BMW 7-Series & BMW X6 hybrid debuts

BMW has debuted the production hybrid versions of the BMW 7-Series and the BMW X6. To be shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will go on sale in early 2010, and it is expected that at least the X6 version will make it to the UAE and a few other GCC markets.

The ActiveHybrid 7 has an upgraded twin-turbo “High Precision Direct Injection” 4.4-litre V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 699 Nm. 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 custom lithium-ion battery.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is only a “mild” hybrid, with the petrol engine providing 440 hp and only an extra 15 hp from the electric motor. The result is a 0-100 kph time of 5.1 seconds, while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature “Auto Start Stop” to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. Another advantage is that the air conditioning and ventilation system remains fully operational when using Auto Start Stop. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 features an enhanced version of brake-energy regeneration where the integrated electric motor acts as a generator when coasting or applying the brakes, in order to feed electric power into the battery.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 crossover 4×4 works in a slightly different way. The system consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine and two electric synchronous motors, delivering 91 hp and 86 hp respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp and peak torque reaches 779 Nm.

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 can do the 0-100 kph run in 5.7 seconds. Top speed of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 208 kph, with average fuel consumption improved by roughly 20%.

BMW’s first full hybrid model and distinguished from the regular version by a “power-dome” bonnet, the X6 is able to run exclusively on electric power up to a speed of 60 kph, with the combustion engine being activated automatically whenever required. These figures are made possible by utilizing a two-mode active transmission. The ideal combination of the two power modes can be controlled for enhanced efficiency and dynamic performance in any driving condition. With the two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four multi-plate clutches, drive power is transmitted through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The driver can operate the transmission manually. BMW’s lauded xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.

Both models are expected to come at a significant price premium over the standard 7-Series and X6 versions.