Simply put, this environmentally-conscious X6 combines the base model’s 8-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors, each one serving a different purpose. The first motor handles takeoffs and purely-electric operation at up to 50 km/h over a distance of 2 kilometres. As you can expect, such operating mode provides substantial fuel savings in dense urban traffic.
The second electric motor, meanwhile, is asked to support the combustion engine whenever extra power is required, like under spirited acceleration and during passing manoeuvres. Otherwise, the ActiveHybrid X6 reverts to a "charge" mode, meaning that lost energy from the brake discs is captured to charge the batteries (this is not a plug-in hybrid vehicle), or good old V8-only mode.
Interestingly, two braking systems are at work here: the electric motors provide immediate deceleration whenever the driver releases the gas pedal while the more traditional friction brakes step in every other time, most notably during emergency manoeuvres. What makes the whole thing irresistible is the total seamlessness and transparency of said systems.
Let’s hit the road
Suffice to say that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a true cross between a sports coupe and an SUV. Sprightly like the former and sized like the latter, the vehicle makes the most of its 480 horsepower thanks to a fun-shifting, 7-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The razor-sharp steering and sports car-like suspension translate into remarkable handling capabilities. With the short turning radius and electrifying sprints, you would think you’re driving a sedan.
My biggest disappointment, though, comes from the fact that the ActiveHybrid X6 fails to deliver on its promise of fuel economy. After a full week of testing in which I spent more than 70 percent of my time on highways, my tester wound up with an average of 13.8 L/100 km.
Is it a monster on the road? Yes. A green monster? Hum, make that "light green."
 |
| This environmentally-conscious X6 combines the base model’s 8-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors. (Photo: Andrew Pawliuk/Auto123.com) |
The second electric motor, meanwhile, is asked to support the combustion engine whenever extra power is required, like under spirited acceleration and during passing manoeuvres. Otherwise, the ActiveHybrid X6 reverts to a "charge" mode, meaning that lost energy from the brake discs is captured to charge the batteries (this is not a plug-in hybrid vehicle), or good old V8-only mode.
Interestingly, two braking systems are at work here: the electric motors provide immediate deceleration whenever the driver releases the gas pedal while the more traditional friction brakes step in every other time, most notably during emergency manoeuvres. What makes the whole thing irresistible is the total seamlessness and transparency of said systems.
Let’s hit the road
Suffice to say that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a true cross between a sports coupe and an SUV. Sprightly like the former and sized like the latter, the vehicle makes the most of its 480 horsepower thanks to a fun-shifting, 7-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The razor-sharp steering and sports car-like suspension translate into remarkable handling capabilities. With the short turning radius and electrifying sprints, you would think you’re driving a sedan.
My biggest disappointment, though, comes from the fact that the ActiveHybrid X6 fails to deliver on its promise of fuel economy. After a full week of testing in which I spent more than 70 percent of my time on highways, my tester wound up with an average of 13.8 L/100 km.
Is it a monster on the road? Yes. A green monster? Hum, make that "light green."
 |
| With the short turning radius and electrifying sprints, you would think you’re driving a sedan. (Photo: Andrew Pawliuk/Auto123.com) |
Article Gallery