2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid BMW-but Unimpressive

Well, not many of times it happens, but in case of 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 it has happened. Now you will be confused and asking what has happened and what doesn’t happens too often? Aren’t you? But its not only you who is confused here, we also are confused on where to start the introduction for the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The reason behind this being the confusing character of the SUV, you see we have said it a SUV, but if you look at it its more of a crossover utility vehicle carried out with coupe-style character and having fuel efficiency of a hybrid. But while trying to be all that, the X6 ends up as a vehicle that will keep you guessing its original genre. Despite all this let’s start with the introduction.

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 basically is a carlike crossover and is based on the platform of the full-size X5 SUV. Just to give it a personal touch, X6 has been designed for four passengers only and the drastically sloping roof line of the vehicle limits the headroom in the rear seats of the vehicle, outward visibility and cargo space. So you can say that X6 basically is a SUV equivalent for a schematic coupe.




But BMW has added their first-ever hybrid system to the X5 SUV platform to develop 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The hybrid system of the car has been developed in association with GM and the firm previously known as DaimlerChrysler. The hybrid system used in X6 can propel the SUV at low speed by means of the power transmitted by its batteries to a couple of electric motors covered inside the transmission. Along with the V8 turbocharged engine from the X6 xDrive50i, the ActiveHybrid system of the vehicle generates maximum power of 480 horses and 575 lbs-ft of maximum torque.



Also the first thing that you expect from a hybrid system is better fuel efficiency, but the ActiveHybrid X6 disappoints even here. The ActiveHybrid only betters the fuel economy of X6 xDrive35i 300 hp by only 1 mpg. So the ActiveHybrid basically is a confusing hybrid SUV, which we are not sure how many of the people, will like this SUV.

What’s New for 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6?
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 enters the market pretty much unchanged.

Body Styling and Features:
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a SUV with seating capacity of four and comes in a single trim level.
The standard equipments for the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 includes self-leveling suspension, 20 in wheels, adaptive and automotive xenon headlights, rear and front parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, heated 14-way power seats having adjustable lumbar and bolsters, keyless entry/ignition, a power tailgate, running boards, soft-close automatic doors, driver memory functions, a navigation system having real-time voice and traffic controls, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather dash trim and upholstery, Bluetooth, a head-up display, a 12 speaker sound system having 6 CD/DVD changer, BMW Assist telematics, USB/iPod adapter and HD radio and auxiliary audio jack.

There also is a Cold Weather package available for the car which comes with a heated steering wheel, retractile headlight washers, heated rear seats and a rear seat pass-through ski bag.

Some other options for the vehicle includes 19 in wheels, automatic high beams, massaging and ventilated front seats, sport seats, a rear seat entertainment system, rear manual window shades, satellite radio and an enhanced sound system.

Under The Hood:
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 gets its power from an assembly of 2 electric motors and gasoline engine, which are paired with the transmission. The gas-powered engine under the hood is a 4.4 ltr V8 twin-turbo engine that we saw in X6 xDrive50i, which generates 400 hp of maximum power and 450 pounds-feet of torque. The added power output from the motor takes the maximum power output of the vehicle to 480 horsepower and 575 pounds-feet of maximum torque. The only transmission available here is a specialized 7 speed automatic transmission having manual shift control, which transfers power to all the 4 wheels of the vehicle.

The power system for the vehicle delivers respectable, but unimpressive performance, as the car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds, which is the same performance that the regular V8 powered X6 delivered.

The estimated fuel economy for the SUV is of 17 mpg in city and 19 mpg on highways, which comes down to a combined fuel efficiency of 18 mpg.

Safety Equipments:
The standard safety equipments for the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 includes stability control, antilock disc brakes, trailer stability control, traction control, adaptive headlights, hill descent control, rear and front side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, BMW Assist emergency telematics and active front head restraints.

Verdict:
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 doesn’t offer a lot from its hybrid powertrain and has a huge price tag. In addition to all this the car also suffers from limited cargo utility and limited rear seat space, all these makes it a BMW which fails to earn our recommendation.