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2010 BMW X6 Hybrid
The first glimpse of vehicle that will be the 2010 BMW X6 Hybrid, was a concept car displayed at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. In general it received a very good reception, though some thought BMW could have stretched the envelope a bit more in a concept car. Now, to no one's surprise, it looks like the concept is going to become a reality.
So, what do we know about it?
The 2010 BMW X6 Hybrid is a crossover SUV (for those not up on the jargon, think station wagon, with a sports car feel). It uses a two-mode hybrid engine designed in partnership with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. The engine is capable of running purely on electric power, or a combination of electric and gas power. The estimates on the fuel efficiency vary, but the average seems to be a 15% improvement over the standard X6.
Recently prototypes have been caught on film heat testing in Death Valley. The one really interesting piece of information the film give us is that the interesting hood bulge seen in the concept car remains, though in one prototype the bulge was significantly less pronounced. This unusual hood design is apparently due to the need for extra space for the electronics necessary for the hybrid system.
With the 2010 X6 Hybrid, BMW is continuing its policy of focusing on luxury and performance, with gradual increases in fuel efficiency. The results of this policy have lead to some debate as to just how 'green' the X6 Hybrid can be considered. Debate aside, the increase in fuel efficiency does push the predicted miles per gallon over the average for vehicle fuel efficiency in America.
The X6 Hybrid's main visual attributes are a clean, sleek profile, sloped roof line, long front and short rear overhands, low-slung stance, low wheel base, and large wheels with muscular wheel arches. It also has a four wheel drive, stability control, and impressive performance. At current, it's expected to be equipped with the 350 horsepower V8 engine used in the X5.
Like all BMW's, the X6 Hybrid is not for the light of wallet. Starting price tag is expected to be around $70,000. While additional information will certainly come out at the release date approaches, what we can say right now is that the X6 Hybrid can be expected to live up to BMW's well earned reputation. Whether or not the benefits of the hybrid will be worth the extra price tag, you'll have to decide for yourself.