(August 14, 2009) BMW has announced the production versions of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the ActiveHybrid 7 will have its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. 

The X6 hybrid will reach US BMW Centers in fourth-quarter of this year. The 7-series hybrid will arrive sometime in spring 2010. BMW notes that ActiveHybrid technology provides a glimpse into the future, achieving outstanding driving dynamics with equally impressive efficiency. It melds both of these qualities to offer a truly unique driving experience. The X6 Sports Activity Coupe and 7-Series with full hybrid drive capitalizes on the options offered by combining the combustion engine with electric motors to create powertrains with new levels of performance and efficiency.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 15 to 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management.

For the 7-Series BMW will offer an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor giving the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 horsepower and maximum torque of 516 pound-feet (preliminary figures). Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.

Controlled interaction of both power sources serves to maximize the efficiency and performance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a driving experience that demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15 percent better than the 750i. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the U.S. market launch.

The overall drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400 horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 horsepower and 86 horsepower, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 horsepower, and peak torque reaches 575 pound-feet.
 
Controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 130 mph, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20 percent, and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer.  EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.