BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Drops in U.S

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid won't be sold in the U.S. in model year 2012.The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is one of the last non-GM models to use the two-mode hybrid system. BMW still plans to launch a 5 Series hybrid.

The ActiveHybrid X6 matched BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, with two synchronous electric motors, rated at 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively.

The discontinuation will not affect the availability of the ActiveHybrid7 or BMW’s plans for an ActiveHybrid version of the 5 Series sedan.

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was born out of the joint venture formed by General Motors, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Chrysler to develop a two-mode hybrid system. Chrysler’s Aspen and Dodge Durango Hybrids met an unceremonious demise shortly after their launch, and Mercedes’ ML450 Hybrid was discontinued when the third-generation M-Class launched earlier this year.

After an official word from BMW of NA spokesman Dave Buchko, BMW has not completely ended production for the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid but rather just dropped it in the US.

So far, Buchko also stated that there are no plans to try and improve on the BMW X6’s ActiveHybrid system as BMW is focusing on the new 5-Series hybrid that will be sold next to the 7-Series ActiveHybrid in the US.

Because the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid had such a high price, most buyers opted for the balls-out BMW X6 M because the ActiveHybrid only offered a 12% improvement on efficiency.

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid managed an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 17/19 mpg.