BMW has announced the production version of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will make its world premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will reach U.S. BMW Centers in fourth-quarter 2009. BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20% versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone.

The overall drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.

Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 130 mph, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%.

BMW’s first full hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power – and that is entirely free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph, with the combustion engine being activated automatically whenever required.

These performance figures are made possible by utilizing a two-mode active transmission. The ideal combination of the two power modes can be controlled for enhanced efficiency and dynamic performance in any driving condition. With the two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four multi-plate clutches, drive power is transmitted through a 7-speed automatic transmission. As would be expected in a BMW, the driver can operate the transmission manually. BMW’s lauded xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.

Unique efficiency ensured by two-mode active transmission.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology has been developed specifically for use in a particularly dynamic vehicle and for a broad range of practical use. The big advantage, therefore, is optimization of drivetrain efficiency in all speed ranges and conditions.

The two-mode active transmission is based on an ECVT (electric continuously variable transmission) operating in two separate modes. One mode is for stop-and-go driving and low speeds, and the second is for driving at higher speeds.

While driving electrically, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 retains all its safety and comfort functions. The brakes remain fully operative thanks to electric vacuum supply, and don’t require the combustion engine to develop their full effect. The same applies to the Electronic Power Steering, with steering assistance being generated on demand by an electric motor.

Even the air conditioning remains fully available without any restrictions, running efficiently on an electrically operated air-conditioning compressor. Since the battery pack supplies the electric power to the 12-volt on-board network through a voltage converter, all other systems such as the lights, infotainment, and safety systems remain fully functional.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features an enhanced version of Brake Energy Regeneration already used in some current BMW models running on a combustion engine alone. In this case the electric motors act as generators when coasting or applying the brakes in order to feed electric power into the battery pack.

The high-voltage, nickel-metal hydrid technology (NiMH) battery pack featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 has a total capacity of 2.4 kWh, with 1.4 kWh available nominally. Maximum output is 57 kW, with the battery’s control unit constantly determining the output level currently available as well as the charge status of the battery.

The high-performance battery pack comes with its own liquid cooling system incorporating a heat exchanger to cool the battery pack through the flow of air from the outside and, additionally, through a cooling circuit from the air conditioning system.

The “powerdome” hood distinguishes the vehicle from outside, “ActiveHybrid” model designations on the tailgate trim bar and the front doors as well as Bluewater Metallic paint offered for the first time on a BMW X6. Apart from the specific hybrid displays in the instrument cluster, door entry trim covers bearing the designation “BMW ActiveHybrid” on the driver’s and front passenger’s doors add a particular highlight and sign of distinction.