2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 / X6 Hybrid
Unlike the 7-series hybrid’s electrically assisted brakes, which we said remained firm and linear despite their regenerative capability, the X6 hybrid’s felt rubbery and isolated. We eventually got used to them, but the initial lack of confidence wasn’t good in something approaching three tons. The electric steering also felt light and disconnected compared with the normal model’s hydraulic system.
In terms of fuel economy, the X6 hybrid has an EPA city/highway rating of 17/19 mpg; for comparison, the xDrive50i is rated at 13/18. That should mean an improvement over our long-term X6’s 15-mpg average, but there’s no masking the twin-turbo V-8’s considerable thirst when it’s called on to move the X6’s bulk with any haste.
Packaging as Confusing as the Drivetrain
Visual cues are limited to a pair of small badges on the flanks and hatch and an angular hood bulge to accommodate the hybrid electronics. Unique 20-inch wheels with summer tires are standard (19s with all-season rubber are optional), and the X6 wears the optional and BMW-hybrid-only Bluewater Metallic paint well.
Inside, a power-flow meter in the main infotainment screen tells you where all the juice is going, and a small gauge in the lower part of the tach shows battery status, the amount of electric boost, and brake-energy recuperation. The four-seat layout and maximum 60 cubic feet of storage remain, as does the vision-limiting, sloping rear hatch. Overall, comfort and refinement are high, however, and the latest iteration of iDrive is actually fairly intuitive to use. Major options include ventilated seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, an upgraded sound system, and a Cold Weather package that includes a heated steering wheel and heated washer squirters.
A Token Gesture
We can’t argue that the ActiveHybrid X6 is one of the best full hybrids to drive, but we nearly fell out of our chair when BMW said it will be asking $89,775 for one when it goes on sale in December. Although there’s a considerable amount of standard equipment that is optional on the nonhybrid models-including nappa leather trim, keyless access, soft-close doors, a rearview camera, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, four-zone climate control, a head-up display, and more-that’s $12,000 more than a comparably equipped and sharper-driving xDrive50i. It’s also the same base price as that of the 555-hp X6 M’s.
The company claims to have no other applications in store for the two-mode drivetrain and refuses to estimate how many X6 hybrids it will sell-likely very few. Given that, we’re even more perplexed as to why this vehicle exists than we are the normal X6. When asked why no weight-saving measures were taken to improve efficiency and performance-as GM did with its hybrid SUVs-BMW baffled us further by saying it was focused solely on developing the fastest, most powerful, and best-driving hybrid ever. How, we wonder, are those goals at odds with reducing weight?
Although we commend BMW’s effort to embrace full-hybrid technology, and even the resulting vehicle’s capability, the motives behind it seem cemented in corporate hubris. For the few folks who crave a large, immensely powerful crossover and believe they could actually help Mother Earth with such a purchase, the ActiveHybrid X6 fills the bill. For us, we’ll plant a couple of trees and take the X6 M for the same money.
You Might Also Like
