NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
BMW introduced the Active X6, its first hybrid, in 2010. The midsize all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV seats four people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon (mpg). The ActiveHybrid X6 provides far worse environmental performance than the other midsize luxury hybrid SUV on the market, the Lexus RX 450h. Layering the hybrid drivetrain onto the same hefty eight-cylinder engine in the conventional model (the X6 50i) puts the ActiveHybrid X6 squarely in the “muscle hybrid” category. The ActiveHybrid X6 is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
Compared with the X6 50i, the Active X6 hybrid achieves just an 11 percent reduction in global warming emissions. This pales in comparison to the Lexus RX 450h AWD, which achieves a 31 percent reduction in carbon emissions and an EPA estimated 29 mpg. The Active X6 Hybrid earns an EPA air pollution score of just 6 for smog-forming emissions, whereas the Lexus 450h AWD hybrid merits an impressive 9. These factors combined give the ActiveHybrid X6 an Environmental Improvement Score of 3.2, ahead of only the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid at the bottom of this category. Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
BMW is charging $7,700 for the hybrid system in the ActiveHybrid X6. With an 11 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the ActiveHybrid X6 a Hybrid Value rating in the “Very Poor” range. This is, again, in marked contrast to the Lexus RX 450h AWD, in which the $5,500 hybrid price premium translates to a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
BMW is a luxury brand and consumers expect high quality features from its vehicles. With the ActiveHybrid X6, BMW piles on an additional $13,500 worth of features compared with the X6 50i—the most out of any car on the Hybrid Scorecard . This gives the ActiveHybrid X6 a Forced Features rating of “$$$$$.” In comparison, the RX 450h AWD has only $250 worth of forced features. Sample forced features include a premium high-fidelity 16-speaker sound system with a six-disc DVD changer; head-up display; rearview camera; and keyless entry. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
1. As of March 2010.
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