Similar to the Prius, a display on the dashboard indicates the real-time status of the hybrid system. You’ll find it on the right of the navigation screen. Unfortunately, the information is hard to read without taking your eyes off the road for a significant amount of time. One easy solution would be to project the data onto the windshield using head-up display technology.
Elsewhere, the hybrid variant shares its massive alloy wheels with the X6 xDrive50i -- 19 inches standard or 20 inches optional (as shown on the pictures).
BMW also took advantage of this media launch to introduce a new exterior color called Bluewater Metallic, a sort of light grayish blue. In fact, all X6 ActiveHybrids on hand sported this color.
Luxuriously equipped… and priced accordingly
The price of the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid reflects its remarkable list of features and is comparable to the X6 M (around $100,000). Standard amenities include a power liftgate, superb and exclusive Ivory/Black Nappa leather upholstery (with blue-colored double stitching), a power glass sunroof and a trailer hitch (capacity of 750 kg). A couple of snug bucket seats (a bit too soft if you ask me), dual-zone automatic climate control, GPS navigation and obstacle detection are part of this lavish package, too.
As for safety, expect a full assortment of airbags, active front head restraints, run-flat tires and powerful bi-xenon headlights with available adaptive lighting in corners. Fantastic!
Agile… like an X6!
On the road, the X6 ActiveHybrid offers few surprises, but the rare moments where the gasoline engine shuts down and lets you cruise in silent fashion are eerily pleasant.
The vehicle boasts a smooth, car-like ride despite the taller ground clearance, while the short turning radius comes handy when manoeuvring in tight spots. Since visibility has been sacrificed in favour of styling, three cameras (two underneath the side mirrors and another next to the rear license plate) help drivers see more clearly when parking.
Our single-day test drive on the roads of Florida was limited to highways with few inclines as well as commercial and residential neighbourhoods. So, as you can imagine, I was unable to fully appreciate the dynamics of the chassis and the spectacular power of the hybrid system. Therefore, I did the same thing as all these exotic car owners and blinged-out Hummer drivers I came across -- parading!
Crisscrossing the chic urban jungle of Miami resulted in a 500-kilometre adventure with an average fuel economy of about 11 L/100 km (as indicated by the on-board computer of my tester). That number is closer to what you can expect in real-world driving conditions than the "official" ratings from both Canada and Europe, which makes this hybrid application a success.
Built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will arrive in our showrooms next month.
photo:Alberto Martinez, Luc Gagné et BMW Group
Elsewhere, the hybrid variant shares its massive alloy wheels with the X6 xDrive50i -- 19 inches standard or 20 inches optional (as shown on the pictures).
BMW also took advantage of this media launch to introduce a new exterior color called Bluewater Metallic, a sort of light grayish blue. In fact, all X6 ActiveHybrids on hand sported this color.
Luxuriously equipped… and priced accordingly
The price of the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid reflects its remarkable list of features and is comparable to the X6 M (around $100,000). Standard amenities include a power liftgate, superb and exclusive Ivory/Black Nappa leather upholstery (with blue-colored double stitching), a power glass sunroof and a trailer hitch (capacity of 750 kg). A couple of snug bucket seats (a bit too soft if you ask me), dual-zone automatic climate control, GPS navigation and obstacle detection are part of this lavish package, too.
As for safety, expect a full assortment of airbags, active front head restraints, run-flat tires and powerful bi-xenon headlights with available adaptive lighting in corners. Fantastic!
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| Making up for the lack of rearward visibility, three cameras display a unique picture of the car’s surroundings on the dashboard when you engage reverse. |
Agile… like an X6!
On the road, the X6 ActiveHybrid offers few surprises, but the rare moments where the gasoline engine shuts down and lets you cruise in silent fashion are eerily pleasant.
The vehicle boasts a smooth, car-like ride despite the taller ground clearance, while the short turning radius comes handy when manoeuvring in tight spots. Since visibility has been sacrificed in favour of styling, three cameras (two underneath the side mirrors and another next to the rear license plate) help drivers see more clearly when parking.
Our single-day test drive on the roads of Florida was limited to highways with few inclines as well as commercial and residential neighbourhoods. So, as you can imagine, I was unable to fully appreciate the dynamics of the chassis and the spectacular power of the hybrid system. Therefore, I did the same thing as all these exotic car owners and blinged-out Hummer drivers I came across -- parading!
Crisscrossing the chic urban jungle of Miami resulted in a 500-kilometre adventure with an average fuel economy of about 11 L/100 km (as indicated by the on-board computer of my tester). That number is closer to what you can expect in real-world driving conditions than the "official" ratings from both Canada and Europe, which makes this hybrid application a success.
Built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will arrive in our showrooms next month.
photo:Alberto Martinez, Luc Gagné et BMW Group
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