Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

BMW X6 Active Hybrid

BMW’s petrol-electric SUV isn’t your average eco model!

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your BMW X6
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The performance on offer is amazing, but this X6 won’t save the planet! It’s more of a showcase for BMW’s eco technology – and the xDrive35d looks much more tempting. It’s nearly as quick, and returns 34mpg combined economy.

If you thought all hybrids were eco-friendly and slow, this BMW will change your mind. While the new X6 ActiveHybrid uses electric motors and a battery, it has performance, rather than the environment, as its top priority.

The addition of a pair of electric motors within its four-wheel-drive system cuts fuel consumption and emissions. But diesel versions of the X6 comfortably beat its 28.5mpg and 231g/km figures.

A better comparison would be with the xDrive50i flagship, on which the hybrid X6 is based. And it’s more relevant to look at power and acceleration times than green credentials. By mating the 50i’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 to those electric motors, the X6 ActiveHybrid delivers 77bhp more power, at 485bhp. Torque rises from 599Nm to 780Nm.

This is tempered by a 260kg weight increase. The X6 hybrid tips the scales at 2,525kg, and trails the 50i by two-tenths from 0-62mph, with a time of 5.6 seconds. In town, the SUV cruises on electric power alone at speeds of up to 37mph and for around 1.5 miles. When the V8 kicks in, it’s barely noticeable – there’s a small jolt when you prod the throttle. Otherwise everything is very smooth, seamless and quiet, with the batteries recharged via regenerative braking.

Inside, apart from the silence, your only clue that this X6 is different is the battery meter on the dash and the central screen, which shows how power is being distributed. Owners can’t miss the bonnet bulge necessary to squeeze in the electrics, either. For now, the X6 ActiveHybrid is left-hand drive only – and has a hefty £80,000 price tag.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rival: Merc ML450 hybrid
As it mates its electric motors to a V6, the Mercedes delivers better economy and emissions, plus it’s cheaper than the BMW, too. Performance trails the X6 by a long way, but it makes a stronger case for itself.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,925
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025