Is The Hybrid Coming?

[Don Coffey]

Just wondering if BMW are still looking into introducing an X5 Hybrid. There was some speculation about this a couple of years ago but haven't heard anything for a while. The talk was of using the twin turbo diesel from the 1 series (123d) to be linked to an electric motor.

Don

[pvr]

Not heard about that one, but I would not be surprised if they did.

The hydrogen ones they used in the 7 series would be good as well.

[Don Coffey]

If the Hybrid were to arrive, it may be the car to get me back in to an X5. No matter how much I love the car, I just do too much driving to go back to mid 20s mpg. When this was talked about a couple of years ago, the figures mentioned mpg in the mid 40s and Co2 to match. James May loved the hydrogen Honda he drove in the US but the infrastructure for this is possibly decades away. Diesel/electric hybrid is on the door step.

Don

[StumpyPete]

you can buy the X6 hybrid in Germany. Costs €40k more than the 40d . X5 hybrid not available as far as I can see. Certainly doesn't show up on Realoem anywhere - but that is some months behind.

[Don Coffey]

[quote=""StumpyPete""]you can buy the X6 hybrid in Germany. Costs €40k more than the 40d . X5 hybrid not available as far as I can see. Certainly doesn't show up on Realoem anywhere - but that is some months behind.[/quote]

Wow, 40k more...they’re not going to be selling many that way. I notice that it's a petrol hybrid and giving around 30 mpg. Not really very eco friendly! Am I expecting too much with a diesel hybrid? I just can't understand why develop a petrol car to have diesel economy?

Don

[Jalf]

The only plus point in the X6 V8 Hybrid is the bonnet bulge

[X5Sport]

I'm not sure that there is enough demand for a right hand drive version and that we may therefore not see the hybrids in their current form. There are images on the web of the 20d unit mated to an electric drive as mentioned, but no more than that.

I can't see the logic behind a 4.4 petrol mated to an electric motor in the gearbox either. Why can't this be done with the diesel power unit? And there is no way the extra cost is justified! €40k, come on that's nearly the base price for another X6 on top.

I've seen the X6 Hybrid referred to as a car with the power of a dump truck and the fuel economy...........of a slightly smaller dump truck. Nicely put. Let's face it, the 30d and 40d are cheaper to buy and more economical to run so where is the advantage?

Recent press reports have pointed towards buying something like a VW Bluemotion series car makes more sense when compared against the current equivalent hybrids when you also factor in the emissions that arise from the production of the hybrids against the non-hybrids, and that the supposed and much stated lower emissions of hybrids is rubbish. To me, the technology needs to mature for another decade or so and then we may see a better option on the market.

I'll stick with my diesels for now..

[Don Coffey]

[quote=""X5Sport""]I'm not sure that there is enough demand for a right hand drive version and that we may therefore not see the hybrids in their current form. There are images on the web of the 20d unit mated to an electric drive as mentioned, but no more than that.[/quote]

Once developed I assume it wouldn't be too hard to place the hybrid almost anywhere within the range. People still like their 4x4s and keeping running costs down can only encourage more people to go with larger 4x4s. I know it sounds like I'm clutching at straws here, but although I am not convinced by the Global Warming debate I do think manufactures have a responsibility to develop more efficient cars and in my bubble, that means the X5 should top the list.

Don

[stevee]

Take a look at this weeks autocar with reviews of the new Cayenne and Touareg hybrids. They slate both .. especially for the poor fuel consumption and ride (heavy batteries) .. plus the replacement cost for the batteries (after 7yrs) will be more than the vehicle is worth. Current battery technology just can't cut it.

S