The BMW X6 is very much a niche vehicle and to try and expand the options, BMW attempted at making an “ActiveHybrid” version that veatured a small electric powertrain, only to make the X6 slightly more efficient. With a hefty and commanding price of nearly $90,000 large, it didn’t exactly quite sell well. As a result, BMW reportedly announced that the X6 will be dropped from the US lineup in 2012.

Word about the loss of the X6 ActiveHybrid has been floating around for a little bit on the news desks. The original story had it that production for the X6 ActiveHybrid came to a complete end. After an official word from BMW of NA spokesman Dave Buchko, BMW has not completely ended production for the X6 ActiveHybrid but rather just dropped it in the US.

So far, Buchko also stated that there are no plans to try and improve on the X6’s ActiveHybrid system as BMW is focusing on the new 5-Series hybrid that will be sold next to the 7-Series ActiveHybrid in the US.

Click here for more news on the BMW X6.

Because the X6 ActiveHybrid had such a high price, most buyers opted for the balls-out X6 M because the ActiveHybrid only offered a 12% improvement on efficiency. This was also due to the fact that the X6 ActiveHybrid was the world’s most powerful hybrid vehicle. So despite being a bit of a sales flop, the X6 walks away from the US game with some fame.

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid managed an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 17/19 mpg.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: BimmerFile

If you want one of the most powerful hybrids in the world, get ready to cash out close to $90,000. BMW has announced the price tag of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will start at $89,725, including the $875 destination and delivery charge.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is powered by a reworked version of the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 from the xDrive50i that now produces 400-hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. BMW also took out the starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor. The dual-circuit cooling system has been modified for all-electric operation. The engine is then mated to electric-motors that have an output of 91-hp and 86-hp respectively, with a peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft.

Combined, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 produces a total of 480-hp with a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph comes in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The ActiveHybrid X6 is BMW’s first full-hybrid vehicle that can run exclusively on electric-power at speeds of up to 37 mph. The combustion engine is activated automatically when required. Overall, fuel-economy is improved by roughly 20 percent.

Sales of the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 will begin later this year.

Click here for more news on the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

Press Release:

BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6

At $89,725 the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 arrives just in time for the holidays.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009″¦ The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will arrive in US showrooms right on the heels of its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The one-of-a-kind Sports Active Coupe featuring two-model hybrid technology will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $89,725, including destination and handling.

In addition to BMW”s interpretation of two-mode hybrid technology, mated to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 the price includes a number of standard features which are optional on the X6 xDrive50i. These include a unique 7-speed automatic transmission, Extended Nappa leather (including the dashboard and center console), 20-inch Aero Wheels with mixed-sized performance tires, Rearview camera with Top View and Head-up display.

The full list of additional standard features is included below. In addition to the very extensive list of standard equipment, there are a handful of options to tailor the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 to individual tastes. These are also listed below.

BMW”s first-ever hybrid represents another important element of the company”s ongoing EfficientDynamics strategy.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 additional US standard over US X6 xDrive50i
* 7-speed automatic transmission
* Extended Nappa leather seats including dashboard and center console
* 20-inch Aero wheels with mixed-sized performance tires
* Rear view camera with Top View
* Head-up Display
* BMW Assist with Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Power tailgate
* Premium sound system
* 6-disc DVD Changer
* iPod and USB adapter
* Universal garage-door opener
* Comfort Access
* Soft-close doors
* 4-zone climate control
* Heated front seats
* Auto-dimmer rearview mirrors
* Digital compass mirror
* Anthracite headliner
* Ambiance lighting
* Privacy glass
* Running boards
* Storage package

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 optional equipment:
* Active ventilating seat package $1,100
* Cold Weather Package $900
* Rear side window shades $300
* Sport seats N/C
* Automatic high-beams $250
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $1,700
* Smartphone integration $150
* Enhanced premium sound system $700
* 19-inch wheels with all-season tires N/C

- Key Competitors: Lexus RX 450h, the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
- Engine: 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 mated to a hybrid system with two electric motors. Total output of 480-hp/575 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic.
- Performance:  0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
- Fuel-Economy: 20 percent better than the base X6 models; runs exclusively on electric-power when traveling at speeds of up to 37 mph.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 made its public debut in Frankfurt today. It will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2010.

Power for the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 comes from a retuned version of the xDrive50i”s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 making 400-hp and a maximum torque of 450 lb-ft. Combined with the hybrid system, which consists of two powerful electric-motors, the ActiveHybrid X6 makes a total of 480-hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. Even though it’s a hybrid, the ActiveHybrid X6 is pretty impressive when its come to performance, going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Fuel-economy is increased by 20 percent.

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Frankfurt: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

- By: Kap Shah

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

2010 will be a pretty busy year for Bayerische Motoren Werke.

On the way is the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT which should enter production this fall with sales to start in the earlier half of 2010. The production version is expected to be offered with a choice of a 272-hp naturally aspirated engine and an updated 326-hp 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder in the U.S.

Also hitting the markets early next year will be the 2010 BMW X1. The compact SUV was recently spotted at photo shoot for the production model. The BMW X1 will go into production later this year at company’s Leipzig plant in Germany.

Following those two models, BMW will introduce the much-anticipated 7-Series Hybrid and the X6 Hybrid crossover.

The BMW X6 Hybrid will feature a two-mode hybrid system that was developed from a partnership with Chrysler, Daimler and GM. It will be mated the xDrive50i’s 4.4L V8 and will offer 20 percent better gas mileage than its gasoline counterpart.

The BMW 7-Series Hybrid will be a mild hybrid system and will carry fuel-saving technologies like a start/stop system. It will have a transmission-mounted electric motor mated to the 750i’s 4.4L turbocharged V8.

We’ll keep you updated as all the models mentioned above make their market debuts.

BMW 5-Series Concept Gran Turismo:

BMW Concept X1:

BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: TCC

The BMW X6 Hybrid will be arriving later this year followed by the 7-Series Hybrid in early 2010. But before you get your hopes up to purchase a hybrid from the Munich and hold off on buying another competitor hybrid, let’s take a look at what you should expect.

According to KickingTires, who spoke with BMW’s VP of engineering Tom Baloga, the BMW X6 Hybrid will be a “full” hybrid. The two-mode hybrid technology will come from a partnership with Chrysler, Daimler and General Motors and will be mated to the X6 xDrive50i’s 4.4L turbocharged V8. It will offer a 20 percent better gas mileage which should work out to a combined fuel-economy of 18 mpg (as compared to the 15 mpg of the gas model).

The BMW 7-Series Hybrid will be a “mild” hybrid meaning it won’t run on electric power alone nor will it have fuel-saving technologies like a start/stop system. It will get a transmission-mounted electric motor that adds 20-hp to the 750i’s 4.4L turbocharged V8. A lithium-ion battery will sit in the trunk instead of a spare tire. Baloga did not say how much more efficient the 7-Series Hybrid will be when compared to its gasoline sibling, but previous reports say that fuel-emissions will be reduced by 15 percent.

What’s your take?

BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid Concept:

Source: KickingTires