AN INNOVATIVE HYBRID CONCEPT LIKE NO OTHER IN THE WORLD: THE BMW CONCEPT X6 ACTIVEHYBRID SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPE

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 13, 2008... In addition to the world debut
of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show,
BMW will also present the North American debut of an innovative hybrid
concept like no other in the world -- the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid.
The vehicle is the world's first Sports Activity Coupe to feature a
unique design of hybrid drive like never seen before, combining Sheer
Driving Pleasure with significant enhancement of all-round efficiency.
Through its drive concept alone, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid allows
far greater driving dynamics than a conventional hybrid car and at the
same time reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent versus a
comparable car running on a combustion engine alone. The innovative
drivetrain and the unique concept of the Sports Activity Coupe form an
ideal match that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. BMW
ActiveHybrid technology has indeed been developed especially for a
particularly dynamic vehicle in this segment and for extensive use far
beyond city traffic. In terms of its size, character and driving
dynamics, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe is simply ideal for bringing
out the full potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, combining an
elegant and dynamically flowing roofline with the features so typical
of a BMW X model. Its design clearly epitomizes the full DNA of BMW X,
while interpreting the character of these vehicles in a uniquely
sporting manner. Combining the qualities of electric drive and BMW
driving dynamics to provide an unprecedented driving experience. BMW
ActiveHybrid combines a combustion engine with two high-performance
electric motors, taking advantage of the greater efficiency of hybrid
technology over a much larger speed range than with conventional hybrid
vehicles. The specific features and characteristics of BMW's electric
drive, combined with the proven features of BMW's combustion engine,
allows BMW ActiveHybrid to provide a unique driving experience that is
unavailable anywhere else. The benefits and capabilities of the
electric drivetrain can be felt instantly, responding precisely and
immediately to the driver when setting off. Then, continuing the
process of acceleration, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid offers a
perfect symbiosis of required drivetrain performance and appropriate
touch-based and acoustic feedback to the driver at a level never seen
before in a hybrid vehicle. The result is a driving experience that
provides dynamic development of power and performance so typical of a
BMW engine interacting with the particularly precise and fast-acting
automatic transmission-at all speeds. BMW ActiveHybrid: the next step
in the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Offering
enhancement of both all-round economy and driving dynamics, the BMW
Concept X6 ActiveHybrid fits perfectly into the BMW EfficientDynamics
development strategy. Indeed, implementing this strategy with full
consistency, BMW is able to offer cars in all segments through the
current model range, ranking right at the top against the competition
in terms of both performance and efficiency. BMW ActiveHybrid is a
core part of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.
Introducing this technology, BMW is taking the next step in
consistently reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. BMW
ActiveHybrid is based on a modular principle following the strategy of
"Best of Hybrid" to integrate the optimum components in each
case in various vehicle concepts. And pursuing this strategy, BMW-with
its first full-hybrid vehicle-is now taking the next step towards
lasting and sustainable mobility based on Sheer Driving Pleasure. The
BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the result of the consistent development
of attractive vehicle concepts and drivetrain technologies. A pioneer
in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, BMW has already
revolutionized the market by innovating in a completely brand-new
segment, where previously there was only the sports utility vehicle
(SUV). And given their supreme agility and driving dynamics, both the
BMW X5 and the BMW X3 have now gained a dominating position in this
segment. Now, the concept of a Sports Activity Coupe shows how the
range of BMW X models so successful the world over might be enlarged by
another exclusive variant, while providing the opportunity to
experience the sporting performance so typical of the brand in a
completely new style. Furthermore, BMW's outstanding competence in the
area of drivetrain development is setting the basis for combining an
innovative driving experience with outstanding efficiency. Once again,
BMW is becoming the trendsetter in a market segment that shows
particularly dynamic growth. A hybrid vehicle with that typical BMW
character requires innovative technology. The objective to combine
that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW with a significant
reduction of fuel consumption and emissions in BMW's first full hybrid,
called for the development of innovative technology offering a
synthesis of the combustion engine and the electric motor. To make this
process of development as efficient as possible, the BMW Group has
joined forces with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler to form the Global
Hybrid Cooperation, serving to develop the next generation of hybrid
drive systems. These three equal partners pool their know-how and
resources in the GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW Hybrid Development
Center in Troy (Michigan, USA), concentrating in the process on a
flexible system concept allowing each of the companies involved to
integrate the particular concept, design and construction of their cars
in the new technology, focusing on the specific features of each brand.
