2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a hybrid SUV. It has a 4.4-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 480 hp (358 kW), with a 7-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.0 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2010 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6
The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 was BMW’s first production hybrid, based on the E71 X6 coupe-styled SUV and built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It combines a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors to give a combined 480 hp and 575 lb-ft, with xDrive all-wheel drive. Drive goes through BMW’s Active Transmission, a two-mode hybrid unit with seven fixed ratios.
A two-mode hybrid
The powertrain came from the Global Hybrid Cooperation between BMW, Daimler and General Motors. The two electric motors work inside the transmission and are fed by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack mounted beneath the boot floor. The car can move on electric power alone at low speeds and recovers energy under braking.
Performance and economy
The ActiveHybrid X6 is rapid for its size, but the hybrid system adds considerable weight over the regular xDrive50i. EPA ratings were 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (about 13.8 and 12.4 L/100km), only a modest gain over the conventional V8. It was sold for the 2010 and 2011 model years only, in small numbers.
Buying one today
Rarity is the main concern: hybrid-specific parts and technicians familiar with the system are scarce, and the twin-turbo V8 shares the oil-consumption and heat-related issues commonly reported on BMW’s N63. Rivals included the Lexus RX 450h and Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, which used a similar two-mode system.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | ActiveHybrid X6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2010 | Version / Trim | BMW 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, Montego Blue Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Crimson Red, Chestnut Bronze Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | United States |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Engine | 4.4L 8-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 4,400 cc |
| Power | 480 hp / 358 kW | Torque | 780 Nm / 575 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.0 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Range / Economy | 17 mpg city / 19 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,933 mm | Kerb Weight | 2,200 kg (4,850 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2010 SUVS
Compared with other 2010 SUVs in our database, its 480 hp is 85% more than the average 2010 SUV (260 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.2 seconds quicker than average, and it is 17% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 | Average 2010 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 480 hp | 260 hp (79 cars) | +85% |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 300 Nm (79 cars) | +160% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.0 s | 8.2 s (88 cars) | -27% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 116 mph (88 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 2,200 kg | 1,881 kg (101 cars) | +17% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 3,483 cc (101 cars) | +26% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2010 SUVs with similar power to the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 | 480 hp | 6.0 s | 2,200 kg |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD | 381 hp | 7.5 s | 2,550 kg |
| 2010 Lexus LX 570 | 381 hp | 7.5 s | 2,700 kg |