mpg imp), the CO2 emission rating is 231 grams/kilometre.

Integration of the two electric motors in the two-mode active transmission of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 allows two self-sufficient modes of operation. One mode is for setting off in particularly dynamic style and for driving at low speeds, the second is for driving at a higher speeds under optimum conditions. This ensures all the benefits of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, with maximum efficiency under all loads and at all speeds. At the same time the seven-speed automatic transmission provided by the electric motors together with three planetary gearsets and four multiple-plate clutches ensures all the supreme driving behaviour, smoothness and performance so typical of BMW.

When applying the brakes or taking back the gas pedal kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in the high-performance battery. To provide this benefit either one or both electric motors act as a generator, depending on driving conditions. The recuperation efficiency and output achieved by the system is 25 times greater than with Brake Energy Regeneration featured so far in BMW's production models.

Electrical energy is stored in an NiMH high-performance battery with a capacity of 2.4 kWh. The temperature of the high-voltage battery is controlled as required and with maximum efficiency by liquid cooling interacting with the air conditioning and an external heat exchanger.

The central electronic control unit ensures appropriate interaction of the combustion engine and electric drive crucial to the outstanding efficiency and unique qualities of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. It converts high-voltage direct current from the high-performance battery into three-phase alternating current for the two electric motors in the hybrid transmission. It also coordinates all functions of the hybrid system including the distribution of torque and power between the combustion engine and the electric motors as well as the selection of gears.

Over and above the electric motors, the high-performance battery also supplies electrical energy to the power-consuming items linked to the 12-volt on-board network. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with electromechanical power steering and an electrical climate compressor both remaining fully functional also when the combustion engine is switched off and enhancing the overall efficiency of the vehicle to an even higher standard through their on-demand consumption and uptake of energy.

While braking the generator builds up stopping forces in the electric motors acting efficiently on all four wheels and precisely coordinated with the hydraulic brake effect in accordance with the driver's stopping and deceleration requirements. This provides not only optimum stopping power, but also the brake feeling so typical of BMW under all driving conditions including the all-electric mode. A further point is that like the BMW X6, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 comes with Dynamic Stability control incorporating an enhanced range of functions such as Dry Braking and Fading Compensation as well as an electromechanical and hydraulic parking brake complete with an Auto-Hold function.

In its driving behaviour and motoring comfort, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 offers all the standards provided by BMW's latest X models, without the slightest difference between the electrical and the combustion drive mode. Intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with permanent, variable power distribution front-to-rear enhances the unique driving dynamics of the vehicle to an even higher standard.

The current operating mode and function of the drive system is clearly presented by appropriate displays in the instrument cluster and in the Control Display itself. The charge level of the high-performance battery at the disposal of the driver and the current operating mode are shown by appropriate gauges beneath the rev counter. Being informed of the power uptake when driving in the electric mode, the driver may if he wish maintain that mode longer in the interest of extra efficiency. And if he wishes the driver may also call up information on the current flow of energy in the Control Display.

The particularly prominent Powerdome on the engine lid gives the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 a very distinctive look versus the "regular" BMW X6 as a significant visual highlight. "ActiveHybrid" model designations on the tailgate trim bar and on the front doors, the designation "BMW ActiveHybrid" on the door entry covers on either side, 19-inch light-alloy wheels (or, as an option, 20-inch light-alloy wheels in aerodynamically optimised Streamline design), as well as exterior paintwork in exclusive Bluewater metallic for the first time on a BMW X6 serve furthermore to highlight the particular character of this unique car.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 combines innovative drive technology with the unique concept of a Sports Activity Coupé. The very progressive and exclusive character of this outstanding vehicle is further underlined by a particularly wide range of standard features as well as attractive options. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 comes as standard with features such as comfort seats, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, the BMW Professional navigation system and Park Distance Control. A further important feature is the electrical opening and closing function on the tailgate. Options include an extended range of nappa leather upholstery in an exclusive Ivory White/Black colour combination complete with double blue seams, a glass sliding/vent roof, a trailer towbar, as well as the complete range of BMW ConnectedDrive including innovative driver assistance systems.

The safety features offered by the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 include frontal and side airbags, head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres as well as a Tyre Defect Indicator enabling the driver to monitor the pressure individually in each tyre. BMW Adaptive Headlights complete with a Bending Light function supplement the bi-xenon headlights with their daytime driving lights featured as standard.
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