BMW X6 ActiveHybrid & BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid at Frankfurt

BMW is trying to go ‘Green’ and has announced that production versions of both the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid and the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We reported that BMW would release a BMW 7 Series Hybrid back in May

The Concepts for the ActiveHybrids were originally shown in 2008, and the production models are expected to be pretty much the same. They are in effect ‘Mild’ Hybrids, using a 20hp electric motor – with an additional 155lb/ft of torque – to add efficiency to the 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. The electric motor will be fitted in the transmission housing and replaces stuff like the alternator and starter.

The motor will get charged by the engine and by regenerative braking, which will provide sufficient power to run all the car’s electrical systems. The electric motor is also expected to be able to power the cars for short periods when cruising.

BMW has previously claimed that the Hybrid system in the 7 Series will improve economy by 15%, and in the X6 by 20%.

Which is not to be sniffed at.