BMW hybrid technology
By Jaedene Hudson | drive.com.au | 03 May
BMW may have just internationally unveiled its crossover off-roader/coupe, the X6, but there's an even more exotic version heading our way.
The company confirmed last year that the new X6 (pictured) would be the model to debut its hybrid technology. At the launch of the X6, BMW remained tight-lipped about the hybrid model but Drive has learned it will use an electric motor combined with the 4.4-litre, V8 petrol engine.
It is expected to produce more power than the petrol-only V8 to compensate for the extra weight (about 200 kg) the hybrid system adds to the car. Performance is expected to be similar to the petrol-only V8. The hybrid is expected to be 10%-20% more efficient than the V8 petrol-only model.
It will be a two-mode hybrid system but won't work like current hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius. The Prius' electric engine powers it from stationary to about 30 km/h, where the petrol engine takes over. It is very efficient in stop-start traffic, as the Prius can travel solely on the electric engine. But it is not as efficient at freeway speeds.
The X6's system works differently: it assists the petrol engine at speed or when overtaking.
There will be key features on the outside to distinguish it from the other X6 models, such as special wheels, a different body kit and different colour choices but, according to BMW's US marketing manager Clemens Zimmermann, the differences will be subtle.
BMW expects the hybrid model to sell in small numbers.
A hybrid version of the 7-Series is expected to follow soon, with the all-new-generation 7-Series due next year.
First published by Drive.com.au on May 03 2008
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