This is precisely why the technology of the two-mode active
transmission, created through this cooperation, is part of the BMW
ActiveHybrid modular development system. Optimized use of energy and
superior power in every situation. The innovative active transmission
featured by the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid combines two compact,
high-performance electric motors with a transmission using fixed
transmission ratios. These drive systems are connected to one another
by three planetary gearsets allowing a power split covering the drive
forces of the combustion engine and the electric motors in two
transmission modes. Thus, a level of variability that is quite
impossible to achieve on a conventional hybrid drivetrain is ensured
thanks to the combination of the two drive sources, which are able to
provide optimum power and maximum efficiency under all driving
conditions and power requirements from the driver. The system, referred
to as the two-mode active transmission on account of its two operating
modes, also consists of a high-performance battery, power electronics
with an integrated inverter module and the required cables. The
two-mode active transmission is based on an electrical continuously
variable transmission mode (ECVT). The two operating modes-one of which
has been optimized for low-, the other for high-speeds-are supplemented
by fixed transmission ratios. The two power-split ECVT sections allow
the drivetrain to run at continuously variable speeds and ensure full,
highly efficient hybrid functions throughout the complete operating
range of the vehicleperformance typical to a BMW. As a result, the
innovative system in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid serves to reduce
fuel consumption by up to 20 percent in relation to a comparable BMW
running on a combustion engine alone. Furthermore, with the two-mode
system, the electric motors are very compact in size-facilitating
integration into the overall vehicle and minimizing an increase in
weight, which in the case of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, is lower
than conventional hybrid cars offering comparable power. The BMW
Concept X6 ActiveHybrid can be driven on electric power only, on the
combustion engine alone or with a combination of both power units.
Depending on driving conditions, the electric motors may also be used
for both accelerating and regenerative application of the brakes, in
which case the brake forces generated when coasting and when applying
the brakes flow to the high-volt energy storage unit to provide an
increase in electric power. This energy, subsequently available for
further use, need not be generated by the combustion engine and is
therefore available virtually free of charge. Already using this
principle in a similar manner on production cars featuring Brake Energy
Regeneration, BMW is able to ensure efficient energy management and
maintain the battery at a high charge level. On the road, the support
provided by the electric motors in this way, referred to as
"boosting," serves first to give the vehicle incomparable
spontaneity and a direct response; and second, to significantly reduce
fuel consumption. BMW ActiveHybrid comes in where conventional hybrid
drive reaches its limit. Conventional hybrid systems allow efficient
motoring only in relatively small or medium-sized vehicles at
relatively low speeds. This is because most of the power coming from
the combustion engine has to be conveyed most of the time via the
electrical path of the transmission and because of the use of a high
level of electric power. A car with enhanced dynamics, performance and
running speeds would therefore require a larger combustion engine
calling for less efficient, larger and heavier electric motors. In the
power split drive mode, also referred to as the output branched concept,
one of the two electric motors acts as a generator, converting some of
the engine's power into electrical current, subsequently fed to the
battery or the second electric motor. The second electric motor then
converts such power coming from the first electric motor or from the
battery back into mechanical power for the output drive shaft on the
transmission. Two-mode technology varies the balance of electrical and
mechanical energy on the respective paths for optimum efficiency.
Conventional hybrid drive systems do not come with fixed mechanical
transmission ratios, which would serve to optimize fuel consumption.
Instead, to their disadvantage, they use a continuously variable
transmission which actually requires that performance and load feedback
from the car are separated from one another, thus failing to provide a
dynamic driving impression. The two-mode active transmission, by
contrast, overcomes and eliminates the disadvantages of a conventional
hybrid drivetrain. It reduces the share of power flowing through the
electrical branch of the transmission throughout a broad range of
transmission ratios. Through its power split in two transmission modes,
the two-mode active transmission provides the energy of both electric
motors in an ideal form tailored to current driving conditions. BMW
ActiveHybrid: the result of years of research. The principle of the
two-mode active transmission in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid forms a
significant milestone in BMW's ActiveHybrid strategy, fulfilling the
demands made by a broad range of customers looking for a dynamic,
economical and responsible form of motoring. To reach this goal BMW
pursues a clear-cut "Best of Hybrid" strategy, enabling use
of the optimum components under a modular principle within a wide range
of different vehicle concepts planned for the future. Parallel to the
Global Hybrid Cooperation, the BMW Group has therefore entered into yet
another joint venture with the Mercedes Car Group of Daimler,
developing components for hybrid drive in the luxury performance sedan.
