Let's be clear from the start: yes, the ActiveHybrid X6 offers an approximate 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, but it also uses its sophisticated hybrid technology to the benefit of performance, which is why BMW now lays claim to producing the most powerful hybrid in the world.
To the xDrive50i's twin-turbocharged and direct injected 402bhp V8, the ActiveHybrid adds two electric motors, which raises total power output to a maximum of 479bhp, with peak torque an equally impressive 575lb.ft. You can put that into perspective by comparing those numbers to the
X6 M's 547bhp and 'just' 501lb.ft of torque.
Hence it's no surprise to read that the ActiveHybrid will see off the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.6 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 146mph - though bizarrely you can pay BMW for an optional Sports Package, which eases back the limiter to 155mph.
Those performance stats are on a par with the conventional V8-engined X6, but combined fuel economy of 28.5mpg and CO
2 emissions of 231g/km are significantly better than both the xDrive50i's and the xDrive35i's, if not quite as impressive as the diesel versions' figures.
BMW has crammed the X6 with new technology to enable this, which explains its 300kg or so penalty over any other model in the range (bar the X6 M). It should all add up to a car that can be driven in a conventional manner, though there is an electric-only mode available for speeds up to 37mph for short distances. Further fuel savings are found in the brake energy regeneration system and the start/stop function that now operates with much less restriction than before.
ActiveHybrids will have few differentiators to other X6s. Other than the option of Bluewater paint, a new aerodynamic 20-inch alloy wheel design and a smattering of badges, there's a mild bonnet bulge to give the game away. Inside, the driver will be more aware of the X6's underpinnings thanks to various customisable read-outs and what sounds like a thorough standard specification.
The ActiveHybrid X6 will make its world debut at the
Frankfurt Motor Show next month alongside the
ActiveHybrid 7.
