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.

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.

More Details on BMW Hybrids

BMW’s X6 and 7 Series hybrids, which debuted in concept form at last November’s L.A. auto show, will likely arrive late this year and in early 2010, respectively. Do we need hybrid versions of leather-lined luxury cars? That's debatable, but Lexus and Mercedes are forging ahead with ‘em, so why not BMW, too? At yesterday’s Washington, D.C., auto show, we learned a few more details on both.

The X6 hybrid is a “full” hybrid, using the two-mode technology co-developed by BMW, Chrysler, Mercedes and GM. That means it can scoot on electric power, gasoline power or a combination of the two. And scoot it will — the powertrain works with the X6 xDrive50i’s 4.4-liter, turbocharged V-8. BMW VP of engineering Tom Baloga said to expect 20% better overall gas mileage, so combined city/highway gas mileage should work out to 18 mpg, versus the gas-only model’s 15 mpg. Compare that to the Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec (20 mpg) and new Volkswagen Touareg 2 V-6 TDI (estimated low 20s). We should note that both are diesels, and as of yesterday diesel fuel was about 29 cents — 14% — more per gallon than premium unleaded. (What’s more, if you’re looking for top mileage among luxury SUVs, the less-expensive 2010 Lexus RX 450h should get a combined 27 mpg with AWD.) The X6 Hybrid should also be fast as stink.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: BMW 7 Series, X6 Hybrid Concepts

• Looks like: BMW wants in on the hybrid halo
• Defining characteristics: Huge turbocharged V-8 engines, tiny electric motors
• Ridiculous features: 400-hp V-8 in a hybrid
• Chance of being mass-produced: We’re not sure if there’s a market for super-powerful hybrids, and BMW hasn’t hit home runs with recent new models

Riddle me this: What's one hybrid the world does not need right now? An uber-luxury sedan. A bonus no-go would be a hybrid performance SUV. Yet those are the two hybrid concepts BMW is showing in L.A.

The recently redesigned 7 Series and the X6 SUV both sport the same powertrain, a 400-hp, turbocharged V-8 engine teamed to a mild hybrid system. The result? 15% better fuel economy. Compared to a turbo X6, which gets 12/18 mpg city/highway, a 15% improvement would be roughly 14/21 mpg. Not exactly in the running for green car of the year, is it?

The hybrid system does use advanced lithium-ion batteries and an engine-stop function that kills the gas engine at stops to conserve fuel.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 BMW X6

Mike Hanley had a bit of an adventure in the new BMW X6. Toward the end of his week with the machine, all the electronics failed. All of them. Despite the issues, Mike delivers a comprehensive look at BMW’s latest SUV. Despite high fuel prices, early sales of the X6 are off to a strong start. Check out the full review to see what all the fuss is about.

2008 BMW X6 Expert Review

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 BMW X6

The all-new 2008 BMW X6 is a strange beast to behold. From one angle it wants to be an M3, and from another it wants to be an X5. From yet another angle it wants to be a futuristic matchbox car. It’s this lack of identity that gives the car its outward charm. With an aggressive-looking front end and a sporty tail, this deceptively large SUV/crossover/sport utility coupe is a head-turner. The interior represents what I have come to respect about BMW: clean lines, nice wood paneling and touches of metal that help shape the comfort of the four-seater. The outside of this car screams, “Drive me to soccer practice really fast or I will devour the children!” Let me know what you think of the design in the comments section. A full set of photos is below.

New 2008 BMW X6 a Hot Commodity

With some blogs claiming the BMW X6 is sold out, we thought we’d let you know that there are at least a few hundred nationwide still available for sale. If you’re interested in the sport coupe/crossover SUV known as the X6, simply do an inventory search for the model here on Cars.com to see if there’s one for sale near you.

Many of us here at Cars.com thought the X6 — which starts at $52,500 — was not going to be a success. Then we drove it. I even took the x35i version on the track at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and experienced one of the most thrilling rides I’ve ever had. The X6 handled the track a lot better than many cars, and the brakes were outstanding. Plus, all the action took place far higher off the ground than should have been possible. Clearly the X6 is an enthusiast’s SUV that might steal buyers from the aging Porsche Cayenne.

So why were webizens shouting “sold out”? BMW says the first-year run of nearly 20,000 units in the U.S. has been spoken for by dealers. Because only 655 were sold in its first month of limited sales in April, that means there are thousands left that need to be sold to actual customers. Those interested should hit their local BMW dealership to see if they can test-drive one and place their own order.

BMW X6 Sells Out (Jalopnik)

BMW Bringing Google Maps to New Models

Starting with the 2008 BMW X6 and all 2009 BMW models, owners who buy a BMW Assist Safety Plan will be able to send directions, phone numbers and other information from Google Maps to their car. 

Yes, you’ll have to pre-send the information from a computer to your car, but the idea is that drivers won’t have to print out maps or directions — they’ll be synched with the car’s navigation. Phone numbers can also be sent and dialed via the car’s Bluetooth system.

The BMW Assist Safety Plan is standard on all BMW 5, 6 and 7 series vehicles and is offered as a stand-alone option or as part of option packages on all other models. That sounds similar to OnStar’s new Destination Download announced earlier this month, but BMW’s plan doesn’t require the use of an operator.