2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

BMW has released a variety of new models and engines in the U.S., including turbocharged V-8s, diesels and now hybrids. The first hybrid to go on sale in the U.S. will be the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 SUV. The pricey X6 won’t be a hybrid to challenge the Toyota Prius; no, BMW has teamed the hybrid system here with its top-of-the-line twin-turbo V-8, which puts out 400 hp on its own. The full hybrid system has two electric motors good for bumping that power to 480 hp. Torque is a whopping 575 pounds-feet.

While that’s more than three times the power of a Toyota Prius, the BMW can do something the Prius cannot: It travels on just electric power up to 1.6 miles at speeds up to 37 mph. The Prius can only manage 25 mph for about a mile.

Of course, folks buying the ActiveHybrid X6 will care more about the zero to 60 time of 5.4 seconds than the 20% better fuel economy versus the non-hybrid V-8. Official numbers aren’t available yet, but considering the non-hybrid X5 with the twin-turbo V-8 gets 15 mpg combined, a 20% bump would be 18 mpg. That would qualify it for Clunker status.

We’ll have more information on pricing and official mileage closer to the on-sale date in late 2009. More photos below.

Recall Alert: 2009 BMW X5 and X6

BMW has issued a recall for all 2009 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The vehicles are being recalled because the rear brake discs may not have been manufactured according to correct specifications. This could lead to reduced braking performance in the rear wheels, significantly increasing stopping distance and increasing the potential for a crash.

BMW hasn’t provided NHTSA with its remedy or notification schedule for the repair, but owners may contact BMW at 800-831-1117. They may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2009|BMW|X5

2009|BMW|X6

Pricing Announced for BMW X5 M, X6 M

BMW announced pricing for the 2010 X5 M and 2010 X6 M.

The X6 M, which was recently unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show, will start at $88,900, excluding a destination fee of $825.

The X5 M will have a starting MSRP of $85,400, also excluding the $825 destination fee. BMW unveiled the X5 M at the 2009 Shanghai International Auto Show.

This pricing puts the X5 M and X6 M near the top of the heap for BMW’s M vehicles; they’re outdone only by the M6, which starts at $102,100 for the sedan and $107,900 for the convertible.

More BMW X5 News
More BMW X6 News

2009 BMW X6 M at the 2009 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo
• Looks like: SUV’s size won’t be as big a concern to others on the road as its speed will be
• Drivetrain: 555-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with six-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Late 2009

Have you ever wanted a BMW M performance model, but also thirsted for all-wheel-drive capabilities? Well, the company has heard your cries: BMW just announced two new M models, the X6 M and X5 M. Both are the first M models to feature BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and they claim a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds.

The X6 was already geared to be a more performance-minded SUV than the X5; we tested both the base and V-8 models on a track, and were blown away at their composure. The M version is lowered 10 centimeters and gains much more power (555 hp used to be reserved for supercars), bigger brakes and the selectable M mode option we first tested on the M3 last year.

The two M models get similar design treatments, but they differ from each model’s non-M version with augmented  hoods, headlights, front fenders, larger front air dams and 20-inch alloy wheels.

They’re definitely more menacing-looking, that’s for sure.

What will all this performance cost? Considering the V-8 version of the X6 starts at $66,500, we’d guess the M would be at least an additional $10,000. The X6 hasn’t sold all that well since its first two months on sale. However, speed freaks in need of something unique that can handle foul weather better than a rear-wheel-drive sports car or sedan may be intrigued. Of course, BMW could also offer an all-wheel-drive M3.

More photos below.