Test drive BMW ActiveHybrid X6: new six

V8 biturbo gasoline, two electric motors, three planetary gears, four plate clutches and a dual transmission - with the premiere of the X6 in a full hybrid version. BMW they rely on a monstrous arsenal of technology.

The word "hybrid" for many still remains synonymous with economical and environmentally friendly, but bulky cars, powered by a combination of a slow four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Even the advances in high-tech full hybrids such as the Lexus LS 600h and RX 450h, as well as perfectly modified mild hybrids, are often ignored by such people. Mercedes S 400 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7. Incidentally, the last two models use identical technologies, and this is no coincidence as BMW and Mercedes have joined forces to develop hybrid technology. The two participants joined forces not only to work on mild hybrids, but also to create so-called dual-mode hybrids.

The result is and will appear on the market in April in the form of the BMW Active Hybrid X6. In terms of its 407 horsepower, 600 Newton-meter bi-turbo V8, the electric motor intervention may seem unnecessary, but on the other hand, the fuel consumption is reduced by 20 percent, the ability to drive only on electricity. and the almost imperceptible but extremely efficient operation of electric motors sounds like a serious argument.

Reach your goals

So while for some mild hybrids we can only speak of a breeze from the growing popularity of hybrid technology, the X6 full hybrid is a real whirlwind, which is thankfully contained by the electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. When the car roars menacingly during a kickdown, the V8 and its electric counterparts come to its rescue, the 2,5-ton colossus can sprint to 100 km/h in a fantastic 5,6 seconds. However, there is a dilemma here: the extra weight actually eats into the benefits of the increased power, although even with this fact we can't help but be impressed with the top speed of 236 km / h, which even reaches 250 km / h when ordering the sports package.

Along with an armada of electronic systems, the credit for the excellent dynamics is mainly due to the dual-mode gearbox. It's a real mechatronic festival, with two electric motors, three planetary gears and four plate clutches, and it doesn't take up more space than a classic automatic transmission. Its action is described in detail in the issues and / 2008 of the magazine auto motor und sport. A complex mechanism helps to restore energy and at the same time successfully imitates the operation of a seven-speed automatic. The latter seems like a very good idea, as BMW fans are unlikely to be thrilled by the idea of ​​enduring the constant speed whirlwind that is so characteristic of continuously variable transmissions. The system has two operating modes - slow and fast. Thus, the potential of both types of drives is used more fully, and this leads to a better final efficiency.

green salad

At speeds up to 60 km / h, the X6 can run only on electricity, and the exercise can last up to two and a half kilometers - depending on the charge of the nickel-metal hydride battery, of which with a total capacity of 2,4 kWh, only 1,4, 0,3 can be used. 6 kWh. Part of the energy is returned to the battery through a recuperation system: with a braking force of up to XNUMX g, braking is carried out by electric motors, which in this mode work as generators, only then the classical hydraulics of the brake system intervenes. More sensitive drivers are likely to perceive the simulated brake pedal input more clearly than the difference between the all-electric steering of the XXNUMX hybrid model and the "normal" steering of other versions of the model.

Automatic shutdown and engine start when stopped works as smoothly and smoothly as the interaction of countless electronic components. However, the X6 behaves a little rough on bumps, which is a consequence of the tight adjustment of the steering system due to the increased weight. In addition, the hybrid model should be deprived of options such as adaptive damping and selective distribution of traction between the two wheels of the rear axle. The latter absence, however, sounds completely insignificant against the backdrop of a respectful overall impression of the first full hybrid of the Bavarians.

text: Jorn Thomas

technical details

BMW ActiveHybrid X6
Working volume	-
Power	407 k.s. at 5500 rpm
Maximum torque	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	5,6 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	-
full speed	236 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	-
Base Price	102 euros for Germany