New Reveal : 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 & 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Introduction:

BMW just showcased its production version of a technology that they showed it off as a concept a couple of years ago, the ultra-fuel-efficient ActiveHybrid technology. Ok, it's actually just like any hybrid technology, but BMW always have the trend to make its best effort on any tech. So, BMW have decided to engage ActiveHybrid in its two highly-anticipated automobiles, the 7-Series, and X6.

Powertrain:

We first start with what's under the hood, since ActiveHybrid is essentially what define these two cars. As usual with any hybrid, there's a gas engine coupled with a battery-powered electric motor. The conventional engine is BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8 with a 7-speed automatic transmission; and now mated to two electric motors, with 3-phase nickel-metal hydride batteries. For the ActiveHybrid 7, that makes a total output of 465 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, while the ActiveHybrid X6 gets 480 hp and 575 lb-ft. Acceleration times are close; 60 mph comes in 4.9 seconds for the ActiveHybrid 7, and 5.6 seconds for ActiveHybrid X6. Top speed for ActiveHybrid 7 is 150 mph, and ActiveHybrid X6 is 130 mph. In each car class of its own, the ActiveHybrid 7 is the fastest production hybrid sedan, and the ActiveHybrid X6 is the fastest production hybrid crossover. Nonetheless, as these are hybrids, there importance is fuel-economy. Rating for the fuel-economy as BMW say ActiveHybrid improves about 15% - 20% on the fuel-economy compared to their standard siblings. In other words, the ActiveHybrid 7 gets a combined average fuel-economy of 29 mpg, while ActiveHybrid X6 gets 25 mpg.

Technology:

The hybrid variant of the 7-Series and X6 come equipped with an auto start stop feature and regenerative brakes, which will come as standard equipment. This technology will helps to run the electric motor alone up-to 37 mph. All the information on what the ActiveHybrid is doing, can also be viewed on BMW's updated iDrive infotainment system.
Design:

To defer it from the standard, BMW adds "ACTIVEHYBRID" badges on the the boot lid, the C-pillar and on the door cutouts. Nonetheless, BMW also tweaks the 10-spoke 19" rims to be more aerodynamically-optimized for fuel-efficiency. Plus, both ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6 get there bespoke Bluewater metallic exterior paintwork.

Look for both 2010 ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6 at their live debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales start end of 2009.

Source : [BMW]