BMW X6 Hybrid and 7 Series Hybrid into production in 2009

BMW brought its hybrid program to the Detroit Auto Show this year. While the BMW X6 Hybrid and the new BMW 7-Series Hybrid are nothing new, the announcement was: BMW will have these hybrid cars in U.S dealerships by the end of this year.

The "two-mode" hybrid system for these Bimmers was developed in conjunction with General Motors and Chrysler. So we’ve seen this system before in cars like the Dodge Durango Hybrid we had in our fleet.

The BMW 7 Series Hybrid should use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that delivers 407 hp and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 hp and 155lb ft of torque. We don’t have as much detail yet on the X6 hybrid, but we do know it will use a V8 gas engine partnered with an electric motor. Both cars will also likely take advantage of stop/start technology and regenerative braking to boost milage and power.