BMW X6, 7 Series Get ActiveHybrid for 2010

Until recently, the hybrid partnership between Daimler AG, BMW AG, General Motors and the Chrysler Group has only yielded production hybrid-electric vehicles from the latter automakers. Even after Mercedes-Benz announced hybrid version of its S-Class and ML-Class, BWM was still absent from the hybrid party. Ahead of next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has finally taken the wraps off its version of the two-mode hybrid system, which it calls ActiveHybrid, that it will use on the 2010 7 Series and 2010 X6. Labeled the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, both vehicles will feature the performance and luxury BMW vehicles are known for with the added benefit of improved fuel economy.

Of the two vehicles, the most important for BMW will undoubtedly be the ActiveHybrid 7 that is based on the luxurious 7 Series sedan. When it hits U.S. showrooms in the Spring of 2010, the ActiveHybrid 7 will compete directly with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID that is expected to launch later this year. There is also talk that Porsche will also be offering a hybrid sedan similar in size to both the 7 Series and the S-Class as soon as next year on the all-new 2010 Porsche Panamera. BMW’s hybrid will stand apart from its rival by not only offering a more performance-inspired drivetrain but also in adding more luxury by offering both standard and extended length wheelbases. The extended-length bodies will add 5.5 inches to the wheelbase for the sole purpose of creating a larger, more luxurious rear seating area.

Under the hood, the ActiveHybrid 7 uses the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 as the 2009 750i, but horsepower is bumped from 400 up to 440 and torque from 450 up to 475. An increase in power usually equates to a decrease in fuel economy, but BMW says that while EPA estimates have yet to be determined, it expects improvements in fuel economy to be somewhere around 15 percent over a comparable gasoline-powered sedan, or around 20 miles per gallon in combined driving. Like Mercedes, BMW chose to go with lithium ion batteries to power the electric motor that mounts between the engine and transmission. The hybrid sedan will utilize a specially developed eight-speed automatic transmission to offer BMW’s first application of start/stop technology. Combining the output of the engine and the electric motor, this system is estimated to produce a total of 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque allowing the ActiveHybrid 7 to run from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds. Not bad for a vehicle expected to weigh in at close to 5,000 pounds.

Although we think the ActiveHybrid 7 has more to win or lose on the market with a direct competitor debuting almost simultaneously, BMW must have more riding on the ActiveHybrid X6 since it chose to debut it before the hybrid sedan. With its unique, coupe-like design and four-passenger cabin, it’s not really clear what the X6 hybrid would directly compete against, but we’re guessing it will try to fit in anywhere from the compact Lexus RX 450h up to the full-size Cadillac Escalade Two-Mode Hybrid. Introduced just a year ago, the BMW X6 remains one of the most polarizing crossovers on the market with its sleek roofline and sporty BMW stance.

The 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 will use the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the X6 xDrive50i producing 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. The difference between the two BMW hybrid vehicles is the electrical components, battery packs and the transmissions. Instead of the single electric motor used on the ActiveHybrid 7, the X6 hybrid will use a seven-speed, two-mode automatic transmission that operates similarly to the system used by both GM and Chrysler with two electric motors integrated into the transmission. This allows the ActiveHybrid X6 to operate in full electric mode at speeds of up to 37 mph for a distance of 1.6 miles allowing it to be a zero-emission vehicle in these conditions. Even when the engine is not running, all the normal vehicle systems such as air conditioning, power steering and brakes remain in operation. The electric motors are powered by a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack that is mounted under the cargo floor. The total output of the engine and hybrid drive systems add up to 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque easily making this the most powerful hybrid on the market. BMW claims the all-wheel drive 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 can run from 0-60 in about 5.4 seconds and its fuel economy is expected to return a 20 percent improvement over a comparable gasoline-powered midsize crossover which should be somewhere around 18 mpg in combined driving.

Both vehicles will utilize regenerative braking to help recharge the batteries during deceleration, along with minor visual changes for both weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements. Compared to the standard X6, the only visual changes made to the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 are the addition of a power dome hood and lightweight, aerodynamic 20-inch wheels. As for the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7, only the 19-inch, lightweight Aero wheels set it apart from the gasoline-powered models. The hybrid version of the 7 Series and the X6 also add “ActiveHybrid” badges and offer a new, exclusive color called Bluewater Metallic