BMW started to develop hybrid drives many years ago, long before the
foundation of the Global Hybrid Cooperation. Indeed, BMW tested the
electric drivetrain as early as in the late 1980s, for example in the
BMW E1. And the BMW Group has been conducting research on hybrid
technology and its various options for more than 15 years, making this
technology and the results already obtained a firm part of the BMW X5
EfficientDynamics development strategy. In the meantime, the BMW Group
has presented several hybrid vehicle concepts, starting with a hybrid
car in 1995 based on the BMW 518i. In particular, the outstanding
potential of this drive technology has been proven in the BMW X5
EfficientDynamics presented in 2003 and the BMW Concept X3
EfficientDynamics shown to the world in 2005. With the introduction of
the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW is proudly presenting the highest
degree of maturity in hybrid technology seen so far. Indeed, this
technology offers everything it takes to combine extremely efficient
motoring with that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW. A clear
sign of the special status of the BMW ActiveHybrid concept is the
presentation of this technology in combination with a brand new type of
vehicle: The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the unusually attractive
vision of a truly innovative vehicle virtually predestined for such
cutting-edge drivetrain technology. A thrilling team: BMW ActiveHybrid
and the world's first Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Concept X6
ActiveHybrid establishes a new benchmark right from the start through
the innovative combination of design and concept features. Four doors
and the smooth, dynamic coupe roofline interact with a high window line
and extra-muscular wheel arches ensuring permanent presence and a
perfect balance of the front and rear axle as a clear reference to
all-wheel drive. At the front, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is
dominated by design elements symbolizing the vehicle's dynamic
orientation to the road, while from the side the vehicle's proportions
are particularly elegant and well-balanced. The short front body
overhang emphasizes the dynamic character of the vehicle, while the
long overhang at the rear highlights the stretched and sleek appearance
of the vehicle. Moved far to the back and with the roofline dropping
down visibly and continuously from the B-pillar, the greenhouse,
together with the high window line, ensures flat and low-slung window
graphics. The roofline flows down gently to the contour lip at the
rear, finally merging into a slight upward swing perfecting the Coupe
line and at the same time optimizing the vehicle's streamlining. The
rear look of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is split by horizontal
lines, making the vehicle look wider and emphasizing its road
stability. A muscular bumper and the protective cover for the
underfloor are further classic design elements characteristic of a BMW
X vehicle. And last but not least, the proportions so typical of a
coupe are exhibited here in particular style typical of a BMW X model,
among other elements, through the muscular and elegant shoulders. A
typical BMW also in design. The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is clearly
recognizable as a BMW from every angle. All design features clearly
exhibit classic BMW design, with the focus primarily on those
sculptural lines so characteristic of all BMW X models. The front, side
and rear body sections flow smoothly and directly into one another,
with additional highlighting design elements typical of the brand,
ranging from the BMW kidney grill through the dual round headlights with
their cut contour and the powerful contour line at the side all the way
to the horizontal lines at the rear. Following the usual philosophy of
a BMW X vehicle, the wheel arches show slightly square contours
offering space for 21-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design created
especially for the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. This is indeed a
brand-new rendition of such three-dimensional rims with the individual
spokes showing recessed surfaces not only at the top, but also further
down towards the inner sections of the wheel. The exterior mirrors on
the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid are likewise brand-new in their
design-a white, shimmering row of lights standing out between the lower
element, finished in body color and the upper section of the mirror cap
made of aluminum. Supplementing the corona rings in the headlights so
typical of BMW, these additional lights also provide a daytime light
function. The unique character of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is
also exhibited in the design of the rear lights, where the L-shape so
typical of a BMW X model is re-interpreted in a particularly dynamic,
sweeping motion. Extending far into the side panels, the rear lights
also serve to emphasize the overall width of the vehicle in its night
design. Front and rear: clear signals for efficient motoring. The
truly authentic and unique features of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid's
unmistakable design are apparent at first sight. Through its look alone
this concept vehicle arouses the greatest expectations of the driving
experience in such a Sports Activity Coupe. It clearly underlines the
robust character and superior traction of a BMW X model in combination
with dynamic driving qualities never seen before in this segment. As
soon as the electric motors take over in full and provide all the drive
power required, a visual representation of optimized combustion and
emission ratings is proudly displayed at the back of the vehicle.
Since the underfloor protection panel, made of brushed aluminum, both
front and rear is a moving element on the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid,
as soon as the vehicle is running entirely on electric power, the rear
protection panel moves up to cover the two tailpipes on the exhaust
system-as long as they are not required for their normal purpose. The
innovative philosophy of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid proves that
large and dynamic vehicles can also be driven economically, with a
clear focus on the environment, while simultaneously reaching new
horizons in terms of driving pleasure and aesthetic design. Not only
does the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid offer a particularly high standard
of efficiency, but it also provides enhanced driving dynamics-a concept
that meets the high standards of BMW EfficientDynamics in every
respect. Indeed, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid ensures progress on all
levels in terms of driving dynamics, in its all-round economy and design.