ActiveHybrid X6

[dpats]

When is it coming to production?
What are the specs?
What price?

[Steved]

1) It is muted to be early 2009. (probably mid to late 2009) and will be the first BMW to be fitted with the Hybrid platform (unless the new 7-series due out mid-2008 offers it first)

2) Nobody (outside BMW) knows the spec yet, but I understand it to be a V8 petrol/electric hybrid that enables both engines to be operated at the same time to maximise torque. It is said to be a 'performance' hybrid that in operation will be 20% or more fuel efficient than a petrol engine (I assume the V8 engine on its own). It is slightly heavier (I would reckon between 50-100kg) than the conventionally powered X6 models.

3) Price is conjecture at this stage, although it would be reasonable to expect it to be more expensive than any other X6 models, which should mean something in the $65k+ range.

[dpats]

What about a Hybrid X5?
Rumors from AutoBild said that there could be a hybrid X5 in late 2008, coming from the cooperation with Daimler and GM.

Is this possible?

[Steved]

BMW have said that the X6 will receive this technology first (I can't remember which press release they said this in), so as far as I know the X5 will not be adding the hybrid platform during 2008.

It's worth bearing in mind that 2008 is BMW's busiest year for launching cars (ever?), so there's very little room to fit anything further in.