BMW is preparing to bring its first hybrid, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, to the market early next year. The spy shots you see here were taken this morning by BMW’s Spartenburg, SC manufacturing facility. The test-driver of the prototype said that the BMW X6 Hybrid has started rolling off the production line and will be introduced officially at the end of this year.

BMW’s VP of engineering Tom Baloga, said that the BMW X6 Hybrid will be a “full” hybrid. Power will come from a the X6 xDrive50i’s 4.4L turbocharged V8 mated to the two-mode hybrid technology that was developed from a partnership with Chrysler, Daimler and General Motor.

It will offer a 20 percent better gas mileage, which should work out to a combined fuel-economy of 18 mpg, compared to 15 mpg of the gasoline model.

Spy Shots: BMW X6 Hybrid Prototype:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Hybrid Cars