2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a hybrid SUV. It has a 4.4-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 480 hp (357 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 2011 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the full-hybrid version of the first-generation X6 (E72, based on the E71), built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. It combines a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with two electric motors for a combined system output of 480 hp and 575 lb-ft, and uses xDrive all-wheel drive.
Two-mode hybrid
The ActiveHybrid X6 used the “two-mode” hybrid system jointly developed by BMW, General Motors, Daimler and Chrysler. Its ActiveTransmission combines electrically variable operation with seven fixed ratios, which is why the gearbox is listed here as a seven-speed automatic. A nickel-metal hydride battery sits under the boot floor, and the car can move on electric power alone at low speeds.
A short run
Launched for 2010, the ActiveHybrid X6 was sold for only two model years, so 2011 was the final year. Its EPA ratings of 17 mpg city and 19 mpg highway (about 13.8 and 12.4 L/100km) were only a modest gain over the conventional V8 X6, and relatively few were sold.
Buying one today
The hybrid system is unique to this model and a handful of GM and Chrysler vehicles, so specialist knowledge and parts can be hard to find. The battery and transmission are the main concerns on older examples. The V8 shares the N63’s commonly reported weak points, including oil consumption, valve-stem seals and injectors. Buy only with a thorough inspection.
Rivals
Its main hybrid rivals were the Lexus RX 450h, Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | ActiveHybrid X6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 ActiveHybrid X6 |
| Body Style | SUV | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red 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 / 357 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 2011 SUVS
Compared with other 2011 SUVs in our database, its 480 hp is 82% more than the average 2011 SUV (264 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.1 seconds quicker than average, and it is 17% heavier than the typical SUV.
| 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 | Average 2011 SUVs | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 480 hp | 264 hp (82 cars) | +82% |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 304 Nm (82 cars) | +156% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.0 s | 8.1 s (87 cars) | -26% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 116 mph (87 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 2,200 kg | 1,880 kg (96 cars) | +17% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 3,490 cc (96 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 2011 SUVs with similar power to the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 | 480 hp | 6.0 s | 2,200 kg |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD | 381 hp | 7.5 s | 2,550 kg |
| 2011 Lexus LX 570 | 381 hp | 7.5 s | 2,700 kg |